The Messy Hairstylist

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Bright hair doesn’t happen by accident; it happens when you choose your toner with purpose. We unpack a simple system that turns toning from confusing to clear: identify the true lift after the rinse, read the remaining pigment, then decide whether you’re neutralizing, refining, or enhancing. Along the way, we call out common traps—like...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! We’re pulling back the curtain on what it really costs to “make it” in the salon industry. From decision fatigue and imposter syndrome to mom guilt, comparison traps, and the physical toll of staying booked and busy—we’re talking about it all. Plus, a peek into our NYC trip, a standout class in New Jersey, and how we’re redefining succe...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! This week, we’re calling out color bowl personalities—because @domyhairdrew nailed it and we had to weigh in. If you've ever felt seen (or personally attacked) by your styling tools, this one’s for you. 🎨💀 Watch the Reel we're talking about 👉 @domyhairdrew’s post Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther Follow...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Kelsey and Abby are back from summer break with fresh energy and big updates. From their new partnership with Sunlights to the back-to-school rush that’s busier than the holidays, they share real talk on balancing life, salon chaos, and smarter marketing. This one’s packed with relatable stories and tips to keep your chair full—without...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Ever feel like quality hairstyling education has become impossible to find? You're not alone. After a brief podcast hiatus (our sincere apologies!), we're tackling the dramatically changed landscape of professional education while sharing our excitement about teaching at the Orlando Premiere Show. The education ecosystem has t...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Every stylist goes through seasons—times of rapid growth, total burnout, quiet rebuilding, or big, bold change. In this episode, we’re breaking down the four phases of a stylist’s career (spring, summer, fall, and winter) and what each one can teach you. Whether you're just starting out or feeling the urge to pivot, you’ll walk awa...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! In this “Dear Messy” episode, Abby and Kelsey team up to answer a message from a nail tech who’s opening a full salon — but struggling to find the right team. Together, they unpack practical, creative, and realistic ways to approach hiring in 2025, including: How to brand your salon to attract stylists who fit Why building relationships...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! I booked 6 new clients in 2 weeks. My Protégé Stylist booked 5.  And the best part? We didn’t spend a dime on ads. In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the super simple email + social media strategy I’ve been using since December that’s finally paying off—and how using the same exact strategy helped Cede, a brand-new stylist, fill he...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! It’s just Abby on the mic today while Kelsey is enjoying spring break with her kids—and we’re diving into a super real question from a listener: “How do I find a mentor?” Abby’s sharing how she went over 10 years in her career before finding her first true mentor and how mentorship doesn’t always look the way you expect. In this episode...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Are you tired of relying on word-of-mouth and hoping new clients magically find you? In this episode, We are sitting down with Stephanie Mitchell , marketing expert and Instagram & Facebook ads strategist for beauty pros. She’s sharing exactly how hairstylists can go from overlooked to overbooked in just 30 days using strategic Inst...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! No one’s asking, “How do I market to my bread & butter clients?” anymore. It’s all about the big blonding transformations—but is that really the best long-term strategy? So many stylists are ditching gray coverage and routine color clients from their menus, but those are the ones who keep your books steady and your business sustaina...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Kelsey and Abby unpack the reality of transitioning from beauty school to salon life, tackling essential topics that aren't covered in classrooms. They dive into emotional intelligence, finding the right job, managing finances, and building client loyalty. • Importance of emotional intelligence for stylists  • Navigating the job la...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! This episode of Messy Hairstylist Podcast explores actionable strategies for stylist success, particularly for those returning after a career break. We discuss essential tools like mindset, visibility, the right salon environment, competitive pricing, networking, and effective client retention methods.  • Importance of mindset and visib...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Starbucks just made some bold changes—trimming their menu, reimagining the customer experience, and bringing back small but impactful touches. But what does this have to do with hairstylists? A LOT. In this episode, We are breaking down how these shifts apply to your salon business, from simplifying your services to creating a client ex...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! This episode dives into the hilarious and embarrassing moments that happen in salons, highlighting the messy side of hairstyling that stylists often never talk about. Kelsey and Abbey share personal stories while encouraging listeners to find humor in their own salon blunders. • Discussing embarrassing salon mishaps  • Unpacking the awk...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! This episode explores the balancing act of being a hairstylist and a mother, addressing the guilt and challenges that come with managing both roles. We delve into strategies for coping with maternity leave expectations, emotional struggles, and the realities of returning to work.  • Discussing the guilt of leaving a baby for work  • Exp...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! We explore the everyday challenges hairstylists face from silent clients to nitpickers. By engaging in fun “Would You Rather” scenarios, we unpack the lessons learned from client interactions and offer practical tips for connecting with those we service. • The tension of silent clients and their impact on stylists • Navigating feedback...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Embracing the spirit of a new year, this episode discusses what's "in" and "out" for hairstylists in 2025, centering on intentional rest, financial awareness, and nurturing client relationships. As stylists, we explore the significance of authenticity over trends and the balance of leadership in salon management...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Morgan, a 25-year-old salon owner, shares her journey from a young stylist to a business owner, emphasizing that financial success does not guarantee happiness. The discussion touches on the importance of finding purpose beyond profit, achieving balance, and nurturing connections in a fulfilling career.  • Morgan's early experience...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! What if the key to skyrocketing your salon’s success in 2025 was right in front of you? In this episode, we dive into why nurturing your current clients is the smartest strategy for sustainable growth. From exclusive VIP perks to creative loyalty ideas, discover how focusing on client retention can boost satisfaction, save money, and dr...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Discover how The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz can transform your salon's culture and dynamics. In this episode, we share personal stories of transitioning to a more structured, values-driven approach that fosters growth and harmony. With insights from fellow salon owner Morgan, learn to navigate diverse personalities, improve...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! How can hairstylists maintain financial stability during the hectic holiday season or unexpected challenges? This episode of The Messy Hairstylist Podcast dives into personal stories of navigating illness, financial stress, and client demands while offering practical tips for resilience. Discover strategies like passive income, gift car...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! How does a seemingly small $5 price increase have the power to impact client relationships in today's hairstyling industry? Join us as Hunter returns to share insights on navigating the challenges of price transparency amidst economic uncertainty, offering a vital perspective on maintaining trust with clients. Discover how effectiv...

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Join us on The Messy Hairstylist Podcast with Hunter Donia as we explore how hairstylists can streamline growth and prevent burnout by embracing technology. Hunter, a business educator and independent stylist, shares his journey from brand educator to salon suite owner, revealing how automated systems can simplify operations and enhance...