How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry

Welcome to the first special episode of our August Takeover, "Women in Business." Hosted by Samantha Cusick, owner of both Samantha Cusick salon in Notting Hill and Sta Studios. This series shines a spotlight on the trailblazing women redefining what it means to lead in our hair industry. Kicking things off features a compelling conversation between Samantha and her special guest Ashleigh Hodges,...

Celebrity hairdresser Michael Douglas joins the How To Cut It podcast in this blockbuster episode! From his early days in hairdressing to becoming a well-known TV personality (BBC1’s One Show), Instagram influencer (@mdlondon), and the partner of Davina McCall (co-host of the Making The Cut podcast), Michael’s journey has been anything but ordinary. We explore his career-defining moments, includin...

In this episode brought to you by Wella Professionals UK & Ireland, we explore the resurgence of perming and texture services within the hairdressing industry, joined by experts Charlie Taylor, Sarah Mason, and Suki Supermama. We discuss the evolution of modern perms using the relaunched Wella Perm, moving beyond their outdated 80s reputation to become a versatile, fashion-forward option that high...

In this episode of How To Cut It In A Hairdressing Industry Podcast, I speak with Kieran Tudor, co-founder of Centred, a brand dedicated to enhancing hair health through internal wellness.  We discuss Kieran's inspiring journey from being named British Hairdresser Newcomer of the Year to navigating personal challenges that led to the creation of Centred. He shares the emotional impact of stress-re...

Ready to elevate your teaching skills and become a leader in hair education? In this episode, we sit down with renowned educators coach Chris Moody to explore his 5-Week Educators Training Programme, crafted specifically for hairdressers and barbers aiming to excel as standout educators. Chris shares practical insights on simplifying content, engaging learners, building confidence, and creating tr...

Recorded live in front of an audience at Grid Studios, London, this How To Cut It podcast features industry icon Sophia Hilton. Sophia unveils her transformative journey, from founding the groundbreaking Not Another Salon to making the courageous decision to close it, despite its success. Sophia reflects on leadership, personal growth, and redefining success. Hear exclusive insights on her newest...

In this episode, I chat with Nicola Steinbach and Annette Tattersall about the evolving landscape of hairdressing education and essential skills for modern professionals. We discuss insights from a VTCT Skills survey, emphasising hands-on training, soft skills, and the trend of lifelong learning among newly qualified stylists. We also explore the VTCT Skills membership platform, which is designed...

In this episode of How To Cut It: In The Hairdressing Industry Podcast, we learn about Richard Ashforth's prestigious new appointment to International Creative Director at Sassoon—and why he has decided to returnto the iconic brand he started with. With over 30 years of industry experience, Richard dives into blending tradition with innovation, mentoring the next generation of stylists, and the po...

In this week’s podcast, we're joined by transformative hair colour expert and a leader in precision consultations, Holly Fairley. Holly is to  share her journey from early struggles to becoming a top hairdressing influencer. Learn how she uses social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to transform careers in the barbering and hairdressing industry. Holly reveals her proven strategies for st...

In this episode of "How To Cut It In A Hairdressing Industry Podcast," brought to you by Wella Professionals UKI we explore the inspiring world of  Wella Trend Vision Awards UK and Ireland , with last year’s winners, Alex White, Maggie Grant, and Corinne McNaughton. We dive into their personal experiences leading up to the competition, discussing the critical importance of creativity, thorough pre...

 Join us for Part 2 of our conversation with Sarah Louise Keane, better known on social media as @slkbleachexpert! Get ready for a journey of resilience and authenticity with Sarah's inspiring story—it's all about finding strength through personal battles and professional triumphs. Discover how hairdressing became her lifeline, the turning point of choosing sobriety, and why keeping it real on so...

In this two-part series, I chat with Sarah Louise Keane (SLK), a scalp bleach expert and influencer in the hairdressing world. Co-founder of Host Manchester, Sarah has created a pioneering co-working space designed for freelance hairstylists. In this episode, we revisit her journey, dive into the challenges of creating a supportive salon space, and explore how Host Manchester redefines independenc...

