Hair Life

Quick fire round. What’s your client retention rate? Your average ticket value? Revenue per stylist? Column occupancy rate? Could you answer in 30 seconds with actual numbers? In this episode, I break down the 12 metrics I review every single Monday morning inside our salon software, the exact dashboard that runs our seven figure salon. Not 50 reports. Not vanity stats. Just 12 numbers that tell m...

There is a revenue band where salon owners quietly get stuck, and in this episode of Hair Life I’m calling it out. Somewhere between 200K and 400K, you are no longer a start-up but you are not truly scalable either. You have a team, the systems sort of work, you are making decent money on paper, yet you are exhausted and wondering why it still feels so hard. I know that ceiling well because I live...

Last week we tackled the hard questions. This week, we go deeper. In this follow-up episode of Hair Life, I break down what I see as the three types of salon owners in the UK, and where most of you are getting stuck. Because scaling is not just about more clients or more chairs - it is about who you are becoming as a leader. What You’ll Discover - The Three Salon Owner Types : Why 83 percent of th...

Hair Life is back, and we are not easing into 2026 gently. National Insurance is up. VAT is biting. Electricity is brutal. Clients are spending differently. But here’s the uncomfortable truth. Those pressures might not be breaking your salon. They might just be exposing the cracks that were already there. I’ve run Energy Hair for 28 years. We’re a seven-figure salon with 24 staff. And what I’m see...

As we step into 2026, why do so many of us feel stuck before we’ve even begun and what are we really avoiding when we procrastinate? In this episode, we start the year by looking honestly at procrastination, not as a bad habit to fix, but as a signal worth listening to. At the beginning of a new year, pressure to reset, improve and move faster can make avoidance feel even heavier - especially when...

What happens when a 16-year-old who wanted to be an interior designer walks into a salon for an apprenticeship and ends up changing thousands of lives? In this inspiring episode of Hair Life, we sit down with award-winning hair-loss and extensions specialist Krisha West. From falling into hairdressing by accident to becoming a British Hairdressing Awards finalist, Aveda artist, and GLOWWA ambassad...

Walk into a beauty salon and clients happily drop £100 on skincare. Walk into a hair salon and most stylists won’t even recommend a £20 shampoo. We’re leaving money, results, and client loyalty on the table and it’s time to stop. In this episode of Hair Life, we get real about the UK hairdressing industry’s retail problem: most salons only achieve 3–5% of turnover from product sales while beauty s...

Can reinvention be the secret to longevity in a creative industry? In this episode we sit down with the legendary Jo Mills - founder of The Lounge Soho, Jo & Co, and Woolf Kings X to unpack how a career built on instinct, innovation, and adaptability has kept him at the forefront of British hairdressing for over three decades. From his early days cutting hair in Margate to redefining what a mo...

What if building a career in hairdressing was less about salons and more about sheer grit? In this episode of Hair Life, we are joined by the incredible Ky Wilson, a hairdresser and educator whose journey spans from small-town beginnings in the Lake District to the global stage. From sleeping rough in airports to hustling through competitions, to opening unconventional salon spaces in warehouses a...

What if money could be your greatest teacher in life and business? In this Rewind episode of Hair Life, we get real about our journeys with money-from scraping by as single parents to building comfortable lifestyles. We chat about the highs and lows, how financial struggles sparked our drive, and why true joy comes from time with loved ones, not just the bank balance. What You'll Learn - Embracing...

What if entering awards could transform your salon's reputation? In this Rewind episode of Hair Life, we dive into the power of awards for salon owners. Callie shares her journey of winning nine awards, from Surrey Stylist of the Year to Marketing Trailblazer, and how these accolades boosted her business's credibility, team morale, and local profile. We discuss choosing awards that align with your...

What if procrastination could spark a smarter way to work?  In this Rewind episode of Hair Life, we dive headfirst into the messy world of procrastination, sharing our own tales of half-finished projects and broken salon heaters. We explore why we delay tasks, the mental toll it takes, and practical ways to break free from procrastination. What You’ll Learn - Spotting Triggers: Recognise task...

