This week, we weren’t planning on recording an episode about leadership.We were dealing with a flooded salon, a burst pipe, a snowstorm, a displaced team, and the reality that our entire space would be shut down for weeks. And in the mid...

Criticism is one of the hardest parts of leadership that nobody really prepares you for. It’s one thing to build systems, run a business, or make decisions. It’s another thing entirely to stay grounded when people question you, misunderstand yo...

So many salon owners spend their time looking sideways instead of forward. They watch what everyone else is doing, copy systems, pricing, commission structures, and branding, and hope that if it worked for someone else, it will magically work f...

We see so many salon owners who are busy every day but still feel stuck. They’re cleaning, reorganizing, researching, scrolling, and “preparing,” yet nothing meaningful seems to change. The problem isn’t effort. The problem is direction....

The start of a new year often comes with pressure: new goals, new systems, new ideas, and a long list of things people think they should be doing. But more often than not, that approach creates chaos instead of clarity.In this episode, w...

This is our final episode of 2025, and instead of predictions or tactics, we wanted to pause and reflect.We discuss what we’ve seen this year in the salon industry: the widening gap between growing and struggling businesses, the mindset ...

Slow seasons happen in every industry, and the salon industry is no exception. But while slow periods are predictable, panic is optional.In this episode, we talk about why seasonal slowdowns shouldn’t feel shocking, why reacting emotiona...

We see it constantly: salon owners saying they’re overwhelmed, stressed, exhausted, and unsure what to work on next. They’re putting in the effort, working long hours, and still feeling behind, and it doesn’t have to be that way.In this ...

We hear it all the time: “Stop working in your business and start working on it.” The problem? Almost no one explains what that actually means.In this episode, we break down what salon owners should really be working on when...

Slow seasons have a way of making people freeze. Owners hesitate. Teams lose momentum. Decisions get postponed while everyone waits to “see what happens.” But the truth is simple: nothing changes when you pause; everything changes when you lead...

In Part 3 of our 2026 Salon Industry Predictions series, we’re breaking down the areas that will matter most for long-term success: culture, branding, leadership, and mentorship. The truth is simple: you can have education, t...

The salon industry is shifting faster than most owners realize. In Part 1 of our 2026 Predictions series, we talked about education, AI, and client expectations. In Part 2, we’re diving into the structural issues shaping the next chapter of our...

The salon industry is changing fast. From how stylists learn, to how salons use technology, to what clients expect from their experience, there’s a major shift underway. In the first part of our 2026 Salon Predictions series, Todd a...

Opening a salon can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming decisions in your career. It’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetic side of things: paint colors, décor, logos, and brand vibes. But the truth is, those are the least i...

Apprenticeships in the Modern Salon – How to Build Talent From ScratchIn this episode, Todd flips the script and interviews Jen on a topic she knows better than most: apprenticeships in the modern salon industry.With...

In this follow-up to "Why Suite and Booth Renters Struggle" [EP:214], Todd and Jen shift the focus to the other side of the industry—commission salons and their employees.They break down the common mistakes made by both owners a...

A year into renting and still struggling? You’re not alone. In this episode, Todd and Jen break down why so many booth renters and suite owners can’t seem to get ahead — and how to fix it.They’re not anti-rent or anti-suite (far from it)...

Too many salon owners start with numbers such as rent prices or commission percentages when hiring and attracting talent. In this episode, Todd and Jen flip the script with a lesson inspired by Steve Jobs: start with the experience and then...

In this episode, Todd and Jen tackle one of the biggest challenges salon owners face: staff retention. Instead of relying on non-compete agreements or fear-based policies, they share practical, proven strategies for building ...

In this episode, Todd and Jen are joined by Hello Hair Co. stylists, Brooke and Tori, for a special Q&A session. Instead of the usual format, the team flips the script—Brooke and Tori bring questions gathered from fellow stylist...

In this episode, Todd and Jen dive into the two pillars of salon growth: retention (keeping clients coming back) and acquisition (bringing in new ones). Too many salon owners focus on just one—but long-term su...

In this episode of the Hello Hair Pro Podcast, Todd and Jen tackle one of the most hot-button topics in the hair industry: booth and suite rental vs. commission salons.They break down the hidden costs of going out on your own, the...

In this episode of the Hello Hair Pro Podcast, Todd and Jen unpack the Evolution Trap — the danger salon and barbershop owners face when they stop evolving their business. Complacency might feel comfortable, but in r...

Are discounts really the best way to grow your salon? Spoiler: they’re not. In this episode, Todd and Jen break down why discounting hurts your business long-term and share proven, real-world strategies to fill your books without ev...

In this episode, Todd and Jen break down one of the most misunderstood topics in the salon business — price increases. Forget the blanket $5 rule or the “just raise 3%” advice you’ve seen floating around. Those outdated approaches a...