Dive into the heart of Sassoon with Mark Hayes, Senior International Creative Director, as we bring you a podcast recording from the House of Sassoon, Soho, London. Mark unveils its I-Conic Spring/Summer 2025 Collection, and the future of hairdressing education with Sassoon Connect. Plus discover how Vidal Sassoon’s legacy continues to shape modern hair trends, refine techniques, and inspire creat...

In this episode of "How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry Podcast," Katy Grimshaw, the founder of Spectrum One Salon and Academy, and Spectrum One Hair Extensions, shares her inspiring journey from a passionate freelancer to a successful salon owner, entrepreneur and innovator. Katy discusses her transition, early challenges, and the importance of continual education and high standards in the...

In today’s solo episode, I share my personal reflections on the evolution and future of the How To Cut It: In The Hairdressing Industry Podcast. This marks a significant milestone as we celebrate eight years of engaging content and community building. I recount how a conversation with my family at the age of 13 changed my career path from wanting to be a train driver (yes a train driver I see you...

Today’s guest Michael Gray has transitioned from working behind the salon chair to building a successful career as an editorial and special occasion hair stylist. His talent and passion have led him from styling beautiful brides to perfecting the looks of A-list celebrities on the red carpet and creating looks for hair brand campaigns. Michael's impressive achievements include being a regional fin...

This weeks episode we sit down with the highly respected  Lorraine Matic, Insight Professional Education Manager with over 38 years of global experience in the hairdressing industry. Lorraine has a proven track record of designing transformative educational programs, events, and shows for top-tier corporate companies, distributors, and salon groups. In this episode, you’ll discover what it takes t...

In this week’s episode, we are to be joined with Keith Owen, a renowned independent hair educator, as he shares his journey from the roots of hairdressing to becoming a respected figure in hair cutting education. Keith is to share some gold strategies for distinguishing yourself as an independent hair educator in a market saturated with talent. He emphasises the significance of understanding the '...

Becoming a freelance hairdresser and educator is this week’s podcast conversation with Norman Boulton—currently one of the UK’s most exciting rising stars in the hair industry. Norman, formerly a senior stylist and educator at the world famous Not Another Salon in London, recently ventured into freelance work at Glitterdoll Balayage—nestled in the vibrant heart of Highgate. We explore Norman’s dec...

This week's episode, we've got a truly inspiring episode lined up for you in collaboration with VTCT Skills! We're diving into the world of hairdressing education with Nicola Steinbach,Business Development Manager at VTCT Skills, and Marie Nieuwoudt, Group Education Manager at Cloud Nine Hair. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one! In this episode, we’re addressing some of the biggest misconce...

In this week's episode, we're talking about the must-know hair colour trends to wow your clients with in 2025. In particular, we'll be focusing on the Wella Colour Touch Melt trend—a technique that will make your clients' hair shimmer with a seamless and lustrous look. Brought to you by our friends at Wella Professionals UK and Ireland, I'm thrilled to be joined today by Melanie Smith, a leading c...

Welcome to How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry Podcast 2025 Kickoff! If you're wanting to learn how to grow your salon business and set your hairdressing ambitions sky-high for the year ahead? Perfect, because you're about to hit play on one of our most inspirational episodes yet! In this jam-packed episode brought to you in partnership with our friends at Wella Professionals UK & Ireland.,...

In this podcast episode in partnership with Wella Professionals, I sit down at Grid Studios London for a conversation with Lucan Salem—Director of HARI's salon group. Lucan will share the inspiring journey of HARI's, a salon business started in Sydney Street, Chelsea, London by his father and visionary Hari Salem in 1976. Lucan and his sister have expanded HARI's from three to five thriving salons...

In this episode of How To Cut It, we dive deep into Grid Studios, the innovative creative space designed specifically for professionals in the hair and beauty industry. Nestled in the vibrant Old Street, London, Grid Studios fills a crucial gap in the market by offering tailor-made amenities for hairstylists, barbers, and content creators. Join me as I sit down with Grid Studios' co-founder Danny...

Welcome to the first episode of our new series, Introducing with Dom Lehane, where I spotlight the industry's hottest new names, rising stars, and undiscovered hair artists. This week, we're excited to introduce Guy Kleinhaus, a big name in the making. In this episode I have the pleasure of exploring Guy's journey from Cape Town to London's vibrant hair scene. As the artistic director at Cobella S...