PODCAST · education
Ask The Color Expert
by Elaine Travis
The podcast where Elaine Travis talks about all things hair color - Perfect for the seasoned stylist, or the recent beauty school grad! Be sure to write in with any questions, we'll be sure to feature them on one of my episodes...
Episodes
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No Gatekeeping: Hair Color, Chemistry & Staying Curious with Ian McCabe
What separates a good colorist from a truly great one? In this bonus Coffee & Colorful Conversations episode, Elaine sits down with longtime friend and brilliant colorist Ian McCabe for a no-gatekeeping conversation about hair color, chemistry, creativity, and education. 🎨 What you’ll learn: ✨…
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Risk, Reinvention & Relationships with Janie Tongue
Have you ever looked back and realized one brave decision changed the entire direction of your life? In this inspiring episode of Ask the Color Expert, Elaine Travis sits down with hairstylist, educator, entrepreneur, and Independent Beauty Professional Magazine founder Janie Tongue for a...
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When a Client Leaves You: Robin Cherkin on Confidence, Experience & Trusting Yourself Podcast Description
What happens when a former client unexpectedly walks up to you and tells you they stopped coming because you "weren't getting their color right?" In this honest and heartfelt episode, Elaine welcomes longtime stylist, educator, and Hair Color Secrets Insider Inner Circle member Robin Cherkin to...
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How Do You Take Time Off Without Losing Your Clients? | Featuring Leisha Thompson of The Traveling Hair Stylist
What happens to your clients when life happens? Whether you're planning maternity leave, recovering from surgery, taking a dream vacation, or simply need time away from the salon, stepping behind the chair can feel impossible when you've worked so hard to build your clientele. In this insightful...
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The Exit Strategy Every Hairstylist Needs: How Jack Mahoney Successfully Sold His Book of Business
Are you building a career—or building an exit plan? In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Elaine sits down with longtime Hair Color Secrets Insider member Jack Mahoney to discuss something most stylists never think about until it's too late: retirement and succession planning. After more…
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Authenticity, Education & Building a Salon Life That Actually Works with Lauren Herzog
What happens when you stop trying to fit into the “perfect stylist” mold and finally show up as yourself? In this honest, hilarious, and heartfelt episode, Elaine chats with Lauren Herzog (@thehillbillyhairpainter) about building a salon career rooted in authenticity, boundaries, education, and...
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Beauty at the Beach: Why In-Person Education Still Matters in 2026
Are stylists craving more than just another online class? In this heartfelt and passionate episode, Elaine shares the behind-the-scenes magic of her annual Beauty at the Beach retreat—and why genuine connection, community, and hands-on education matter now more than ever. 🎙️ What you’ll learn: ✨...
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The Truth About Hair Color: Science, Gray Coverage & Smarter Formulation with Dennis Gebhart
Are stylists relying too much on formulas—and not enough on fundamentals? In this honest, no-fluff episode, Elaine sits down with color educator and chemist Dennis Gebhart for a powerful conversation about what’s really missing in hair color education today. From beauty school gaps to gray…
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Scalp, Science & Smarter Color: What Every Stylist Should Know with Erica Billingsley
Are your clients dealing with thinning, scalp issues, mineral buildup—or color that just won’t cooperate? In this honest, science-backed episode, Elaine sits down with certified trichologist, American Board Certified Haircolorist, and Malibu C national educator Erica Billingsley to talk about the...
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ChatGPT Isn’t Your Business Coach (But This Might Be)
Are you using AI… or letting AI use you? 🤖💬 In this episode Elaine sits down with Chrystal Graves, founder + CEO of LiQUiD to talk about what AI can do for stylists (and what it absolutely shouldn’t). Crystal breaks down how Liquid is built to be a salon assistant that pays for itself—helping…
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It’s Never Too Late to Start Over: From Healthcare Executive to Beauty School at 51
What if starting over isn’t starting from scratch—but starting from experience? In this inspiring, real-talk episode of Ask the Color Expert, Elaine sits down with Kelly Oliver—a 51-year-old healthcare executive, fluent Japanese speaker, and beauty school student—to talk about what it really…
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From Shark Bite to Full‑Life Living: Resilience, Gratitude & Redefining Fear
Are you letting fear hold you back—or ready to live more fully? In this heartfelt episode, Elaine sits down with Alealani Gian, a Hawaii‑based stylist whose life changed in an instant when she survived a shark attack. What followed was unexpected growth, self‑acceptance, and more courage than she...
