Do Color Brands Still Support Salons? A Candid Conversation with Ashley Mauriello of Rusk

In an industry that's constantly evolving — with rising product costs, increased service complexity, and shifting brand priorities — many salon owners are left wondering: Do color brands even support stylists anymore?

That’s the exact question we tackled in this episode of The Mirabella Podcast featuring Ashley Mauriello, Director of Education at Rusk. The result? A conversation packed with insights, truth bombs, and a vision for the future of salon success.

The Heart of the Conversation: Brand Support Is NOT Dead — If You Partner With the Right One

“Brands don't really support salons anymore — they care about shareholders and investors. Rusk is not one of those brands.”

Ashley’s message is clear: Rusk is committed to real salon support — not just hype. That support shows up through educational programs, transparent pricing systems, and formulations designed with the stylist in mind.

The Financial Bottleneck No One Talks About

Color services today are more complex than ever. Stylists are mixing multiple bowls, toning, glazing, adding bond builders… and yet many aren’t charging enough to cover the cost of product.

“If you're giving a stylist 50% commission on a $200 ticket but $60 of that is product cost, you're not making money — and neither are they.”

This is where cost-per-mixed-ounce becomes critical. It’s not just about the price of the tube — it’s:

• The mixing ratio
• The size of the tube
• The cost of developer
• And how many applications you get per product

Salon Owners, Meet Your Secret Weapon: ChatGPT

Ashley shared how she uses ChatGPT to calculate product usage and analyze cost per service. By inputting product SKUs, pricing, and mixing ratios, you can:

• Determine your true cost per bowl
• Build parts & labor pricing models
• Create service menus that actually generate profit

“I put every brand I had into ChatGPT, gave it my average mix per bowl, and it gave me a breakdown of what each service was costing me.”

Rusk Products: Built for Profitability & Performance

Let’s break down a few Rusk innovations discussed — all designed to help salons improve efficiency without sacrificing quality.

1. Deep Shine Gloss (Liquid Toner)

• 10–20 minute development time
• No “scary” undertones or over-processing
• Contains oleic acid for conditioning & easy rinsing
• No shampoo needed post-rinse — preserves tone and feel

“It just falls off the hair. No need to scrub or shampoo — the gloss rinses clean.”

2. Deep Shine Permanent

• 3.4 oz tube mixed at a 1:2 ratio = ~4 applications
• Cost per application: ~$0.89–$1.00
• Pure pigment formula (not pre-blended), allowing more control
• Uses 10 Volume for effective gray coverage

“You don’t need to go higher than 10 vol for gray coverage — the color deposits properly without lifting or damaging.”

3. Ruskin 10 Express Permanent Color

• 10-minute processing
• Non-progressive formula (won’t over-process)
• American level system (great for stylists used to domestic color lines)

“This is your gateway into Rusk. Try this first — it's fast, effective, and profitable.”

Understanding Color Level Systems: Why It Matters

Rusk uses an international level system, which is one level darker than the American system.

“If you’re coming from an American brand, you’ll want to formulate one level lighter when transitioning to Rusk.”

Let’s Talk About Ammonia

Ammonia isn’t the villain it’s made out to be. In fact, it’s a necessary catalyst for color to enter the hair cortex.

“MEA (monoethanolamine), the so-called ‘natural’ alternative, is a derivative of ammonia — and often harsher on the scalp.”

Used correctly, ammonia is not just safe — it’s effective and efficient.

Education Is the Future — And It Starts in the Field

Ashley’s approach to education is grounded, humble, and real:

“If you want to grow in this industry, you need to be in the field.”

She credits her time with industry legend Sam Villa for teaching her the value of humility and giving back — two values she now brings to Rusk’s education team.

How to Try Rusk (Yes, You Can Get Free Samples)

Rusk is accessible, responsive, and ready to support stylists directly.

• Visit: ruskpro.com
• DM on Instagram: @ruskhaircare
• Request free samples of Ruskin 10 Express

“Our labs are literally right below us. We’re always testing, adjusting, and making sure everything we produce serves the stylist.”

Final Takeaways for Salon Owners

• ✅ Recalculate your pricing based on true cost per mixed ounce
• ✅ Use ChatGPT or other tools for business analysis
• ✅ Test your gray coverage line when transitioning color systems
• ✅ Start with express solutions (like Ruskin 10) to save time and boost profits
• ✅ Follow the education — work with brands that care about your growth

Conclusion: The Future of Hair Color Is Transparent, Profitable, and Empowering

This episode reminds us that there ARE still brands prioritizing stylists, profitability, and education — and Rusk is one of them.

Ashley Mauriello brings experience, heart, and practical insights any salon owner can implement immediately.

“You're not stuck. You can be successful. You can have it all. You just need the right tools — and the right mindset.”

Watch Full Podcast HERE