The Hair Nerd’s Blog: Where Art Meets Science

Who remembers their first day as an apprentice or that first day in beauty school? The excitement was electric — ready to create, to become that phenomenal hairstylist we always dreamed of being. We wanted to paint, carve, and sculpt hair into something beautiful. And then… we were met with a wall of terminology, diagrams, and concepts that felt a whole lot like being back in high school science class.

Like so many of us, I started this career for the artistry. The creativity. The freedom to make something beautiful. But it didn’t take long to realize that being a great stylist isn’t as simple as picking a pretty color or going wild with product and shears. Behind every stunning transformation lies a whole lot of chemistry — and that part, at first, wasn’t my favorite.

I’ll be honest — the science part intimidated me. I was there to create, not to calculate. Back then, art and science felt like two completely different worlds. But over time, I learned that the more you understand the medium you’re working with, the stronger your artistry becomes. Once I embraced the science behind color, texture, and formulation, my creativity expanded tenfold. Understanding why something worked (or didn’t) gave me the freedom to push boundaries and innovate with confidence.

And that’s what The Hair Nerd’s Blog is all about — bridging that gap between science and art. It’s a space to explore the nerdy side of hair, elevate our artistry, and deepen our understanding of what really makes great hair color and design possible.

After more than a decade in this industry — and through my work as a Redken Educator traveling between NYC and L.A. — I’ve met some incredible artists who continue to inspire and challenge me to see things differently. This blog is my way of sharing that journey, my experiences, and what I’ve learned (and continue to learn) along the way.

But more than that, I want this to be a collaborative space — a community for stylists who love both the creativity andthe science. A place where curiosity is celebrated, where questions are welcomed, and where we can all grow together as artists and professionals.

Here, we’ll dive into the artistry of formulation — how tones, undertones, and placement work together to create harmony on every canvas. We’ll explore hair not just as a science, but as a fabric and an art form, something to be understood, respected, and creatively expressed. Whether you’re a colorist, stylist, or even a salon client who wants to better understand the “why” behind great hair — this space is for you.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself nerding out over why a toner behaves the way it does, or wondering how to push your color results to the next level — welcome. You’re in the right place.