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Humor, Authenticity & Simplifying Hair Education with Morgan Thomas
Are you juggling humor, artistry, and authenticity in a world that wants you to choose one? In this honest and wildly entertaining episode, Elaine sits down with stylist, creator, and educator Morgan Thomas — the creative mind behind Jade Beauty Co. — to talk balancing humor with professionalism,...
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Why I’m Not Washing My Hair Anymore (Sort Of)
In this honest, no-fluff episode, Elaine shares why she’s skipping the shampoo (kind of) — and what it taught her about creativity, burnout, and the surprising power of stillness. 🎹 What you'll learn: ✨ Why your best ideas hit when the water does (literally) 💡 The science behind “shower…
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Glaze Smarter, Not Harder: Why Recipes Can Backfire — and What to Do Instead
Are your stylists clinging to glaze and toner recipes without ever checking the hair first? In this honest, no-fluff episode, Elaine pulls back the curtain on why “recipe‑only” glazing is a dangerous illusion — and shares the mindset shift that’ll actually get you predictable, beautiful results....
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Gratitude Behind the Chair: A Holiday Season Reset for Stylists
Are you heading into Q4 at the salon feeling frazzled instead of fulfilled? In this no‑fluff episode, I share how cultivating gratitude and showing appreciation to your existing clients can completely change the way you approach the busy months ahead. 🎹 What you’ll learn: ✨ Why maintaining your...
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Embracing Tech Behind the Chair: How Stylists Can Step Into Smarter Business Habits
Are you still stuck carrying business cards and answering clients on your personal phone after hours? In this no‑fluff episode, Elaine shares how she’s upgraded her daily tech habits—and why every stylist needs to follow. 🎹 What you'll learn: ✨ Why giving your personal cell number to clients is...
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Beyond the Swatch: Why Hot Roots Happen & How to Prevent Them
Are your formulas still living by the swatch — and leaving your clients with hot roots instead of the perfect tone? In this honest, no‑fluff episode, I share a real forum post gone wrong and break down exactly what went wrong — and how you can avoid it behind the chair. 🎹 What you'll learn: ✨…
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Building an Eco‑Conscious Beauty Business from the Inside Out: Guest Jacquelyn Rodriguez
Are your clients chasing “greenwashed” promises—or ready to believe in real change? In this transparent, no‑fluff conversation, Elaine sits down with returning guest Jacquelyn Rodriguez—author of Changeworthy, founder of The Holistic Salon Academy, and co-founder of the Green Beauty Community—to...
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Closing a Legacy, Opening a New Chapter: 36 Years Behind the Chair
Are your clients chasing roots—or ready to lean into reinvention? In this raw, vulnerable episode, Elaine opens up about closing her salon of 36 years—and stepping fully into her next season. 🎹 What you'll learn: ✨ How to recognize when it’s time to let go (even when everything is on the line)…
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Beyond the Chair: What They’ll Remember Isn’t Your 12-Hour Days
Beyond the Chair: Why Your Eulogy Won’t Mention Your Schedule After attending a funeral, Elaine reflects on what really matters—beyond the hustle, the foils, and the packed books. 💡 Why clients (and stylists) are tired of the 4-week root routine 🎯 The truth about gray blending vs. gray...
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Creative Balance: The Four Archetypes with Vivienne Mackinder
Are you feeling stuck in routines—or ready to explore your full stylistic potential? In this honest, insightful episode, Elaine chats with award-winning stylist Vivienne Mackinder about the archetypes that shape every artist’s journey—from Puppet to Perfectionist to Artist to Pedestal. What…
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The 7‑Year Edge: When the Itch Becomes a Gift
Are you stuck in a rut—or ready to reclaim your edge? In this heartfelt episode, Elaine reframes the dreaded “7‑year itch” as a powerful signal for growth—not failure. What you'll learn: – Why that nagging feeling at work, friendships, or life is often a gift – How shift‑points—whether...
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From Stylist to Salon Owner: My Right Hand to Creating Her Own Brand With Donna Ryan
What happens when your salon’s MVP says “no thanks” to taking over? In this raw, revealing conversation, Elaine sits down with Donna Ryan—her former right hand turned successful salon owner—for a full-circle look at leadership, legacy, and letting go. What you'll learn: ✨ Why saying “no” isn’t…
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Communicating Through the Chaos: How Salon Owners Can Grow Culture & Clarity
Are you carrying the emotional weight of your business alone? In this raw and revealing episode, Elaine opens up about the heartbreak of closing her salon after 36 years—and the communication breakdowns that made it inevitable. She’s joined by Tina Power, LMFT, a licensed therapist and...
