How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry

EP344: Trevor Sorbie MBE 1949-2024 Nov 15, 2024

Welcome to a special episode of the How To Cut It podcast. Today we are marking the sad passing of an extraordinary figure in the world of hairdressing, Trevor Sorbie MBE.

Trevor Sorbie MBE, who was born in Paisley, Scotland in 1949 and rose to become one of the most influential hairdressers of all time. With unparalleled creativity and kindness, Trevor left an indelible mark on our industry. From creating iconic styles like the wedge cut to establishing the charitable foundation, My New Hair, his work transformed hairdressing into both an art and a form of heartfelt care.

In this episode, we’re revisiting an incredible conversation recorded back in August 2017—Trevor’s first-ever podcast interview. Trevor shared with me his humble beginnings and his unwavering passion for the craft, which remained with him throughout his remarkable journey.

Trevor was much more than a stylist; he was a visionary whose artistry continues to inspire us. He taught us to “be bold, be different, but always do everything in good taste.” Today, we celebrate his remarkable contributions and honor his legacy. Thank you, Trevor, for everything.

Trevor Sorbie MBE, 1949 – 2024.

Enjoy this special episode.

EP343: Don’t Let Your Condition Hold You Back with Craig Parkinson Nov 07, 2024

In today’s episode, I’m to bring you the inspiring journey of Craig Parkinson, a hairdresser who has carved out a successful career despite the ongoing challenge of a stammer.

I first met Craig at an event I hosted in 2016. He was taking to the stage for the first time ever, presenting a look he had created. That’s nothing special, you might say. But what made it memorable for me was that Craig had a stammer, and by presenting on stage he was facing his fear in front of an audience. I was full of admiration for him when I saw what he had accomplished on stage that night, and I wanted to catch up with Craig since that event. How’s his career shaping whilst dealing with a stammer?

In our conversation today Craig opens up about his personal experiences dealing with a stammer, from early hurdles in professional and social settings to the transformative moments that shaped his path. We’ll take a closer look at Craig’s unique strategies for managing his stammer, like the time he confronted his reflection in a shop full of mirrors, turning a challenging situation into a moment of self-growth.

You’ll get to discover the techniques he’s developed to thrive under pressure and the confidence he’s built to communicate effectively in this vibrant industry. Craig also candidly discusses the apprehension many feel about phone conversations and how he overcame this particular challenge.

Beyond the stammer, Craig sheds light on his early foray into business, sharing insights on tackling the feeling of never having enough hours in the day and the treasure trove of lessons learned from working independently.

This episode is not only about resilience and determination but also about embracing transparency and self-acceptance. Craig’s experiences serve as a beacon of hope for any of you facing personal challenges—urging you to be open, persevere through discomfort, and stay true to your passions. Tune in for an episode that’s sure to inspire and illustrate how obstacles can indeed become opportunities.

EP342: Charlie Taylor – Caring About the Hair and Scalp Health of Those We Serve Oct 28, 2024

Today in collaboration with Wella Professionals, I’m honoured to welcome to the podcast Charlie Taylor, three-time Scottish Hairdresser of the Year and British Hairdressing Hall of Fame icon. From her formative years with Trevor Sorbie to co-running renowned salons in Perth and Dundee with her husband Alastair, Charlie has consistently set the bar for hairdressing excellence, making her mark both nationally and internationally.

Today, Charlie introduces us to Careologist by Wella Professionals, a program dear to Charlie’s heart, aimed at elevating hairdressers’ grasp on hair and scalp care. This ties beautifully into our focus on Menopause, Hair, and Scalp Health, as part of recognising World Menopause Awareness Month. Charlie passionately shares her insights on addressing menopausal hair issues and the significance of understanding hair health during menopause.

Charlie also shares how System Professional’s range of products helps assist stylists and clients alike during this transformative phase.

Before we get to all of this, I was keen to open up our conversation by learning about Charlie’s voyage through the dynamics of hairdressing. She does this beautifully by emphasising with me the importance of solid foundational training and the early influences that shaped her.

Charlie’s competitive spirit and ambition, combined with her strategies for marrying creativity with business acumen in the salons she has built, shines through.

But most of all, this episode today is about to broaden your horizon on client hair and scalp care—especially how menopause affects the hair with Charlie sharing a very clear message: “We should care deeply about the hair and scalp health of those we serve.”.

