EP375: A New Era for Sebastian Professional, with Richard Windle and Jon Walker

Sebastian Professional Reborn

In today’s episode, Dom welcomes Wella Education Brand Manager Jon Walker and Sebastian Professional educator and expert Richard Windle to the How To Cut It podcast, in partnership with Wella Professionals UK & Ireland, for an exclusive preview of Sebastian Professional’s major relaunch coming this month. Think evolution, not revolution: “Sebastian is a much love brand… and it is being reborn in September… moving into more of a chic adolescent—bit more glam.”

(Left to right) Jon Walker, Dom Lehane and Richard Windle

From grunge to glam

Sebastian Professional has always pushed boundaries. In this episode, Jon and Richard share how the brand is refining its edge, keeping that creative DNA while elevating the aesthetic for today’s fashion-forward clients. Expect a glow up that’s chic, polished and performance-driven, while staying unmistakably Sebastian Professional.

Suitability first: shaping faces with product

Beyond cuts and colour, Jon and Richard explore suitability, how the right styling choices can enhance bone structure and personality without commitment. As Jon puts it: “It’s about suitability and how a product can change somebody’s face shape for the better… what if we could do that in a non-committal way with products?” From slick-backs that strong-arm cheekbones to fringe effects that open the eyes, it’s smart styling with instant impact.

Get seen by Sebastian Professional

Jon and Richard discuss how to build a community around your content, as well as how pros can be part of the story. They also talk about sharing your hair work on Instagram and TikTok, and tagging Sebastian Professional so they can see it!

“Sebastian Professional is being reborn—evolving from grunge to glam without losing the fearless creativity that made us iconic.” — Jon Walker, Wella Education Brand Manager

5 Key points you’ll learn from this episode:

1. The vision behind Sebastian Professional’s relaunch and why it matters for modern salon clients
2. How Sebastian Professional is entering a new, glam-forward era—refined, iconic, and still rule-breaking.
3. Practical ways to translate editorial edge into wearable, salon-friendly finishes
4. Suitability is everything: choose products and direction to sculpt, lift and open features.
5. Why community is at the heart of Sebastian Professional

Show notes

4:08 Meet John and Richard
4:32 The Evolution of Sebastian Professional
6:32 Understanding the Brand’s Legacy
9:13 The Community of Sebastian Artists
12:56 Creativity and Hair Artistry
15:20 Testimonials of Transformation
21:34 The Power of Hybrid Products
26:37 Connecting Fashion and Real Life
32:08 The Role of Education in Hairdressing
38:32 A New Era for Sebastian Professional
41:57 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Todays guest

Jon Walker: Education Brand Manager for Wella Professionals UK & Ireland, Jon leads education strategy and community engagement. He empowers hairdressers with trend-led learning, product expertise, and business support, connecting salons, artists, and educators via digital content, live events, and brand programs. He champions portfolios like Sebastian Professional and amplifies pro voices.

Richard Windle: Sebastian Professional educator, Richard translates the brand’s boundary‑pushing spirit into salon-ready education. He delivers online, in-studio, and on‑the‑road training, blending talks with hands-on. Collaborating with global artists, he equips pros with product-led styling, suitability thinking, and finish-focused techniques.