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Still Doing Cap Highlights? Why It’s Time to Rethink Your Color Routine
Are you leveling up—or stuck in what’s “always worked”? In this candid episode, Elaine shares a painful lesson from Pilates class (involving springs, ego, and a bruised finger)—and how it perfectly parallels the mindset traps many stylists fall into behind the chair. 🎙️ What you’ll learn: ✨ Why...
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Gracefully Gray: Embracing Dimensional Color & Low-Maintenance Beauty
Are your clients chasing roots—or ready to embrace the blend? In this honest, no-fluff episode, Elaine shares her own journey into gray blending—and what every stylist needs to know. 🎙️ What you’ll learn: ✨ Why gray blending isn’t “giving up”—it’s leveling up 💡 How to avoid over-foiling fine…
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20 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner: Real Talk Every Stylist Needs to Hear
Are you building a career—or just winging it and hoping for the best? In this powerful, no-BS episode of the Ask the Color Expert Podcast, Elaine Travis shares 20 hard-earned lessons from nearly 40 years in the beauty industry that every stylist needs to hear—whether you're just getting started…
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Simplify Your Color Line, Maximize Your Profit!
Sick of juggling shelves full of demi and permanent color? In this episode, Elaine Travis welcomes Gary Cole back to the mic for a deep dive into salon inventory chaos—and how a few drops of the right additive can change everything. Introducing Color Tricks, a stylist-created solution that...
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Wake Up and Smell Your Bullshit!
Are you really stuck—or just stuck in your own story? In this bold and truth-packed episode of the Ask the Color Expert Podcast, Elaine Travis challenges stylists to take a hard look in the mirror and ask: What’s really holding me back behind the chair? Drawing from nearly four decades of salon...
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Top 5 Things Costing You Money Behind the Chair
Is your pricing model helping your salon thrive—or quietly draining your profits? In this eye-opening episode of the Ask the Color Expert Podcast, Elaine Travis exposes the top 5 habits that are keeping colorists from reaching their full earning potential behind the chair. From outdated menu...
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HAIR HACKS: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Are your go-to hair hacks helping your clients—or secretly sabotaging your results? In this no-holds-barred episode of the Ask the Color Expert Podcast, Elaine Travis breaks down the good, the bad, and the downright ugly habits showing up behind the chair. From overused techniques to missed…
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The Secret to Standout Color: Customization, Dimension & Breaking the 6N Cycle
Are root touch-ups keeping your color business stuck in the past? In this Ask the Color Expert episode, Elaine Travis unveils her #1 secret to standing out as a colorist—and it’s not just about covering gray. Discover why formulas aren’t one-size-fits-all, and how custom, dimensional color can...
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In-Person is Back! Tracey Napotnik on Building the Pennsylvania Beauty Show
In this episode, Elaine sits down with Tracey Napotnik, the founder of the Pennsylvania Beauty Show, to talk about the exciting return of in-person education for beauty professionals. Tracey shares her vision for the event, the inspiration behind launching it, and why now is the perfect time for...
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Formulas: To Share or Not to Share?
Are formulas meant to be shared, or should they stay top secret? In this Ask the Color Expert Podcast episode, we break down the real value of a formula, why true color confidence goes beyond recipes, and how mastering formulation can set you apart behind the chair. Tune in and decide—are you…
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Michael Cole Shares His Journey on Navigating Grief
In this latest episode of Ask the Color Expert Podcast, Michael Colr shares his journey of navigating grief. Michael Cole is a salon business expert and industry leader. He is also the board member and shareholder at Summit Salon Business Center, and has over 30 years of experience as a stylist,...
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Wake up Professional Hairstylists Something is Very Wrong Here!
Clients are signing up for hair color classes… not to become stylists, but to educate themselves about what we should already know. What’s going wrong in our industry?! In this eye-opening episode of Ask the Color Expert Podcast, we break down why this is happening and what YOU can do to stay...
