The Modern Hairstylist ™ Podcast

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia and marketing expert Jodie Brown to dive into the must-have skills for hairstylists to thrive in 2025. From streamlining client communication to embracing technology and setting healthy boundaries, they cover everything you need to stay relevant and protect your energy while delivering an outstanding client experience. If you’re...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia and marketing expert Jodie Brown break down why specializing as a hairstylist isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity for success in 2025. The days of trying to appeal to everyone are over. If you want to attract high-quality clients, build long-term loyalty, and grow your income year over year, niching down is the key. Hunter and J...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia sits down with hairstylist marketing expert and co-host Jodie Brown to break down what it really takes to stand out as a hairstylist in 2025. With social media becoming more saturated than ever, simply posting pretty hair pictures isn’t enough to attract and book your dream clients. Hunter shares the most effective strategies fo...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia sits down with branding expert and creative director Marisa Burgett to talk all things branding photoshoots —why they matter, how to make them truly represent your brand, and how to make the process fun instead of overwhelming. If you've been putting off getting professional branding photos because you're unsure about...

Retention isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept, especially for hairstylists running unique business models. In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , we’re challenging the traditional ideas of success and diving into why a low-retention clientele doesn’t have to mean low revenue—or failure. If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most out of clients who only see you once or twice, this epis...

Are you ready to elevate your approach to working with texture and redefine what efficiency looks like behind the chair? In this episode, Hunter sits down with the legendary Keya Neal to discuss the nuances of textured hair, common time-wasters, and actionable ways to enhance client experiences while preserving your energy and time. This lively, no-holds-barred conversation is packed with insights...

Goal setting as a hairstylist isn’t about chasing arbitrary benchmarks or comparing yourself to others—it’s about creating a vision for your life and building a business that supports it. In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , Hunter breaks down a simple yet powerful framework for setting meaningful goals that align with what you truly want, without getting bogged down by anyone else’...

In this high-energy episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , Hunter Donia welcomes the queen of Instagram herself, Jamie Dana! Together, they unravel the real tea about using Instagram as a hairstylist in 2025. With social media trends evolving faster than ever, this conversation is packed with insights into what’s working right now and how to keep your strategy simple and impactful. 💡 What Yo...

Today we're diving in on the scariest part of running your own business... taxes! Michelle and I are breaking down what an S-Corp even is and how it can help you when it comes to the dreaded tax time. Tune in to hear all the in's and out's of what you should be doing to help make your business more profitable this tax season! Let's connect on Instagram!

How do you know if your business is ready for a price increase? It’s not just about being booked solid—it’s about the type of clients filling your books. In this episode, we dive into the concept of Client Concentration Risk and break down how your client mix impacts your pricing, stability, and long-term success. You’ll learn: Why relying on a small number of high-ticket clients can be both rewar...

Welcome to another episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast ! Today, Hunter explores a revolutionary shift in the hairstyling industry that could redefine how clients find their dream stylists—and how you can position yourself to thrive. You’ll hear a story that will make you rethink the way clients are discovering hairstylists today. Plus, Hunter dives into a trend that’s no longer “on the horiz...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia dives into the marketing missteps that might be holding independent hairstylists back from attracting new clients. If you’ve ever felt like your marketing efforts aren’t delivering results—whether it’s through social media, your website, or local outreach—this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you optimize your...

Welcome back to The Modern Hairstylist Podcast ! Chronic reschedulers, constant cancellers, and repeat latecomers can wreak havoc on your salon schedule—but dealing with them doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In this episode, I’m sharing effective strategies for managing these challenging client behaviors while maintaining professionalism and protecting your boundaries. We’ll go beyond the basics of...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia shares strategies for hairstylists who are feeling burned out or overwhelmed by the demands of running a business. If you're struggling to balance behind-the-chair work with the constant hustle of business growth, this episode is for you. Hunter discusses how to take a break from your business without letting it stagnate or...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , Hunter Donia dives into the potential effects of a Trump presidency on the beauty industry. This candid and analytical discussion explores how policies on tariffs, tax cuts, healthcare, immigration, and deregulation could shape the cost of doing business, consumer behavior, and the overall landscape of the beauty profession. Hunter shares both th...

In this week's episode of The Modern Hairstylist, I'm diving into five key lessons I learned while scaling a multi-six-figure beauty business. Whether you're running a busy chair or eyeing new avenues for growth, these insights will be game-changers. We'll talk about evolving from simply building a stable client base to making strategic decisions that push your business to the...

Welcome back to The Modern Hairstylist Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into essential time management strategies to help you stay focused, organized, and productive as an independent hairstylist. We know that balancing client appointments with managing your business can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can stay on top of it all without the stress. Starting with a powerful...

Welcome back to The Modern Hairstylist Podcast! As the holiday rush hits, it’s essential to protect your well-being while managing the unique demands this season brings. In this episode, we dive into boundary-setting strategies that every independent hairstylist should have in their toolkit to prevent burnout and keep the focus on what matters most. We’ll talk about the importance of taking time f...

The holiday season is officially upon us, and for many beauty professionals, it's the busiest time of year. But does busy have to mean burnout? In this special re-air, we dive into how to maximize your profit during the holidays—without working more hours or sacrificing your well-being. In this episode, we’ll unpack why this time of year brings such a rush of clients and why it’s not just abo...

As we approach 2025, client expectations are shifting, and independent hairstylists need to be prepared. In this episode, I dive into the latest trends shaping our industry, including the importance of price transparency and how to adapt your pricing strategy to build trust. We’ll also explore how creating content that connects directly with your clients’ pain points can set you apart, and why sho...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , Hunter Donia dives deep into a game-changing topic that many hairstylists overlook: the massive potential of selling retail products and add-ons. Hunter starts by asking a thought-provoking question: What would an extra $10,000 in revenue do for you? He emphasizes that this isn't a distant dream, but an achievable reality by spending just a...

LEARN MORE ABOUT PRE-VISIT PATHWAY In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia breaks down the key challenges hairstylists face in their journey to success and how adopting systems and automations can revolutionize their careers. Whether you're just starting out or navigating the next level of your business, understanding these two critical phases will help you achie...

Welcome back to The Modern Hairstylist podcast! Today, we’re diving into a topic that can make or break your client relationships—response time. In a world where instant communication is expected, being slow to respond to new or existing clients can cost you business. But here's the thing: you don't need to be available 24/7 to provide great customer service. Instead, it's all about...

Are you spending too much time perfecting your client experience but still struggling to get new clients? In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, we talk through the biggest distraction in our industry that’s holding you back from growing your clientele. While an incredible client experience is essential, it's not the key to attracting new clients—especially if you’re focusing on t...

If you're finding yourself in the challenging position of being so booked that you can't fit in new clients, this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast is a must-listen for you. While it may seem like a great problem to have, being unable to accommodate new clients can actually be a significant hurdle to your growth and future stability. In this episode, we dive into practical strate...