The Modern Hairstylist ™ Podcast

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia speaks to impact driven beauty professionals who feel torn between doing good and getting paid. If headlines about billionaires and broken systems have made you second guess your pricing or feel guilty about profit, this conversation will help you separate ethical business from harmful practices so you can protect your livelihood...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia walks you through the 2025 booking‑software landscape, breaking down why the “best” platform isn’t about the cheapest subscription or flashiest AI feature, but about how well it actually works for you and your clients. Hunter compares today’s most talked about systems, shares the must have features that still get overlooked (hello, tw...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast Hunter Donia and cohost Jodie Brown unpack the psychology that makes a seventy‑five dollar Labubu doll sold‑out Addison Rae tickets and a last minute Yosemite campsite feel worth every penny, then translate those same forces into booking and pricing strategies behind the chair. From limited booking windows that nudge indecisive clients to click “Bo...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter sits down with independent, brand‑agnostic educator Brenda Amaral to unpack the chemistry truths that help stylists cut waste, get predictable results, and stop fear‑buying shelves full of “just in case” tubes. Brenda pulls back the curtain on the tariff panic, “stock up now” messaging, and ammonia‑free buzzwords that keep colorists spendin...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown break down one of the most common mistakes stylists make when trying to grow their clientele, and how it could be stopping new clients from ever finding you. As more stylists aim to stand out with unique service offerings and specialties, it’s easy to get caught up in niche language, trendy techniques, or add-on servic...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown open up about the all-too-familiar experience of building your beauty business from a place of fear, and how to shift toward something more empowering and sustainable. From spiraling over client feedback to making reactive business decisions, Hunter shares his personal mindset struggles as an entrepreneur and the hard...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown unpack one of the biggest challenges stylists are facing in 2025: feeling maxed out with nothing to show for it. If you’re working nonstop but your income, energy, or momentum aren’t growing—it’s probably not because you’re lazy. It’s because you’re spending your time in the wrong places (and no one ever taught you wha...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown talk through a deep dive into the real way hairstylists should be using AI in their business and what to avoid if you want your content to still sound like you . After airing out their AI frustrations in a recent episode, " Why ChatGPT is Trash ," Hunter and Jodie are back with a more strategic conversation a...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia is joined by the one and only J Ladner for a fiery and empowering conversation about the real key to working faster behind the chair— confidence-led efficiency . If you’re constantly running behind, overfoiling to “prove” yourself, or stuck in outdated techniques that are burning you out—this episode is your wake-up call. Jay breaks d...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia is joined by Lisa Huff and Jodie Brown for a brutally honest (and hilarious) conversation about the risks and realities of using ChatGPT and AI tools in your beauty business. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is helping or hurting your brand voice, marketing, and client experience—this episode is for you. Together, they unpack the wa...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and branding educator Jodie Brown dig into an emotional but all-too-relatable topic: imposter syndrome. Even after you've built a thriving business, hit major milestones, or earned respect in the industry—why does that self-doubt still creep in? This episode takes an honest look at how imposter syndrome evolves (not disappea...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia speaks directly to independent hairstylists who’ve already built a thriving business—but are left wondering what’s next. If you’ve filled your books, hit your revenue goals, and created a loyal client base, this episode is your next step roadmap. Hunter unpacks how to leverage the success you’ve built to open new doors in your bu...

In one of the most special episodes we’ve ever done on The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , I’m joined by a powerhouse panel—our Modern Stylist Mastermind cohort. These are not just any beauty professionals. These are the salon owners, estheticians, and stylists who have turned “just doing hair” into running empires . If you’ve ever felt like you’re too advanced for generic coaching or you’re sick of...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia gets real about what it actually takes to stay productive as an independent hairstylist—especially when you're feeling completely overwhelmed. If your to-do list feels never-ending, you're juggling behind-the-chair hours with big business projects, and motivation is nowhere to be found, this episode is the tough-love p...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia dives into the rising trust gap between hairstylists and their clients—and what independent stylists can do to repair it. From price confusion to boundary backlash, Hunter unpacks the real reasons clients are questioning the salon industry and how stylists can respond with strategy (not snark). Joined by marketing expert Jodie B...

Register for the Client Experience Glow-Up Party here: https://hunterdonia.com/party In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia unpacks how independent hairstylists can transform their pre-visit experience to match the modern client’s expectations in 2025. If you’re struggling with last-minute cancellations, slow bookings, or clients hesitant about your pricing, this epi...

With everything feeling heavy—from the world to the beauty industry to our own nervous systems—it’s easy to fall into hustle mode, clinging to surface-level strategies in hopes they’ll fix everything. But here’s the truth: your business doesn’t need another bougie amenity. It needs you . In this heartfelt, truth-packed episode, I’m unpacking what really makes clients stick around, spend more, and...

Register for the Client Experience Glow-Up Party here: https://hunterdonia.com/party In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia dives into the question so many independent hairstylists are asking in 2025: Do I really need social media to grow my clientele? If you’ve ever felt burnt out, overwhelmed, or just plain tired of posting to Instagram without seeing results, this...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia shares why retail sales and service add-ons aren’t just extra income—they’re critical tools for independent hairstylists looking to grow sustainably in 2025. If you’ve ever felt “salesy” recommending products or you’re unsure if retail is worth your time, this episode is a must-listen. Joined by marketing expert Jodie Brown , Hu...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown unpack a hot topic in the beauty industry: Are your salon policies actually hurting your client experience? If you’ve ever struggled with enforcing cancellation fees, setting boundaries around no-shows, or wondering whether your policies are driving clients away—this conversation is for you. Hunter dives in...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia and special guest Jodie Brown break down the four essential systems that every independent hairstylist needs in place to scale sustainably in 2025. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the hats you wear as a beauty business owner—marketing, client care, admin, and more—this episode will help you get clarity on where to focu...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown dives into one of the most emotionally charged topics for independent hairstylists: raising your prices. If you’ve ever felt guilty, nervous, or totally unsure about how to raise your rates—especially in uncertain times—this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to increase your pricing the right way. Hunter br...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia shares the full process of how he built a fully booked salon suite in just three months, even after relocating to a completely new area with no existing clientele. If you’re an independent hairstylist looking to fill your books fast—without burnout—this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you do just that. From...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia is joined by marketing expert Jodie Brown to break down exactly how independent hairstylists can position themselves to stand out in a saturated market — and confidently charge premium prices in 2025. With client expectations evolving and competition fiercer than ever, offering great hair isn’t enough. Hunter shares the strategi...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia and marketing expert Jodie Brown tackle a hot topic in the hairstylist community—should independent hairstylists consider returning to commission salons? With rising burnout, increasing client expectations, and the ever-growing responsibilities of running a business, some stylists are wondering if the structure and support of a...