Are you constantly scrolling or wondering why your kids can’t put their phones down at dinner? In this Rewind episode of Hair Life, we dive into social media’s grip on our lives - its effects on focus, self-esteem, and even our salons. Callie and I share honest stories about its influence on our work and families. We unpack the psychological toll, like content overload and pressure to match filter...

Would you let an untrained doctor operate on you? So why risk your hair with an unqualified stylist? In this episode of Hair Life, we sit down with Rae Palmer, a hairdressing legend with 40 years of experience and the founder of WELOVE. She shares her journey from sweeping floors in a barber shop to owning buzzing salons, driven by her passion for teaching and frustration with the UK’s wild-west h...

Welcome to the first Hair Life Rewind, where we revisit highlights from past episodes. Today, we’re diving back into our chat with PR expert Sally Learmouth. In this episode you’ll learn how leveraging your salon’s USP can elevate your brand. Sally shares how she transformed freelancer Jack Howard into the “King of Balayage” with savvy PR strategies. This throwback un...

Inspired by my 95-year-old client Leslie, who faces the physical and financial challenges of aging, Callie and I dive into whether we can afford our own futures. We question if retiring at 65 is outdated, especially for hairdressers and small business owners like us with limited pension options. With raw honesty, we unpack the emotional toll of boredom and the search for purpose in later life. In...

Are hair industry awards the golden ticket for your salon or just a shiny distraction? In this episode of Hair Life, myself and Callie cut through the noise and get real about the value of chasing awards. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How regional wins can amplify your local rep and turn free press into marketing wins. Why awards season can light a fire under your team, boost morale, and sp...

Reflecting on our own childhood experiences, we reminisce about the joyous freedom we had back in the '90s, where our outdoor adventures were filled with simplicity and creativity—improvising games, exploring nature, and engaging in hands-on play without the distractions of screens. In this episode, we grapple with the question of whether today's children are, in fact, over-protecte...

Curious how a Netflix show can reshape your take on parenting teens today? In this episode, we dive into Adolescence—a series sparking buzz among parents and teens alike. We ask: who’s guiding kids through this digital maze—parents, schools, or tech giants? In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Adolescence hits home for parents and teens. The big questions on who shapes kids today. Real ways to spark...

Feel like self-doubt’s holding you back? In this episode of Hair Life, Cally and I dive into confidence, unpacking why so many of us—especially women—struggle to feel "enough." From childhood stings to social media’s comparison trap, we get real about what fuels insecurity. We go beyond the why, sharing actionable ways to grow confidence—like Cally’s self-love day or my lessons in coaching my son...

Ever let a great idea fester in our heads too long? We’ve been there—overthinking while time slips by. In this episode we’re unpacking why doing beats hesitating, no fluff—just real talk. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why action always outshines hesitation.  Why fear of judgement is a trap worth dodging.  Why perfect timing is a myth that’s holding us back.  Loaded with real...

Money does more than pay the bills—it shapes your life. In this episode of Hair Life, we share our real, raw stories about cash, from losing it all to building successful salons. In this episode, you’ll learn: How we turn financial struggles into wins. Why money feels like a blessing and a burden. How it affects choices, relationships, and happiness. Callie’s 11-year plan to gain freedom. Nathan’s...

This week, we reveal the secrets to keeping clients loyal and coming back for more. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why retaining clients costs less than acquiring new ones. Why loyalty programmes increase retention. Why understanding client habits leads to loyalty. With actionable tips to maximise your revenue and build lasting client connections, this episode is a must-listen for salon owner...

What’s ahead for your business in 2025, and how can you use the first few months to set a strong foundation? In this episode, we discuss our plans for the year and share practical tips on setting goals and preparing for challenges, including: The value of having a coach The power of goal-setting How small steps lead to big wins Tips for maintaining a healthier work-life balance By using the e...

How will the recent budget changes impact your salon’s finances, and what steps can you take to navigate the challenges ahead? In this episode of  Hair Life , accountant Melanie Beach joins us and breaks down the financial changes hitting small salons, including the rise in national insurance and its effect on SMEs with five or more employees. Melanie offers actionable advice on cash flow man...