Hb Sessions OC, Hairbrained’s First One-Day Event, Sells Out and Is Huge Success!

Article author: Amy Dodds
Article published at: Feb 3, 2025
Hb Sessions OC, Hairbrained’s First One-Day Event, Sells Out and Is Huge Success!

Hb Sessions Orange County, Hairbrained’s inaugural one-day event, brought together over 200 top hairdressers at The Richland, a boutique hotel and event venue in Orange, California, on January 27, 2025. Sponsored by Eleven Australia, Virtue Labs and Olivia Garden, the sold-out event delivered nearly five hours of top-tier education and inspiration through dynamic mainstage presentations from some of the industry’s leading educators—all in a luxurious setting.

The event opened with Hairbrained cofounders Gerard Scarpaci and Randy Taylor pausing to reflect on the horrific wildfires that Southern California recently experienced. “Many of our friends, family members, neighbors and clients have faced unimaginable loss,” Scarpaci said. “Let’s take this opportunity to find inspiration, not just for our craft, but for how we can make a difference, however small, in the world around us. You’ll leave today not only with new skills, but also I hope with renewed energy and a deeper sense of community.” In fact, following the wildfire outbreak, Hairbrained donated 100% of remaining ticket sale proceeds to the Professional Business Association’s Disaster Relief Fund, raising $5,000 for the charity that directly benefits hairdressers.

Jacob Khan onstage at Hb Sessions OC, January 27, 2025

First to the stage was Hb’s new Creative Director, Jacob Khan, as well as Ben White, both of whom had the challenge of teaching on eight live models in less than an hour! The team opened their presentation by cutting the hair of fellow presenters, Briana Cisneros and Emily Chen. Khan channeled Chen’s former “scene style” by chopping her long tresses. “We want to take her back to her dark, emo roots and give her some of that ‘shreddy’ action that she’s looking for,” Khan explained.

Ben White onstage at Hb Sessions OC, January 27, 2025

Meanwhile, White razor-cut Cisneros’ bixie, being sure to “keep some extra weight through the lengths and ends,” he explained. The duo then taught the rapt audience techniques on cutting fringe, creating Oasis-inspired men’s crops, shaggy curls, carving curves into long layers, and cutting hair extensions, which Khan explains some stylists are reluctant to do. “I think a lot of [hairdressers] are really afraid to cut extensions after they install them because extensions cost 450 thousand dollars,” Khan said with a smile.

Ambrosia Carey onstage at Hb Sessions OC, January 27, 2025

Next up was Ambrosia Carey on behalf of Olivia Garden. “I really want this to focus on foundational basics for craft hairstyles,” Carey explained of her segment. Over the course of four models, Carey demonstrated tips and tricks to achieving elevated hairstyles using the wide range of Olivia Garden tools, including irons, shears, dryers and of course the brand’s ubiquitous round brush.

Emily Chen onstage at Hb Sessions OC, January 27, 2025

Then taking the stage with her new ’do was Emily Chen on behalf of Eleven Australia. On her first model, whom she had glossed the day before, Chen cut an on-trend shaggy style, breaking down her technique to approaching each section. On her second model, she refined a bob while offering insight on how to cut it evenly, no matter where the client parts her hair.

Jayne Matthews onstage at Hb Sessions OC, January 27, 2025

Jayne Matthews’ models all had the same essential razor cut, but each was tailored to their unique personality and face shape. Onstage, Matthews demoed her signature carved petals in her model's long, curly surfer-blonde hair. “I like to say I cut the hair like a bonsai tree, where you carve and you take away space so the hair has its own unique, organic shape,” she explained. “All of my haircutting focuses on features of the face. It’s framing the features of the face and helping them pop.”

Briana Cisneros onstage at Hb Sessions OC, January 27, 2025

Closing out the show was Briana Cisneros, who demonstrated a range of techniques, including razor and scissor cutting as well as coloring tips. “My color story today is everything gold,” she said. “I wanted to expose underlying pigments, but in a way to celebrate them.” She also offered advice for budding hairdressers: “Cut as many heads of hair as you possibly can! Because, let me tell you, even once you get to your 10,000 hours of mastery, there’s still more to learn. I feel like I’m still just scratching the surface of what I could do.”

Eleven Australia Gift Bags at Hb Sessions OC, January 27, 2025

After the mainstage presentations were completed, eager attendees queued up to grab their special Eleven Australia gift bags and imbibed on complimentary beer, wine or custom Eleven cocktails. Light bites also contributed to the festive atmosphere, as hairdressers mixed and mingled in the cool evening air.

Models pose onstage at Hb Sessions OC, January 27, 2025

The first-ever Hb Sessions was an incredible success, bringing together passionate hairdressers for an intimate day of education and inspiration,” says Scarpaci. “We couldn’t have done it without the generous support of our sponsors—Eleven Australia, Virtue Labs and Olivia Garden—and a huge thank you to all the attendees who came ready to learn, connect and elevate their skills. We’re excited to continue this journey with upcoming Hb Sessions in New York and Minnesota, leading up to our premier event, Hb Fest, this September in Palm Springs. We can’t wait to see you there!"

For more information on future dates, visit www.hairbrained.pro/collections/event-tickets-1

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