So get ready for a conversation with Charlie Taylor, who will share her key tips and wonderful advice.

EP341: Launching the See Me Aprons Brand While Working Behind the Chair with Vivienne Blake Oct 21, 2024

In this episode, I have the privilege of chatting with Vivienne Blake—a name maybe not familiar to you but someone who came to my attention as a member of our How To Cut It Platform Community. Vivienne has not only carved a unique path in our industry as the owner of her boutique salon and an independent educator, but also launched her innovative product—See Me Aprons—all while balancing these roles.

Vivienne shares a journey that began with dreams of high-fashion work, but life had other plans. A chance opportunity led her to Vidal Sassoon salon, where she honed her skills and laid the groundwork for her future endeavours.

Vivienne is a brilliant example of how a career in hairdressing can be both transformative and pivotal—something I’m always thrilled to champion. Her journey showcases the incredible flexibility this industry offers. From working with a global hair brand, she navigated the profound challenge of returning home to care for her father. This led her to ingeniously convert a bathroom into a makeshift salon. Following this, she established a charming boutique salon, shared her passion for haircutting as an independent educator, and then launching her own product line, See Me Aprons. Truly inspiring!

Vivienne’s story could help you take the next step in your own journey, whether that’s launching a product line or creating a tool for the industry. But it isn’t easy—and Vivienne will share some of her obstacles with us. But if you dig deep, it could pave the way for opportunities—something that Vivienne is now experiencing as her see Me Aprons are being sold in leading hairdressing wholesalers.

This is precisely what I adore about our industry: with a spark of an idea, boundless energy, passion, and staying power, you can achieve anything. Who ever said hairdressing is a stagnant career? Absolutely not!

I love bringing inspiring members of our Platform Community, like Vivienne, onto the podcast. Her entrepreneurial journey and her resilience and adaptability serve as a testament to what can be achieved while working behind the chair and running a salon.

Be inspired and enjoy!

EP340: Sean Hanna – Why Taking Calculated Risks & Planning for Your Exit Strategy Are Essential Sep 30, 2024

In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Sean Hanna—the visionary behind the leading salon group, Sean Hanna Salon Group. Sean is here to share with us his incredible story, from opening his first salon to building a successful salon empire. We delve into his journey, exploring the challenges he overcame and the pivotal moments that fuelled the growth of his business.

We are to get a treasure trove of entrepreneurial wisdom from Sean, emphasising the importance of blending creativity with financial acumen, managing risks, and evaluating business opportunities. He also discusses his transition from being a hands-on hairdresser to a strategic business owner, providing invaluable insights for those looking to make a similar shift.

One of the key highlights of this episode is Sean’s approach to taking calculated risks. He explains how understanding and managing risks can significantly impact the success of your business, sharing practical advice on navigating uncertainties and making informed decisions.

We also explore the evolving landscape of the hairdressing industry, and Sean shares his perspective on the new business models for the hair industry. Additionally, Sean stresses the need for a clear exit strategy, offering tips on planning for retirement and achieving long-term financial freedom.

This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for current salon owners and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. Tune in to gain actionable insights and elevate your salon business know-how with Sean Hanna!

Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review.

EP339: Little Princess Trust—Giving Hair and Hope to Children with Cancer. Sep 23, 2024

Im thrilled to welcome back Wendy Tarplee-Morris, the co-founder, and Phil Brace, the CEO, of the Little Princess Trust, a charity that holds a special place in all our hearts. Wendy and Phil are two amazing people who have drive, compassion, and leadership.

Since its inception by Wendy 20 years ago, the Little Princess Trust has provided over thousands of free, real-hair wigs to children and young people facing the unimaginable challenge of hair loss due to cancer treatment and other conditions. But their mission extends beyond the wigs; they also fund vital research into childhood cancers.

Our conversation today ranges from the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Little Princess Trust to the significant role of the hair industry in supporting their work, the process of creating these lifelines from donations, and how every snip and trim could contribute to something powerful.

Back in 2022, Wendy and Phil shared insights into the Little Princess Trust partnership with Great Lengths on the How To Cut It podcast, and today they’re back to dive deeper into what makes the Little Princess Trust truly unique.

