Destroy The Hairdresser

In this episode, Cyd and David dissect the impact of social media apps and how they shape our ideas and behaviors, often at the expense of our mental well-being.  Join Cyd and David as they explore the relentless war on attention, particularly for small businesses attempting to sell their products or services through these digital avenues. In an era where every click, like, and share counts, they...

In this episode of Destroy The Hairdresser, hosts Cyd and David share their insights on marketing and how to effectively communicate with your clients effectively. They challenge the conventional wisdom of education-centric marketing, where hairdressers are expected to extensively educate their clients about the intricacies of hair care and styling. David argues that instead of overwhelming client...

Cyd and David dive into a conversation that challenges traditional norms and advocates for the removal of gender from service menus in salons. As queer individuals themselves and owners of their own company, Cyd and David bring a unique perspective to the discussion, emphasizing that these topics are not merely social issues but affect every aspect of LGBTQ lives. The episode delves into the impor...

In this episode of Destroy The Hairdresser, Cyd and David sit down with special guest Kate Kent, a DTH coach and former student. Kate shares her journey and how working with Destroy The Hairdresser has played a crucial role in her personal and professional growth. Kate discusses some of her favorite methods when it comes to managing her salon. She emphasizes the effectiveness of hourly pricing, wh...

In this episode Cyd and David delve into the topic of outdated apprenticeship programs that often trap recent cosmetology graduates in assistant roles. They propose implementing a six-month (or less) education program to swiftly transition new staff members onto the salon floor, enabling them to start making money and building their careers without unnecessary delays. Cyd and David open the discus...

In this episode of Destroy The Hairdresser, Cyd and David delve into the concept of share culture within the salon industry. They explore the various advantages and opportunities that arise when hair professionals embrace sharing within their businesses. The practice of sharing staff members with other salons is disruptive but this practice can lead to improved teamwork, enhanced skill development...

In this episode Cyd and David emphasize that creating safer spaces is just the beginning. They passionately believe that queer people have the power to make a significant financial impact on their community through entrepreneurship. As founders of Destroy The Hairdresser they are dedicated to empowering more LGBTQ individuals to pursue business ventures and harness their potential for economic gro...

Cyd and David challenge the traditional belief that all hairdressers should be generalists. Specialization is the key to finding your true clientele and achieving success in the industry. By honing in on a specific skill or service that aligns with your passion, you can differentiate yourself from the competition and attract clients who appreciate your expertise. Tune into this episode to hear beh...

Franky, a coach for DTH and the owner of the Chicago-based salon We Fucking Love Your Hair, joins Cyd and David in this episode. In this intimate conversation, Franky shares her experience in the salon industry and how her salon came to be. She also discusses her personal evolution with DTH, sharing how the very concepts she initially labeled as "woo-woo" have become her favorites to emb...

In today's episode, Cyd and David talk about sliding-scale commission structures and why they may not be the best option for hairdressers and salon owners. Sliding-scale commissions can be confusing for hairdressers, and they can create more work for salon owners. Additionally, the incentives may not be significant enough to prevent burnout, and as a result, resentment can start to grow among...

Cyd and David tackle the topic of removing licenses from the hair industry. While it may sound radical, the current structure of licensing creates many unnecessary obstacles for future hairdressers. In this episode, they explore the challenges faced by individuals who want to pursue a career in hairdressing but find the cost of cosmetology school unaffordable or live in rural areas with limited ac...

Cyd and David dive deep into the consciousness of hourly pricing and explore how it can transform your business perspective. Hourly pricing is not only a pricing structure but also reflects a certain mindset and approach to your work. By shifting away from hustle culture and embracing a more creative, artistic mindset, you can unlock the potential of hourly pricing to revolutionize your salon busi...

Join Cyd and David in this episode as they host Coach Patricia Nowakowski, the successful owner of Opulent Beauty in Chicago. Coach Patricia shares her inspiring journey from being a commission stylist to a thriving salon entrepreneur. Discover how Destroy The Hairdresser's innovative coaching methods empowered her to become a confident and effective leader and transformed her business. Coach...