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Christmas Coffee with Gary Call
In this episode of Ask The Color Expert, I am having a Christmas Coffee Chat with Gary Call about all things hair and beauty industry. Gary Call is the Head Coach of KIN North America and a lifelong hairstylist with a passion for elevating the beauty industry. With decades of experience behind…
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Take Your Salon Revenue to the Next Level with StudioYou Education
In this episode of Ask The Color Expert, I talk with Shanna Moll about Studio YOU, a company dedicated to helping beauty professionals grow with integrity and compassion. Through education and coaching, they empower stylists to offer transformative hair loss solutions, providing hope to clients…
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The Secret to my Salon's Success is hiring My Salon Concierge
In this episode of Ask The Color Expert, Jack Travis and I discuss the importance of paid ads, automation, and branding for your salon. Jack is the creative force behind My Salon Concierge, dedicated to crafting visual narratives that resonate. With an Entrepreneurship degree from the University…
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Human Design for the Hairstylist with Alice Wilcox
In this episode of Ask The Color Expert, Alice Wilcox and I discuss gene keys, going deeper with yourself, and going through the Human Design chart as a guide to transform your life. Alice is a mother, wife, and Spiritual Adventure and Transformation Coach. After a life-altering loss, she…
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Hair Color is Now 400.00!!!!! WHAT?!
In this episode of Ask The Color Expert I’m discussing about how prices in salon have increased so much and what I learned through out the years of owning and working at a salon. Want to keep up to date with all things hair color? Join the community here: https://www.expertcolorsolutions.com…
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EDUCATOR EXCELLENCE WITH BLAKE REED EVANS: TIPS FROM A GLOBAL REDKEN PRO ARTIST
In this episode of Ask The Color Expert, Blake Reed Evans Global Redken Pro Artist and Salon Owner shares his top tips for salon owners, educators and aspiring future educators. Meet Blake Reed Evans, a passionate hairstylist and educator from Tampa, Florida. A Redken Artist and member of the...
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A Yelp like Rating System for Clients?
In this episode of Ask The Color Expert I’m sharing about a client rating system for day to day salon bookings that I saw in a post online. Want to keep up to date with all things hair color? Join the community here: https://www.expertcolorsolutions.com or @expertcolorsolutions on Instagram....
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Empower & Earn: Lacey Gebo on Training Your Assistant & Income Growth
In this episode of Ask The Color Expert, Lacey Gebo shares her passion for training your assistant and growing your income. Lacey, is a passionate mentor dedicated to helping stylists and salon owners thrive. With 12 years of experience as a stylist and as the owner of **Salon Lace** in…
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Stand Out as a Colorist | Color Analysis Tool
In this episode of Ask The Color Expert I’m discussing with Michele Madjid how to stand out as a colorist using the color analysis tool from Australia. Michele, a seasoned hairdresser from Sydney, has over 20 years of experience in the industry. Her career began at 19 with an apprenticeship at…
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Grey Blending — an Untapped Market for Hairstylists
In this episode of Ask The Color Expert I’m sharing about the power of DEMI. Want to keep up to date with all things hair color? Join the community here: https://www.expertcolorsolutions.com or @expertcolorsolutions on Instagram. And don’t forget to review this podcast - it helps…
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Internet Trolls -- OH MY!
In this episode of Ask The Color Episode I’m sharing about how one of my social media ads on swatches triggered many people. Want to keep up to date with all things hair color? Join the community here: https://www.expertcolorsolutions.com or @expertcolorsolutions on Instagram. And don’t...
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My Solo Adventure to France and The Lessons Learned
In this episode of Ask The Color Episode I’m sharing about my solo trip to France! Want to keep up to date with all things hair color? Join the community here: https://www.expertcolorsolutions.com or @expertcolorsolutions on Instagram. And don’t forget to review this podcast - it helps...
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Taking Care of YOU and Getting Uncomfortable
In this episode of Ask The Color Episode I’m sharing about salon owner support! Want to keep up to date with all things hair color? Join the community here: https://www.expertcolorsolutions.com or @expertcolorsolutions on Instagram. And don’t forget to review this podcast - it helps others...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The podcast where Elaine Travis talks about all things hair color - Perfect for the seasoned stylist, or the recent beauty school grad! Be sure to write in with any questions, we'll be sure to feature them on one of my episodes...
HOSTED BY
Elaine Travis
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Ask The Color Expert have?
Ask The Color Expert currently has 260 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Ask The Color Expert about?
The podcast where Elaine Travis talks about all things hair color - Perfect for the seasoned stylist, or the recent beauty school grad! Be sure to write in with any questions, we'll be sure to feature them on one of my episodes...
How often does Ask The Color Expert release new episodes?
Ask The Color Expert publishes regularly with 260 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Ask The Color Expert?
You can listen to Ask The Color Expert on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Ask The Color Expert?
Ask The Color Expert is created and hosted by Elaine Travis.
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