Now, more than ever, let’s get behind the Little Princess Trust. The 20th year for the Little Princess Trust is a milestone that marks great achievements and sets the stage for future aspirations. As hairdressers, we can create smiles and provide comfort by partnering with the Little Princess Trust. Let’s continue to support, donate, and raise awareness for this incredible cause.

Tune in to hear how you can make a difference to the wonderful work that the Little Princess Trust is doing.

EP338: Passionate Profit with Alan Austin-Smith Sep 10, 2024

In this motivational episode of the How To Cut It podcast, we welcome back Alan Austin-Smith, the influential figure behind The Fantastic Hairdresser . Alan’s teachings and coaching have transformed countless salon businesses and hairdressing careers worldwide. Known for his dynamic approach to merging passion with profitability, Alan brings a treasure trove of insights and actionable strategies that promise to illuminate the path for salon owners and hairdressers toward not just surviving but thriving in their endeavours.

Throughout this conversation, Alan unravels the concept of the ‘Profit Elephant’, a metaphor embodying the often-overlooked opportunities for profitability within the salon environment. This concept is a beacon for salon owners navigating the complexities of the current market, ensuring they don’t just survive but thrive by addressing the ‘elephant’ in the room – understanding and implementing practical profitability strategies without compromising their creative integrity. “The biggest wins often come from addressing what we’re most hesitant to confront,” Alan insightfully notes, encouraging a proactive approach to financial health and sustainability in salons.

Additionally, the episode covers the revolutionary ‘Pub and Office Mindset’, a fresh perspective on cultivating a vibrant salon culture that balances professionalism with the warmth and camaraderie of a local pub.

You’ll come away from this episode equipped with actionable strategies and a renewed mindset towards leadership, culture, and profitability, directly addressing the unique challenges facing our industry. Alan’s quotes, “Profitability starts with the heart,” and “It’s about leading with purpose,” encapsulate the essence of balancing passion with profitability. This conversation promises to ignite all of you with a vision and tools for success in today’s ever-evolving hairdressing landscape.

EP337: Sonia Magnier – Enhancing Wellbeing for Salon Professionals Sep 02, 2024

In this week’s episode, I’m inviting the expertise of Sonia Magnier — a transformative holistic wellbeing coach for salon professionals. This conversation is crucial for anyone in the hair industry seeking to reprioritise their own wellbeing without sacrificing their passion for their work.

Sonia Magnier, through her journey from salon ownership to coaching, divulges the critical need for energy management and cultivating a culture that actively supports wellbeing. She articulately lays out the consequences of overcommitment, a familiar adversary in our trade. “One of my biggest challenges throughout the years has been overcommitting,” she shares, highlighting a struggle many of us face in silence.

Training her focus on proactive self-care, Sonia discusses the profound impact of starting the day right. She advocates for building daily habits that propel us forward, recommending inspiring reads like ‘The Miracle Morning’ and ‘Atomic Habits’. These resources pave the path for lasting, impactful change.

Sonia implores the significance of setting boundaries—both personally and professionally. “You could, why would you though? What’s the why?” she questions, prompting you to dig into the deeper motivations behind your choices. Her philosophy extends to the digital realm, offering sage advice on managing social media’s encroachment on our downtime.

Expect to leave this episode with actionable insights and a renewed perspective on the intersection of hairdressing and wellbeing.

For salon owners and hairdressers who understand the necessity of wellbeing, Sonia’s expertise isn’t just beneficial—it’s imperative. I firmly believe in Sonia’s message: “I want to shout it from the rooftops, the importance of this.” Let’s amplify it together.

EP336: Your Guide to Hair Loss Prevention and Maintaining a Healthy Scalp with Leading Trichologist Mark Blake Aug 26, 2024

August is National Hair Loss Awareness Month, so for this episode we dive deep with Mark Blake — a globally recognised Harley Street trichologist advising celebrities, media & everyday people in the intricate world of hair loss and scalp care.

In collaboration with Wella Professionals UKI and Nioxin, Mark will take us on an engaging conversation about differential diagnosis—how to pinpoint the root causes of hair thinning and loss. Intriguingly, he’ll also discuss how the scent of our hair and scalp can unveil vital clues about scalp health.

