The pH brand and an Educators Journey

The pH Brand and an Educator’s Journey
by Trent Matthews (@trent_matthews_)

How important is education and continued learning to you?

For us as hairstylists, I think education is a never-ending journey — one that we should lean into with open minds and curiosity. Part of the human experience, and definitely part of our craft, is the constant pursuit of getting better and learning something new.

Education runs deep in this industry. There are so many amazing educators and brands out there, all offering something valuable. I’ve taken — and still take — classes from all kinds of brands. Those experiences, along with the team and associates I work with in the salon, have really shaped my path as both a stylist and an educator.

Eventually, that journey led me to Redken — the pH brand, where artistry and science come together beautifully.

Finding My Way to Redken

My journey with Redken wasn’t instant. I didn’t start out using their color line or attending their classes. Like a lot of stylists, I explored, experimented, and learned from many different brands before landing where I am today.

And honestly? I think that made the choice even more meaningful. Because when you’ve seen what’s out there and still decide to align yourself with a brand, it says something about the impact that brand makes.

Redken is often called the pH brand — and for good reason. Back in the 1960s, actress Paula Kent and stylist/chemist Jerry Redding realized that salon services were taking a toll on hair quality and texture. So they did something about it. They created a line that focused on balancing the hair’s pH — the world’s first haircare system designed around the science of healthy hair.

But what really set them apart was their mindset: they didn’t just make products, they made education part of the culture. They taught stylists how to understand the science behind what they were doing — and how to pass that knowledge on to their clients.

As a Redken Artist and Educator, that mission continues to inspire me today. I love connecting with salons that want to grow their teams, elevate their color knowledge, and strengthen client trust through Redken professional education.

Why I Chose Redken

That philosophy is exactly why I chose Redken. Their mission has always been about blending creativity and science — understanding the why behind the art.

With Redken education, it’s not just about the end result or the technique; it’s about what’s happening within the hair itself. You learn how products and formulations interact with the hair fiber, and how that knowledge can make you a better, more intentional artist.

Over the years, I’ve taken so many classes, and I’ve loved learning from different perspectives. But as my career grew, I found myself craving a deeper kind of knowledge. I didn’t just want to know what worked — I wanted to understand why.

Why does one product rebuild the hair while another only coats it?
Why does one formula deliver shine and health, while another leaves the hair feeling dull or dry?

That’s where Redken really pulled me in — they focus on the science that helps us make those connections.

For any stylist looking to grow, I always encourage exploring Redken salon education programs. The mix of artistry and chemistry truly changes how you approach hair color.

From Surface Learning to Deeper Understanding

Let’s be real — in the early stages of our careers, our brains are on overload. We’re trying to master sectioning, formulation, timing, tone, and placement — it’s a lot. The science part can easily take a back seat. And that’s okay at first; we all start there.

But as we grow, curiosity kicks in. You start wanting to know more than just the how — you want the why. Once you understand the hair itself — its structure, its chemistry, its pH balance — you start creating differently. You start creating intentionally.

And that’s where the artistry really takes off. When you know the rules inside and out, you gain the freedom to break them in creative, impactful ways.

Whether you’re behind the chair as a NYC hair color specialist or a Los Angeles blonding expert, deepening your understanding of the hair fabric makes all the difference. That’s what helps us deliver healthy, balanced, beautiful results that last — especially when working with color-treated or lightened hair.

Becoming an Educator

Becoming a Redken Artist has been one of the most defining experiences in my career. The journey has taught me more than just the art of color — it’s deepened my respect for the science behind every strand.

Now, I get to share that with other stylists — to help bridge that gap between artistry and chemistry, between feeling and knowing. I work with salons in New York City and Los Angeles to bring advanced Redken education, bonding technology training, and color correction classes to teams who want to keep evolving.

It’s been such an exciting experience to collaborate with others in this space, to exchange knowledge, and to keep learning together.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what this industry thrives on — community, creativity, and curiosity.

Here’s to continuing the journey, growing together, and never stopping at “good enough.”