How to Keep Your Salon Staff: What Our Stylists Said When We Asked Why They Stay [EP:204]

What makes someone want to stay at your salon? This episode answers that question—straight from the people who matter most.

Todd and Jen read real, unfiltered responses from their team about why they choose to stay at Hello Hair Co. 

These messages are full of honesty, emotion, and insights that speak to what stylists value in a work environment. 

From mentorship and leadership to laughter and lizards (yes, really), this is an episode that gets to the heart of retention.

They also react to real posts from salon owner forums—some hilarious, some concerning—and offer sharp, honest takes on pricing, commission structures, culture breakdowns, and the dangers of social media advice.

If you’re trying to build a salon that people never want to leave, this episode is your blueprint.

Key Topics Covered:

[00:00] Real Talk: Reactions, Feedback, and Social Media Rants
[00:03] Jen’s Opening Take: From “Talks Too Much” to Career Asset
[00:05] Todd’s Opening Take: Specialists Work for Generalists
[00:08] Why We Asked Our Staff “Why Do You Stay Here?”
[00:09–00:24] Reading the Team’s Responses (and Getting a Little Emotional)
[00:25] A Client Turned Blowdry Addict Turned Teammate
[00:27] Why People Come In Even on Their Days Off
[00:31] The Power of Individualized Goals and Coaching
[00:33] What Real Culture Looks Like (Hint: It’s Not Buzzwords)
[00:35] Reactions to Wild Salon Owner Forum Posts:
• Vaping in "luxury" salons?
• Grandfathered pricing drama
• 70% commissions?!
• Suite renters getting “called out”
• When staff stop showing up
[00:42] Final Take: Culture, Leadership, and Creating a Place People Want to Be

Key Takeaways:

• People don’t leave bad jobs—they leave bad leadership.
• Staff want structure and freedom. The best cultures create space for both.
• Push your people—but lead with care. Mistakes are opportunities.
• Your clients and staff notice more than you think. Especially when things are inconsistent.
• Leadership starts with self-awareness. If you’re losing people, the mirror is step one.
• Stop asking Facebook for answers to legal and business questions. Get real help.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Messages from Hello Hair Co. staff
• How we handled individual raises and goal setting
• Apprenticeship reflections
• Our “kickoff” 2025 meetings
• Salon owners giving away services (and not realizing it)
• Commission myths and real profit margins
• The Bear on Hulu (again!) – “Remember why you started”

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