Mark is passionate that hairdressers should be knowledgeable about trichology, which will help you serve your clients more effectively. He also shares strategies for preventing hair loss with the aid of Nioxin.

Moreover, Mark underscores the significance of scalp health, advocating for treating the scalp with as much care as any other body part, and discusses the indispensable role us hairdressers play in early detection of scalp cancer.

Highlighting Nioxin’s forthcoming innovative Anti Hair Loss Serum and Night Density Rescue products for scalp and hair care, Mark advocates for proactive discussions about hair loss between hairdressers and clients. He also shares about the ‘The Fascinating World of Trichology‘ course offered by Wella Professionals, Mark says, “It’s like a two-year course in a day.”

This episode isn’t just a conversation; it’s a step forward in the crusade against hair loss, illuminating the path for professionals and sufferers alike towards healthier hair and scalp. Join Mark with his unwavering dedication, inspiring a new wave of awareness and hope in the landscape of hair loss and scalp health.

If the follicle opening is still open, there is hope. – Mark Blake

EP335: Classic Rerun – Lee Stafford, from Living Room Haircuts to Industry Legend! Aug 13, 2024

Today, we’re jumping in the time machine to revisit an epic episode from April 2017 with the legendary Lee Stafford.

In this throwback, we uncover Lee’s transformation from humble beginnings in his mother’s living room to becoming an icon in hairdressing. “I’ve always believed that to be the best, you’ve got to learn from the best,” Lee shares, revealing his passion for mentorship and the art of honing your craft alongside the crème de la crème.

Diving into Lee’s passion for educational, we explored the Lee Stafford Education (LSE), his game-changing initiative to elevate hairdressing training in partnership with colleges. He breaks down his ‘recipe’ approach – a foolproof formula to ensure every student gets a standardised, top-notch education. “It’s all about consistency and clarity,” he asserts, sharing his journey from ideation to flawless execution in partnership with college principals.

Recounting tales with industry icons and his stint on “Celebrity Scissorhands,” Lee’s anecdotes come peppered with wit and wisdom. “You’ve got to have a laugh, but remember the work you put in is what you get out,” he says, reflecting on his grounded personality and the humour that helped shape his colourful career.

As we wrap up, Lee’s ambition shines bright as he talked about the future. He dreams of stretching the LSE network and continuing to revolutionise hairdressing pedagogy. Emphasising “passion, commitment, and relentless pursuit of excellence,” he leaves us armed with motivation and the powerful message that mentorship is the key to spectacular success.

In this classic episode, Lee Stafford doesn’t just share his story; he’s here to ignite a fire in the heart of every aspiring hairdressers. Get ready to be inspired, folks – this is one for the books!

EP334: The Niche World of Competition Hairdressing with Dody Constantinou Aug 05, 2024

Are you a hairdresser or barber with a passion for pushing the boundaries of your craft? Have you ever wondered what it takes to not just participate but shine in the competitive world of competition hairdressing? Yes then this is a podcast episode you don’t want to miss.

Join me as I sit down with Dody Constantinou, a formidable force in the competition hairdressing circuit. Dody’s journey isn’t just any story – it’s a legacy of passion, dedication, and remarkable achievements passed down through generations, starting from his grandfather, who was the first to clinch an international medal for Great Britain in 1963. With a family history rich in competitive success, Dody not only carries forward this tradition but also deeply understands the heart and soul of what makes a champion in this highly competitive world.

Dody shares crucial nuggets of wisdom on navigating the competitive competition hairdressing landscape. “Competition hairdressing requires tunnel vision,” he points out, highlighting the unparalleled focus needed to excel. He walks us through the challenges competitors face and meticulous judging criteria.

In this conversation Dody doesn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room: the declining popularity of championship competitions in British hairdressing. Our conversation doesn’t stop at the competition floor. Dody opens up about the less glamorous sides, including the financial and logistical hurdles of finding a model, preparing the hair, and the challenge of drawing a crowd to these events. Yet, he remains hopeful, believing in the need for modernisation and a stronger emphasis on entertainment and visual appeal to attract younger talents and audiences alike.

So, whether you’re a seasoned competitor, considering your first foray, or just fascinated by this niche within our industry, this episode promises plenty of inspiration, learning, and a call to action for all of us to play a role in resurrecting and reshaping the future of hairdressing championships. Tune in, get those creative juices flowing, and perhaps, find yourself inspired to join the revolution Dody and many others are championing.

