Chris Baran

Redken Education Artistic Director

20 QUESTIONS

• 1. How long have you been coloring hair?
  40 years.
• 2. Where are you based?
  New York City.
• 3. Tell us about the first time you used Shades EQ.
  When Shades EQ was initially released 20 years ago, it was around the time the perm market was peaking. Because Shades EQ is ammonia–free, I finally had a color that worked on chemically sensitized hair as well as normal hair, and made it look even healthier than when clients walked into the salon. I was hooked!
• 4. What is it that makes Shades EQ so special?
  In this business, "redo" is a four–letter word. Shades EQ lets me create perfect color the first time, and I can always count on its conditioning properties to keep hair in optimal condition.
• 5. What do colorists around the country tell you they want most from a haircolor?
  That’s easy! When they pick a color, they want it to turn out the same as it did last time, and they want it to last. That’s the winning formula that Shades EQ delivers.
• 6. Why is Shades EQ ideal for both novice and seasoned colorists?
  Shades EQ lets you pick one shade and do a simple application for beautiful color, or you can mix to your heart’s content, and use it in a more complex technique for incredible results.
• 7. What inspires you as a hairdresser?
  We’ve all heard the expression "cut to the color." That view is true, but inspiration can come from looking at things differently, too. A beautifully colored head of hair can also inspire a designer. I get great inspiration from a head of hair that’s been colored prior to the cut!
• 8. When you’re not coloring hair, you’re...
  Designing training DVDs for hairdressers to make them better at their craft.
• 9. What’s your favorite Shades EQ shade?
  06AA Bonfire
• 10. How about your favorite Shades EQ formula?
  1 part 06R Rocket Fire and 2 parts 06AA Bonfire. Applied to levels 5 and 6, it creates a beautiful Irish Setter red.
• 11. Is there a celebrity whose hair you love?
  Annie Lennox—she’s not afraid of color or the scissors!
• 12. What fashion designer are you loving lately?
  Alexander McQueen. He always pushes the envelope. He creates what his inspiration is regardless of what other people say.
• 13. Any guilty pleasures?
  Chocolate souffle!
• 14. How about a favorite getaway?
  For culture, Italy. For R & R, Sun Village in the Dominican Republic.
• 15. How do you stay energized?
  A challenging project always keeps me going.
• 16. What’s the most rewarding thing a client’s said to you after a Shades EQ service?
  It wasn’t words. Hairdressers dread the guest who breaks into tears, but I had a guest who broke into tears of joy after her Shades EQ service. We gave her back the color and confidence of her youth!
• 17. What’s your best tip for a colorist who’s new to Shades EQ?
  When a guest is having a haircut, save a clipping, color it and clip it on her guest card, and have it at the station when she arrives. It’s guaranteed to generate some color conversation!
• 18. Why will you continue to use and recommend Shades EQ?
  If you buy the best, you don’t have to pay extra to fix it!
• 19. Why do you think Shades EQ has been going strong for more than 20 years?
  Redken doesn’t rest on its laurels. They listen to the hairdresser and are constantly coming up with new shades to meet stylist and fashion needs.
• 20. How does Shades EQ help hairdressers learn better, earn better and live better?
  The "better" in earning, learning and living comes from quality. I believe that a percentage of your earning needs to be invested in learning as well as "paying yourself first." These concepts are even more effective when you have the ability to earn extra. Up–selling is the fundamental principle in allowing hairdressers to earn a salary in the 6–figure range, and Shades EQ is one of the easiest services to up–sell.