Sponsored by Denman Professional

• https://www.instagram.com/denmanpro/
• https://www.instagram.com/denmanbrush/
• https://denmanbrushus.com/pages/professionals

Sponsored by Function of Vex

• https://f-vex.com/

Interview with Tyler Kelbert

Tyler Kelbert is a multi-award-winning hairstylist with 13 years of experience and is widely recognized as a leading expert in haircutting, social media, and tool education. His work has been featured in top magazines, award shows, commercials, and tradeshows worldwide, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer.

With a deep passion for education, Tyler has travelled across the globe to share his expertise with hairstylists and instructors, introducing modern, innovative techniques that redefine the craft. His ability to inspire and educate has earned him ongoing partnerships with respected beauty and barber brands throughout the United States and internationally.

Precision, consistency, and humility define Tyler’s approach. His dedication to excellence has made him a sought-after mentor and collaborator within the industry.

Born in Miami, Florida, Tyler’s career has taken him far beyond his hometown. He has lived and educated in England, Italy, and Japan, expanding his global perspective on hairstyling. In addition to his industry expertise, Tyler holds a bachelor’s degree in digital media, which has played a key role in shaping his success as a content creator.

As an innovator, educator, and creative force, Tyler Kelbert continues to push the boundaries of hairstyling while empowering the next generation of professionals.

• https://www.instagram.com/tyler_kelbert/

• https://www.thetease.com/oligo-professionnel-launches-new-blacklight-blonde-science-line-for-blonde-care/
• https://www.thetease.com/the-amika-means-friend-tour-is-coming-to-10-cities-near-you/

Obsessed or Over It?

• EAT YOUR SKINCARE
• FRINGE
• DAIRY BOY LAUNCHING SPORT

Sponsored by Function of Vex

• https://f-vex.com/

Interview with Nicole Tran and Michael Lam

NICOLE TRAN — Creative Director & Co-Founder

Nicole Tran started as a self-taught nail artist studying Korean and Japanese artists on loop, chasing a feeling the industry hadn't given her yet. She earned her license, built a career, and hit every milestone the industry had to offer. And then she built something the industry didn't.

Function of Vex was born from frustration, obsession, and the belief that nails aren't an accessory — they're the art. Every product she creates asks one question: why doesn't this exist yet? Function of Vex is the answer — built for every artist ready to ask the same thing.

MICHAEL LAM — COO & Co-Founder

Michael Lam is the backbone of Function of Vex — the infrastructure behind the vision. While Nicole dreams big, Michael makes sure the foundation holds. The finances, the hard calls, the reality checks.

He believes passion isn't enough. That a great company has to take care of its people first — employees, community, the artists Nic is building for. Where Nic is focused on impact through product, Michael is focused on impact through people.

That tension — and that trust — is exactly what makes Function of Vex work. Honesty and difficulty have always gone hand in hand.

• https://f-vex.com/pages/new-about-page?srsltid=AfmBOopv6Yieba2cTsMnFCDn8Ye2xyAV1DTcep_qHiJL-tm32WOeHEQh
• https://www.instagram.com/nictrick/
• https://www.instagram.com/functionofvex/

• https://www.thetease.com/a-unique-new-collab-between-the-sassoon-academy-and-jeremy-jairdoeshair-pugh-comes-together-this-april/
• https://www.thetease.com/80215-2/

Obsessed or Over It?

• ALIX EARLE'S SKINCARE BRAND
• YELLOW FOR SPRING
• WHY YOU SO OBSESSED

Sponsored by Wella Professional

• https://us.wella.professionalstore.com/en-US/search?text=blondorplex

Sponsored by Hello Salon Pro x Rule Breaker Awards (Davines and Denman)

• https://davinespro.com/en/us
• https://denmanbrushus.com/pages/professionals
• https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqLGtZlevfpb4DD_cHumCRR8B1_NY_gUej6yS_nR7ScJ-yIg/viewform

Interview with Jeffery Orrell

Jeffery Orrell is a seasoned professional with over 37 years of proven success in the personal hair care industry. Starting his career in 1987 as a Distributor Account Executive with AVEDA, Jeffery quickly earned a reputation for enhancing the retail performance of salons he served. His efforts caught the attention of ED Wyse Aveda of the Pacific Northwest, who recruited him in 1991 to elevate their business to the next level.

In 1993, Jeffery transitioned into the manufacturing sector as Sales Director at ABBA Pure & Natural Hair Care, where he successfully established and managed major distribution channels. Following ABBA’s sale in 1996, he acquired and operated Rocky Mountain Salon Consultants until 1998, further solidifying his expertise in distribution and sales management.

Jeffery then expanded his horizons by working with Join Soon Electronics MFG, a cutting-edge connectivity and wireless technology manufacturer. This experience proved invaluable in 2000 when he was approached by Jim Markham, co-founder of ABBA, to develop a new professional hair care brand that eventually became

Pureology. Jeffery served as Vice President and Co-founder of Pureology until its acquisition by L’Oreal in 2007.

In 2007, Jeffery launched Aspire Salon & Spa in Scottsdale, AZ, and through his consulting firm, JKO International Consulting, Inc., he facilitated distribution for brands like FHI Heat and became a partner with Enjoy Haircare. He also founded NEUMA, pioneering a clean, sustainable professional hair care brand introduced to the salon industry in 2010. Today, NEUMA is distributed across North America, the EU, LATAM, APAC, Amazon, and NEUMABEAUTY.COM. In 2020 with the purchase of his former Pureology business partner, Cosway Beauty Brands, LLC, was formed, an umbrella company, managing, NEUMA, ColorProof and N4 professional hair care brands. In addition to being the founder of NEUMA RESEARCH, LLC, Jeffery continues to serve as COO of Cosway Beauty Brands, LLC.

• https://www.instagram.com/jefforrellneuma/
• https://neumabeauty.com
• https://www.instagram.com/neumabeauty

• https://www.thetease.com/ursula-stephen-shares-how-she-styled-zendayas-2026-oscars-red-carpet-hair/
• https://www.thetease.com/our-editors-favorite-hairstyles-from-the-2026-oscars/

Obsessed or Over It?

• DEMI MOORE
• ICE DEPUFFING
• DIGITAL CAMERAS