EP333: Bruno Marc Giamattei’s Hairdressing Journey of Inspiration, Mentorship and Leadership Jul 22, 2024

Join us for a long-awaited podcast with a true leading figurehead in British hairdressing, the brilliant Bruno Marc Giamattei.

Renowned for his extensive industry accolades, mentoring and leadership role in the family-founded Marc Antoni Group, Bruno is to share invaluable insights rooted in over three decades of industry experience. With a straightforward approach, Bruno says of himself, “I’m a hairdresser’s hairdresser and I’m real and there’s no airs and graces.”

We are to explore with Bruno pivotal topics like the significance of honest communication within the industry, the pervasive impact of social media on business dynamics, and the profound influence of his father’s legacy on the family business. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Bruno is to reveal how his brother’s leukaemia diagnosis reshaped his outlook on business and the irreplaceable value of time.

Bruno is big on mentorship and communal growth, so when he says, “The more I share, the stronger I become”, we had to explore more on this!

As we delve deeper into the conversation, Bruno shares more about Marc Antoni’s expansion into China and why it’s important. He also offers a glimpse into Chinese market dynamics by discussing how they differ from those in UK. And he does not shy away from big topics, hairdressing industry challenges such as the dilution of quality training and the need for a multifaceted approach in hairdressing.

Bruno Marc Giamattei’s episode offers a rich tapestry of insights, from embracing challenges to celebrating achievements, all while staying grounded in the ethos of inspiring, mentorship and leadership.

EP332: Janene Hawkins Bush’s Innovative Approach to Salon Ownership and Education Jul 15, 2024

Today we’re to be joined by Janene Hawkins Bush. who unravels the blueprint for cultivating thriving salon businesses through team ownership, and seizing every opportunity—without fear.

Leading four award-winning salons along the Suffolk coast, Janene Hawkins Bush is committed to moulding the next generation of stylists and salon leaders. She mentors her team members, helping many to develop the skills and knowledge they need in order to become salon owners themselves.

Janene expresses in her own words, “Unless you grab those opportunities and strike well behind its heart, then I think you can miss out on things.” Her passion is palpable, as is her commitment to mentorship, “All of our team have the opportunity to join the share scheme if they show initiative and the want to build a business.”

Her journey is not just about leadership; it’s about adaptability and the lessons learned from running businesses in diverse landscapes like France and the UK. “I did work for a property development company down in the south of France… and we came back to England,” Janene reflects, sharing the unique management challenges and the stark differences in salon representation in various economic climates.

Janene advocates for transparency and accountability, components she believes are foundational for growth, trust, and respect within a business. With an eye on the future, she emphasises the necessity for industry reinvention, sustainable practices, and the cultivation of community-focused salons to remain relevant and successful.

And make sure to stick around towards the end, because we go beyond the salon walls. Janene shares about MAD Education – an innovative initiative underscores her dedication to propelling the industry forward through affordable training and mentorship. We learn all about this and how you can get involved in providing or receiving hair education for just £99 per year.

Janene’s insights today are your guide to transforming passion into action. Let’s dive in!

EP331: Sharpen Your Skills – Francesca Rivetti’s Blueprint for Hairdressing Mastery Jul 01, 2024

Today we’re joined by Francesca Rivetti, an award-winning hairstylist who hails from the UK but has made her mark in America.

Francesca’s journey is inspiring. From her early days immersed in hair design to pioneering roles with Graham Webb International and winning major awards like the NAHA Editorial award, Francesca has shaped a career marked by creativity, innovation, and educational advancement.

In today’s episode titled: Sharpen Your Skills: Francesca Rivetti’s Blueprint for Hairdressing Mastery, Francesca starts by unveiling her personal thoughts on the current state of hairdressing education in the US, critically underscoring the deficit in deep, skill-based training that leads to true mastery. Francesca passionately advocates for a reset in haircutting education, focusing on classic fundamentals as the backbone of confidence and skill. She discusses the three pillars of hair cutting mastery: one length, layering, and graduation, and how mastery in these areas cultivates a confident and capable hairstylist.

