Hair Life

Are we truly living in a way that honours the time we have left? In this episode of Hair Life, we explore the often-taboo subject of death. Inspired by recent, raw conversations with salon clients and our own experiences, we share the challenging realities of loss. I open up about losing my father nine years ago and the way his passing forever changed my perspective on life and mortality. Cally ad...

After facing a significant health scare, Cally discovered the transformative power of setting boundaries and valuing time with family over material wealth. This personal revelation echoed a broader societal shift we've noticed, especially in a post-COVID world, where people are now more inclined to seek a balanced lifestyle despite financial pressures.  In this episode,&nb...

What’s the secret to keeping the spark alive in a long-term relationship? In this episode of Hair Life, we share the tips and tricks we’ve picked up through personal experiences and conversations in our salons. We discuss the importance of prioritising time together, exploring shared hobbies, and keeping playfulness at the heart of their relationship. 

Are you putting off tasks you know you should tackle? In this episode of Hair Life, we dig into the all-too-common struggle of procrastination and why so many of us in the beauty industry (and beyond) fall into its trap. From delaying admin work to avoiding the final steps of a creative project, we explore the psychological triggers behind procrastination—and how to overcome them. Cally and I...

In this episode, we dive into the messy, hilarious, and oh-so-real world of parenting. From chaotic kid moments to navigating the teenage years (when all those parenting books seem to go silent), we share stories that will have you laughing and nodding in agreement. We also get into the financial reality of kids' ever-changing fashion choices, the struggle to keep up with "perfect parent" standard...

Have you ever felt like your salon is running you, instead of the other way around? In this episode of Hair Life, we tackle the hot topic of burnout and the economic challenges facing salon owners today. Inspired by the eye-opening Creative Head article, "Is Your Business Keeping You Awake at Night?", we dive into the delicate dance between personal well-being and professional demands.  Cally...

Is social media running your life, or are you in control? In this episode, we take a hard look at the grip that social media has on us—and how we can break free. From endless scrolling to social comparisons, we explore how social media seeps into our daily routines, impacts our attention spans, and shapes our relationships—especially with our kids. We ask the question, what’s the cost of cons...

What role does consistency play in shaping our lives? In this episode of Hair Life, we explore the power of sticking to routines and habits, even when things get tough. We reflect on how showing up consistently—whether it’s in the salon, in personal fitness, or within relationships—can create lasting benefits. We also explore how the challenges of maintaining health goals reson...

In this episode of  Hair Life , Nathan and Callie sit down with PR powerhouse Sally Learmouth from Gloss Communications to uncover the secrets of successful marketing, branding, and public relations in the salon industry. Together, we explore the ever-evolving role of social media in PR and Sally, and Callie discuss how platforms like Instagram have become essential tools for connecting with...

We can expect to take a few punches in life and business, but the ability to get back up truly defines us. In this episode of Hair Life, I explore the often-unspoken challenges of mental health and stress that come with navigating difficult times. I share my experiences with personal growth and how it positively impacts our teams and communities, emphasising the importance of leading by example. T...

In this episode Nathan Plumridge talks about being vulnerable, something that he’s had a lot of discussions about in the last few months, mainly due to an experience he had in early December which he shares with you. This is about learning from things both in business and from a health point of view. KEY TAKEAWAYS I’ve started thinking about health not just from a physical point of view, but from...

In this episode Nathan Plumridge talks to entrepreneur, award winning stylist, and salon owner Cally Borg to talk about her background and journey through her career. KEY TAKEAWAYS I wasn’t very academic at school, I couldn’t sit still in a classroom, that’s just not my thing at all. However, when I got into hairdressing I was so focussed from day one because I just knew it was for me. My freelanc...

In this episode Nathan Plumridge talks to Tom Johnson, Ex-England Rugby Player about his career and the transition to the second half of life as a coach now he no longer plays. KEY TAKEAWAYS My happiest times were when we were playing rugby for the craic, giving it a go. The reason we did it was to find out our boundaries and what we could do, then we started to bring it into focus on areas of ris...

