In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter sits down with independent, brand‑agnostic educator Brenda Amaral to unpack the chemistry truths that help stylists cut waste, get predictable results, and stop fear‑buying shelves full of “just in case” tubes. Brenda pulls back the curtain on the tariff panic, “stock up now” messaging, and ammonia‑free buzzwords that keep colorists spending more than they need to.

From why endless glazing can actually speed up fading, to putting the “filler” directly in the bowl instead of double processing, to how a 5‑minute heated test strand can save an accidental color correction, Brenda shows how understanding base chemistry gives you freedom: leaner inventory, cleaner formulas, faster decisions, and longer‑lasting color your clients notice. They also hit the sneaky ways aerosol hairspray sabotages fresh tone before the client even checks out—and what to do instead.

Key Takeaways:

• Fear Selling vs Facts: How tariff talk and “shortage” messaging push unnecessary bulk buying—and how to audit what actually moves.
• Glossing Myth Check: Why routine clear glossing on already colored hair can swell the cuticle and flush pigment instead of “sealing” it.
• “Put the Filler in the Bowl”: Skip the dated two‑step fill—add controlled warmth directly to the target formula and verify with a quick test strand.
• Ammonia‑Free ≠ Damage‑Free: MEA and other substitutes don’t just vanish—what residue reactivation means for cumulative stress and fading.
• Hairspray: The #1 Fresh Color Killer—Why high pH + alcohol right after a service accelerates fade, and smarter finishing swaps.
• Inventory Condensing: One adaptable line + chemistry knowledge can replace rows of single‑purpose SKUs (and clear literal and mental shelf space).
• Test Strand Speed Hack: An inch of hair + a capful of developer + heat in 5 minutes beats guessing (and wasted tubes).

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re watching color costs climb, battling mid‑cycle fade, or feeling buried under duplicate shades “just in case,” this episode hands you the framework to trim inventory without trimming creativity. You’ll walk away with immediately usable tweaks—how you finish, formulate, and problem‑solve—that protect profit, boost client loyalty, and make formulation feel intentional instead of reactive. It’s not about buying a new system; it’s about finally leveraging the chemistry behind the one you already own.

Check out what Brenda has to offer with the resources below:

https://www.instagram.com/truehaireducation/

https://www.truehaireducation.com/

Let's connect on Instagram!

Join us on the Modern Hairstylist Tour!