Francesca shares, “Confidence breeds more confidence, like a seed that keeps growing and growing,” emphasising the significance of discipline, passion, and the right mindset. She expresses concern over the superficial quick fixes that social media proposes and stands firm on her belief that “Education is an investment, not an expense.”

Our discussion also navigates the unique and immersive experience of the Reset Academy in Italy, showing how Francesca merges creativity, culture, and education to elevate hairstyling into an art form. Francesca’s insights are a treasure trove for anyone in the hairdressing industry, from the aspiring stylist to the seasoned professional looking to rediscover their passion and refine their skills.

Francesca Rivetti is not just a stylist; she’s a visionary in the hairdressing field. Her dedication to propelling hair education shines through every accolade and initiative, making her story and insights a must-listen for anyone looking to grow in the industry.

EP330: We ‘Got On It’ at HAIRCON, the New Day and Night Hair Festival – Solo Episode Jun 28, 2024

My absence from the podcasting waves over the last couple of weeks has been due to my bustling experience at the brand new HAIRCON event in Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse. In today’s solo episode, I invite you to join me as I share an off-the-cuff episode, reflecting on the raw energy and my personal insights on taking the HTCI Platform stage to this groundbreaking day and night hair festival.

In a mere three weeks, we faced head-on the task of orchestrating an platform stage inside HAIRCON that came to life with dynamic members showcases, industry discussions, fun competitions, and expert-led mastered sessions—all brimming with relentless energy from our community.

The partnership with the Fellowship for British Hairdressing and The Assembly events brought forth an innovative event experience, that saw HAIRCON breathe new life into the hair industry. The venue’s edgy ambiance fuelled an air of creativity, as stylists from across the UK gathered for 3 days at this brand new day and nigh hair festival. Despite the occasional hiccup, the event was a big hit. I’ll reveal more on all of this with you today.

Beneath the warehouse’s gritty atmosphere, an innovative spirit ignited as stylists from across the breadth of the UK convened for this inaugural event that transformed day into night. Despite a few unforeseen twists, HAIRCON landed with a big impact, and I’m eager to share the details with you.

The moment has come to immerse yourself in the HAIRCON experience—hit play and let’s dive in!

EP329: From Local Hero to Industry Icon: The Power of Local Salon Awards with Kate Jeffery Jun 13, 2024

Are you a hairstylist looking to elevate your career and get your salon on the map? Then today’s episode of the How To Cut It podcast is exactly what you need to tune into. Put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and stay locked in as we dive deep into the world of industry awards with a special focus on local recognition and why it matters more than you might think.

We’re joined by none other than Kate Jeffery, the visionary founder of Salon Awards. Kate sheds light on how these awards aren’t just about accolades; they’re a transformational platform for smaller salons struggling to make their mark. “It’s not just about winning; it’s about improving your business practices and gaining the recognition you truly deserve,” she tells us.

This episode isn’t just insightful—it’s packed with the inspiration and information you need to turbocharge your hairdressing or barbering career.

Kate breaks down the concept of the Salon Awards, from the various categories and the entry process at salonawards.co.uk to how these accolades are designed to be accessible to all. “We’re here to celebrate your passion, your story, and your craft,” she emphasizes.

I get to the heart of the ethical side of awards, challenging Kate on criticisms that such events are merely money-making ventures. Her response? “We invest heavily in technology and administration to ensure a fair, transparent, and authentic experience.”

“The big takeaway?” Kate shares powerful stories of past winners whose careers have skyrocketed, thanks to leveraging their awards for marketing and community building.

This week’s episode is a must-listen for every hairstyling professional out there. From the power of local recognition to the nuts and bolts of creating a winning entry, we cover it all. Kate’s commitment to genuine recognition and her dedication to supporting the hairdressing community is truly inspiring.

Don’t miss out on this invaluable conversation—especially with the upcoming deadlines for Salon Awards’ nights in London and Manchester. This could be your year, so stay tuned all the way to the end to find out how to make the most of this opportunity

EP328: Reassessing Your Path – Solo Episode Jun 05, 2024

Today, it’s just you and me – an open mic solo session where I dig deep into the enormous impact of taking time to reassess where you are in your life and career.

