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 transformed over the past five years. What once felt abundant and accessible now requires more effort to discov...
May 15, 2025•21 min
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 away with clarity, encouragement, and ideas for how to grow through whatever season you're in. Follow Abby o...
Apr 17, 2025•35 min
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 is more effective than cold job posts The power of reaching out in your local community (yes, old-s...
Apr 10, 2025•24 min
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 her books too. I’ll walk you through: Why email should be your #1 marketing tool How to repurpose your ...
Apr 03, 2025•28 min
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, you’ll learn: • What a mentor really is (and isn’t) • Different ways to find one—even without a fo...
Mar 27, 2025•23 min
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 Instagram ads. We’re breaking down: ✔️ The biggest mistakes stylists make when trying to book more clien...
Mar 20, 2025•42 min
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 sustainable. In this episode, we’re breaking down why bread & butter clients matter, how to market to th...
Mar 06, 2025•20 min
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 landscape post-graduation • Balancing speed and quality of service • Financial literacy in hairdressing • Bu...
Feb 28, 2025•30 min
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 visibility • Dressing the part to boost confidence • Choosing a supportive salon environment • The need fo...
Feb 20, 2025•42 min
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 experience that keeps people coming back. If Starbucks is making moves, we should be paying attention!...
Feb 13, 2025•26 min
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 awkwardness of minor injuries • The challenge of unexpected bathroom breaks • Stories of clients falling...
Feb 06, 2025•23 min
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 • Exploring the struggles of working while pregnant • Emphasizing the importance of maternity leave plannin...
Jan 30, 2025•24 min
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 from nitpicky clients to enhance experience • The chaos of double bookings and no-shows in salons • ...
Jan 23, 2025•29 min
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 to create a fulfilling career path. • Intentional rest as a daily priority • The importance of authenticity over trends • Un...
Jan 16, 2025•32 min
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 in hair school • Transition from stylist to salon owner at a young age • The surprising challenges of bus...
Jan 09, 2025•32 min
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 drive results—even during slower times. Tune in for actionable tips and game-changing insights that wi...
Dec 19, 2024•23 min
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 communication, and embrace empathy. Explore the power of being impeccable with your words, avoiding assu...
Dec 12, 2024•23 min
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 card sales, holiday raffles, and collaborations to boost cash flow. Learn how to adapt pricing during s...
Dec 05, 2024•23 min
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 effective communication can turn a potential setback into an opportunity to strengthen personal connections and l...
Nov 21, 2024•20 min
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 client experiences. We dive into strategies for managing boundaries, maintaining balance, and makin...
Nov 14, 2024•34 min
Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Feeling overwhelmed by the constant noise and energy of a bustling salon? You're not alone. After years of navigating the chaos, Kelsey finally found solace in a serene workspace, and she's excited to share how you can achieve the same peace of mind. This episode is packed with insights from Kelsey's personal journey, exploring the triggers of overstimulation in salon environments and offering practical strategies to manage them. From...
Oct 31, 2024•17 min
Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! In this episode, Kelsey Morris shares the behind-the-scenes of opening her new salon, Sydney Co 2.0. From her proudest achievements to the tough lessons learned along the way, Kelsey offers a candid look at the highs and lows of expanding her business. Tune in to hear how she navigated challenges, built a strong team, and created a space that reflects her vision, all while embracing the unexpected twists that come with growth. Whether...
Oct 24, 2024•27 min
Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Ever feel like your phone is a ball and chain, keeping you tethered to work even when you're supposed to be off the clock? You're not alone. Many hairstylists face the challenge of setting boundaries with clients, fearing the risk of losing business or appearing unprofessional. In this episode, we share personal stories of how constant client communication can disrupt personal time, offering practical solutions like dedicated business...
Oct 17, 2024•24 min
Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Back with a follow-up to the WSJ's take on salon pricing! This episode, Abby and Kelsey dive into your reactions from our recent reel discussing the article. We're addressing your comments and shedding more light on why hairstylists are justified in adjusting their prices in line with inflation. Join us as we continue the conversation, highlighting your insights and reinforcing the need for fair pricing in the beauty industry. Follow ...
Sep 26, 2024•31 min
Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Why the shock over salon price hikes? This episode, Abby and Kesley take on the Wall Street Journal's portrayal of rising salon prices in an article that subtly questions why hairstylists should adjust their rates amidst widespread inflation. We dive deep into the real costs and necessary adjustments hairstylists face to sustain their businesses. From necessary no-show fees to fair pricing for essential services, we discuss why these ...
Sep 19, 2024•21 min
Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Struggling with the slow back-to-school season? Catch the latest episode of the Messy Hairstylist Podcast where we tackle seasonal slowdowns. Learn why business dips and how to navigate these challenges with effective strategies and creative promotions like "Mommy and Me" days. Plus, get details on the upcoming Blonde Catalyst Tour in Columbus, Ohio. Tune in for essential tips to keep your salon bustling all year round! Follow Abby on...
Sep 05, 2024•24 min
Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Ready to expand your team in a rental salon? Join Kelsey and Abby as they discuss strategies for attracting top stylists to your space. Learn how to highlight your salon's unique qualities, leverage glowing testimonials, and offer educational opportunities to create an attractive and supportive environment. This episode offers practical tips for thriving in a competitive market and building a cohesive salon team. Tune in for valuable ...
Aug 29, 2024•28 min
Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Looking for tools that make salon life a breeze? Tune into our latest podcast episode where we dive into our current favorite gadgets and gear. We discuss how these essentials not only simplify our workflows but also enhance the overall salon experience. From cutting-edge styling tools to must-have salon tech, get the inside scoop on what’s making our work easier and more efficient. Join us for some practical insights and product high...
Aug 22, 2024•23 min
Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Ever wondered how to take your hair color from bland to breathtaking? Abby and I have got you covered! In this episode, we reveal the secrets behind adding depth to hair color using techniques like balayage, foils, shadow roots, and melts. We'll help you decode what clients really mean when they say they want to "go dark" and show you how to differentiate between simply adding darkness and truly creating depth. Follow Abby on Instagra...
Aug 15, 2024•26 min
Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Hesitant about hiring an assistant? Dive into this episode of the Messy Hairstylist Podcast, where Abby shares how taking the leap transformed her business and increased client satisfaction. We discuss the fears many salon owners face—from disappointing clients to making strategic hires—and how Abby overcame these to find the perfect assistant. Learn how this move not only alleviated her stress but also improved her salon's operations...
Aug 08, 2024•29 min
