the Hello Hair Pro podcast

"Send us a message!" We see so many salon owners who are busy every day but still feel stuck. They’re cleaning, reorganizing, researching, scrolling, and “preparing,” yet nothing meaningful seems to change. The problem isn’t effort. The problem is direction. In this episode, we talk about momentum and what actually moves the needle in your business. We break down why busy work feels prod...

"Send us a message!" The start of a new year often comes with pressure: new goals, new systems, new ideas, and a long list of things people think they should be doing. But more often than not, that approach creates chaos instead of clarity. In this episode, we talk about how to kick off a new year in your business without overcomplicating it. We break down why adding more isn’t usually t...

"Send us a message!" This is our final episode of 2025, and instead of predictions or tactics, we wanted to pause and reflect. We discuss what we’ve seen this year in the salon industry: the widening gap between growing and struggling businesses, the mindset shifts that set Tier-A salons apart, and why customer service, leadership, and long-term thinking matter more than ever. We share r...

"Send us a message!" Slow seasons happen in every industry, and the salon industry is no exception. But while slow periods are predictable, panic is optional. In this episode, we talk about why seasonal slowdowns shouldn’t feel shocking, why reacting emotionally makes things worse, and how both salon owners and stylists can prepare ahead of time instead of scrambling at the last minute....

"Send us a message!" We see it constantly: salon owners saying they’re overwhelmed, stressed, exhausted, and unsure what to work on next. They’re putting in the effort, working long hours, and still feeling behind, and it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, we break down why overwhelm shows up so often for salon owners and why it’s usually not a time or effort problem. We talk...

"Send us a message!" We hear it all the time: “Stop working in your business and start working on it.” The problem? Almost no one explains what that actually means. In this episode, we break down what salon owners should really be working on when they’re not behind the chair and why so many owners step back only to feel stuck, unproductive, or pulled right back into old habits. We talk a...

"Send us a message!" Slow seasons have a way of making people freeze. Owners hesitate. Teams lose momentum. Decisions get postponed while everyone waits to “see what happens.” But the truth is simple: nothing changes when you pause; everything changes when you lead. In this episode, we talk about how to stay in motion when business feels slow. We break down why slow periods are often mis...

"Send us a message!" In Part 3 of our 2026 Salon Industry Predictions series, we’re breaking down the areas that will matter most for long-term success: culture, branding, leadership, and mentorship .  The truth is simple: you can have education, technology, beautiful décor, and the best skill in town, but without strong culture and leadership, none of it creates a sustainable business....

"Send us a message!" The salon industry is shifting faster than most owners realize. In Part 1 of our 2026 Predictions series, we talked about education, AI, and client expectations. In Part 2, we’re diving into the structural issues shaping the next chapter of our industry: employment models, salon operations, and profitability. This episode explores why certain business models will str...

"Send us a message!" The salon industry is changing fast. From how stylists learn, to how salons use technology, to what clients expect from their experience, there’s a major shift underway.  In the first part of our 2026 Salon Predictions series, Todd and Jen break down the changes already happening in education, AI and salon tech, and client behavior, and why salons that move now will...

"Send us a message!" Opening a salon can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming decisions in your career. It’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetic side of things: paint colors, décor, logos, and brand vibes. But the truth is, those are the least important decisions you’ll make. What determines whether your salon thrives or becomes a financial and emotional burden comes down to t...

"Send us a message!" Apprenticeships in the Modern Salon – How to Build Talent From Scratch In this episode, Todd flips the script and interviews Jen on a topic she knows better than most: apprenticeships in the modern salon industry. With cosmetology schools closing, rising education costs, and owners struggling to find talent, apprenticeship programs might be the most powerful (and mis...

"Send us a message!" In this follow-up to "Why Suite and Booth Renters Struggle" [EP:214] , Todd and Jen shift the focus to the other side of the industry—commission salons and their employees. They break down the common mistakes made by both owners and stylists, from leadership gaps and undefined standards to entitlement, lack of systems, and poor communication. This episode i...

"Send us a message!" A year into renting and still struggling? You’re not alone. In this episode, Todd and Jen break down why so many booth renters and suite owners can’t seem to get ahead — and how to fix it. They’re not anti-rent or anti-suite (far from it).  This is about clarity, accountability, and structure. Whether you’re a year in or just thinking about going solo, this episode g...

"Send us a message!" Too many salon owners start with numbers such as rent prices or commission percentages when hiring and attracting talent. In this episode, Todd and Jen flip the script with a lesson inspired by Steve Jobs: start with the experience and then work backward. Whether you run a commission salon or a booth or suite rental space, you’ll learn how to design an environment wh...

"Send us a message!" In this episode, Todd and Jen tackle one of the biggest challenges salon owners face: staff retention .  Instead of relying on non-compete agreements or fear-based policies, they share practical, proven strategies for building a culture where stylists genuinely want to stay.  From career growth opportunities to education, mentorship, and financial transparency, you’l...

"Send us a message!" In this episode, Todd and Jen are joined by Hello Hair Co. stylists, Brooke and Tori, for a special Q&A session.  Instead of the usual format, the team flips the script—Brooke and Tori bring questions gathered from fellow stylists, salon groups, and their own experiences. From dress codes and business cards to cancellation policies and side hustles.  An honest co...

"Send us a message!" In this episode, Todd and Jen dive into the two pillars of salon growth : retention (keeping clients coming back) and acquisition (bringing in new ones).  Too many salon owners focus on just one—but long-term success requires mastering both. You’ll hear practical strategies, client experience tips, and marketing insights drawn straight from the Hello Hair Co. playboo...

"Send us a message!" In this episode of the Hello Hair Pro Podcast , Todd and Jen tackle one of the most hot-button topics in the hair industry: booth and suite rental vs. commission salons. They break down the hidden costs of going out on your own, the predatory marketing tactics some rental salon owners use, and why many stylists actually make less money renting than they would in a we...

"Send us a message!" In this episode of the Hello Hair Pro Podcast , Todd and Jen unpack the Evolution Trap — the danger salon and barbershop owners face when they stop evolving their business.  Complacency might feel comfortable, but in reality, it leads to shrinking profits, bored staff, and clients who notice when nothing changes. Drawing from their own salon experience and mentoring...

"Send us a message!" Are discounts really the best way to grow your salon? Spoiler: they’re not.  In this episode, Todd and Jen break down why discounting hurts your business long-term and share proven, real-world strategies to fill your books without ever lowering your prices. From rebooking systems and referrals to solving client problems and improving your marketing, this conversation...

"Send us a message!" In this episode, Todd and Jen break down one of the most misunderstood topics in the salon business — price increases.  Forget the blanket $5 rule or the “just raise 3%” advice you’ve seen floating around. Those outdated approaches are costing salons profit, stressing out owners, and undervaluing high-ticket services. What's covered: Why flat-rate or micro-perce...

"Send us a message!" Owning a salon isn’t just about doing great hair—it’s about leading a team, solving problems, and staying steady when chaos strikes.  In this episode, Todd and Jen pull back the curtain on a whirlwind week of running Hello Hair Co. From dealing with a busted dryer, a tough staffing decision, and a convincing scam attempt, to unpacking why so many salon owners fall in...

"Send us a message!" 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...

"Send us a message!" Hiring a stylist is hard. Retaining one is harder. Training them from scratch? That’s where most salon owners throw in the towel.  Todd and Jen believe that’s exactly where the opportunity lies. In this episode, they break down their education funnel—the system they’ve built to train new hires (especially those straight out of cosmetology school) into fully booked, c...