In this episode Nathan Plumridge talks to Colin McAndrew, MD of Medusa Hair – one of the fastest growing salons in Scotland, about his inspirations, his challenges and his passions. KEY TAKEAWAYS Growing up I had three central female figures in my life, my two older sisters and my Mum – Dad disappeared. I went to salons with my sisters when they were baby-sitting me, Mum worked two jobs. I loved t...

In this episode, Nathan is joined for the second of two episodes by Luke Doolan and Paddy Monahan, manager and head of product at Phorest Software respectively, as well as Nathan’s head of operations, Candice, to talk about Phorest Software (that Gavin has worked with for a long time) and what they do. KEY TAKEAWAYS In order for you to say your average ticket is £120 or whatever, to look at that a...

In this episode, Nathan is joined for the first of two episodes by Luke Doolan and Paddy Monahan, manager and head of product at Phorest Software respectively, as well as Nathan’s head of operations, Candice, to talk about Phorest Software (that Gavin has worked with for a long time) and what they do. KEY TAKEAWAYS We’re not just an appointment system or diary, we take it in a slightly different w...

In this episode, Nathan is joined by Adelle Martin, founder and creator of the Menopause Resilience Club – a private group where women can come together to build strong business and strong bodies through their hormonal change. KEY TAKEAWAYS I’ve always been sporty, but when I got to 15 my Dad told me I had to get a proper job – things like Britain’s Got Talent didn’t exist at the time, so I couldn...

In this episode, Nathan is joined by Mary Centofanti, one of the owners and creators of the vegan brand, Davroe, which is maybe the best kept hairdressing secret. KEY TAKEAWAYS In 2006 we needed to make changes to the company that we purchased. I went to the formulating chemist and said: “I want this range to be sulphate-free and vegan”. To his credit he agreed and it took us two years to get the...

In this episode, Nathan is joined by Jessica Crane, author, entrepreneur, business coach, mother of two. And much more, to talk about her career and how salon owners can create generational wealth from their businesses. Here is your affiliate link to the 2 Day Salon Summit 6th and 7th November – anyone who purchases a ticket through this link you will receive 50% of the ticket sales - all the deta...

In this episode, Nathan is joined by Jayne Lewis-Orr who is, quite simply, a hair industry icon. Her passion for the industry over the last 25 years as the executive director of the Hairdresser’s Journal is why Jayne is so well respected by every hairdresser. There’s a slight audio issue on this one that we just couldn’t work around, but I’m sure after a few minutes you’ll tune your ears to it. KE...

In this episode, Nathan is joined by Angeline Hayden, a teacher, salon industry educator, award winning business coach, podcaster and outdoor challenge seeker, to talk about how to provide better service in the hair and beauty industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS I was a salon owner for 12-13 years who ran the business. I always looked at things from the point of view of the client as well as the stylists, the...

In this episode, Nathan is joined by Joe Hemmings, a multi-salon owner, multi-award winner, and part of the new generation of salon owners that are challenging the norms by giving his team and his guests truly something different. KEY TAKEAWAYS I started on the 13th July 2010 and it naturally evolved from doing A-Levels at school to apprenticeships. I was talked out of becoming a hairdresser at sc...

In this episode, recorded after he got back from holiday and a day after the Queen passed away, Nathan talks about service, what it is and how you can deliver service that defines your business in its market. KEY TAKEAWAYS We are now in a time where your business doesn’t really have many things that can truly separate it from your competition. Pretty much everything can be copied, from your salon...

In this episode Nathan talks to British hairdressing icon, Errol Douglas, to talk about his career as a hairdresser and salon owner. KEY TAKEAWAYS My ex-wife, Jo, was frustrated with me always coming home unhappy from my job as an ambassador for other salons and companies. She said: “Why don’t you open a shop or start your own business?” I was fortunate enough to live in London and so I was always...

In this episode Nathan talks about how he’s noticed a lot of mixed up feelings around him lately from salon owners and guests that come into the salon about how they’re currently dealing with everything that’s going on in the world.  Nathan has been working with his mentor recently on things that he hopes, once he’s shared them with you on this podcast, will help you achieve a more positive genera...