Say goodbye to the soul-sucking tasks of running your salon! Let robots handle the mundane stuff while you focus on what really matters - connecting with your clients. In this episode, Cyd and David reveal how embracing technology can streamline your business, giving you more time to unleash your creativity and spend quality time with loved ones. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the pow...

At Destroy The Hairdresser we are always teaching about proactivity and reactivity. Because, understanding reactivity leads to transformation. The key is to understand our own reactive system to gain control and allow us to become more proactive in business, and in life. Listen to this episode to hear Cyd and David explain more about reactivity, proactivity and emotional intelligence. Want more of...

It’s a common belief amongst hairdressers that showing less income and paying less on your taxes is the ultimate win. However, while this practice can have immediate payoff in the short term, it limits your wealth and buying ability in the long run. Cyd and David dive more into why in this episode, tune in to hear their takes. Want more of Destroy The Hairdresser? Gain access to live weekly classe...

When we tell ourselves that we work behind the chair for the passion of it and not for the money, it is a way of playing small. We are setting limitations on what we can achieve and earn. Yes, cutting hair is a craft, but at the end of the day, we are trained to offer a service in exchange for money. You have the ability to increase the value of your time and generate wealth for yourself even when...

Hire someone who knows what the f*ck they’re doing! When it comes to running a salon, and really any business, hire the right people who have the answers.  That means lawyers, bookkeepers, and accountants. Salon owners find themselves guessing or holding themselves back because they don’t have the proper resources.  Cyd and David explain three things that all salon owners need 1. Therapi...

The reality is there is no such thing as a men’s or women’s cut.  It is an outdated norm to have a gendered service menu, especially one where the men’s cut is a lower cost.  Shockingly, the solution is once again time-based pricing.  Creating a service menu where prices are based on time is a transparent and inclusive way of creating a service menu.  Now, for the hairdressers...

Hairdressers are notorious for never taking breaks.  We feel the need to fill all moments of the day with something “productive”. Any half hour where we are not behind the chair, but doing something else, is what we have labeled as a “break”. Cyd and David reminisce of the good ol’ days of smoke breaks, where one can truly find peace. We’re joking…mostly.  Tune in to this episode to hear...

Ep.8 Is That a Hug or Are You Holding Me Hostage? The emotional nature of being a hairdresser requires us to have boundaries that other industries don’t.  Hairdressers can be held hostage and manipulated by both their bosses and clients.  And let’s be honest, clients think they’re the boss.  Salon owners can feel trapped by their staff that refuse to change.  All of this emotio...

In this episode Cyd and David share their hot takes on hair shows, and how they used to be cool.  Now, they’re an excuse to blow off steam and party at an open bar with other hairdressers.  David shares his dreams about the future of hair shows, which sounds an awful lot like being accepted to Hogwarts.  Tune in to hear Cyd and David shoot the breeze in their matchy-matchy green out...

Successful coaching leads us to transform our lives for a multitude of reasons.  For one, we now have someone who is holding us accountable to the goals we set for ourselves.  Also, we are given tools and insight that allow us to make decisions from a conscious place.  Once we gain this ability, it cannot be unlearned.  This awareness may have us questioning more than just our...

As professionals in the hair industry, we are all familiar with ways in which clients cross our boundaries.  From refusing to pay our prices, questioning our ability and even snarky comments.  It is up to us to set these boundaries, and enforce them, which often is the toughest part.  Until the hair industry fully shifts, and all of us are viewed as experts and artists we must conti...

We’ve all heard it, and maybe have even said it - “we’re like a family here” when referring to a salon team.  But, we’re not a family and family-like relationships have no business in our salons. We spend a lot of time working behind the chair and in the salon, and sometimes it’s easy to bond with our staff and coworkers.  However, viewing our co-workers and staff as family can lead to m...