Since kicking off in 2017, “How to Cut It” has grown into so much more than a podcast; it’s become a community, a platform for education, and a spotlight for industry innovation. As we recently celebrated being named Industry Podcast of the Year at the Hairbrained Awards, I found myself reflecting on just how transformative this journey has been, not only for me but for many of you in our listening community.

Throughout this episode, I’ll share details about the origins of our podcast and the pivotal moments that have defined its evolution. The creation of the How to Cut It platform was a milestone, born from the desire to extend our reach beyond the audio episodes into a comprehensive resource for career development and inspiration.

In a special announcement, I’m thrilled to invite our audience to join the upcoming HAIRCON – the new day and night hair festival coming the O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester from the 22nd-24th June. And yes, the How to Cut It ‘Open Platform’ stage will be there! It’s your chance to shine, to show what unique contributions you can make.

Moreover, this episode is a personal reflection on the value of reassessment. Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned professional, revisiting your goals and realigning your career trajectory can open doors to unexpected opportunities. This dialogue, unscripted and straight from the heart, aims to inspire you to embrace change, seek growth, and cherish those wins!

I invite you to join the reassessment journey with me. Share your stories, connect with our vibrant community on social media, and continue to be a part of this incredible adventure.

Thank you, our cherished listeners, guests, and supporters, for growing with “How to Cut It.” Here’s to moving forward, together.

Hope you enjoy this open mic solo episode raw and uncut—let’s get started!

EP327: Become a Hair Loss Adviser: Transforming Lives with Tiffany Hall May 28, 2024

In the latest How To Cut It podcast, we’re exploring hair loss and the transformative role hairdressers can play as Hair Loss Advisors with trichologist Tiffany Hall. With a career that evolved from a hair colourist at Vidal Sassoon to a trichologist, Tiffany has championed the integration of trichology into salon services, significantly impacting client care and confidence.

Tiffany Hall discusses the rising issue of hair loss among younger demographics and how her services, including the innovative Scalp Scope Service, address this. She emphasizes holistic care that goes beyond standard hair treatments to include male grooming and managing menopausal effects on hair health.

Central to our conversation is Tiffany’s Hair Loss 360 online course program, designed to educate hairstylists on diagnosing and treating hair and scalp health issues, turning them into adept Hair Loss Advisors. This knowledge enables stylists to offer personalised, brand neutral advice and early intervention solutions.

Tiffany’s approach is holistic, considering dietary, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. She also highlights advanced treatments like Keravive scalp treatment, PRP, and Exosomes hair loss therapy.

Collaboration with dermatologists and healthcare professionals is key to her success in providing targeted care. Tiffany’s vision extends beyond treating hair; it’s about nurturing client well-being and confidence.

This episode is a clarion call for the hair and beauty industry to integrate hair loss advise into their services, enhancing both client satisfaction and salon business. It serves as an inspiring guide for professionals aiming to broaden their impact and support clients through their hair health journeys.

EP326: How Reviews Transform Salon Businesses with Adam Thomas of salonspy May 20, 2024

In today episode we’re joined by Adam Thomas, the innovative founder behind salonspy.

In our conversation we’re to discover the critical role of client reviews in the salon industry and uncover why they are more than just feedback—they are the cornerstone for building trust and driving business growth. According to Qualtrics, 96% of consumers read a review before purchasing – with 86% of those consumers specifically seeking out reviews with responses.

With over 2000 salons currently using salonspy the easy-to-love (and even easier to use) review software, salonspy takes real-time insights from client feedback and provides the insight needed to help grow your business and enhance the customer experience.

Adam is to walks us through how salonspy, a verified review platform, is revolutionising review management by integrating directly with salon software systems. This allows for the automatic collection of genuine reviews, making the process seamless for salon owners.

Adam also delves into salonspy’s journey since 2012, shedding light on the challenges faced and the evolution of their offerings to enhance user experiences with features like review moderation and Google review integration.

If you’re looking to leverage positive reviews to gain a competitive edge, attract more customers, and improve your services based on client feedback, this episode is laden with insights.

By the end of our chat, you will appreciate how vital reviews are in building a reputable online presence and how salonspy is a valuable partner in this journey. Plus, Adam has a listeners—a one-month free trial of salonspy to see firsthand how it can enhance your salon business.

Tune in to learn from Adam Thomas why nurturing client reviews is not just necessary but essential in scaling your salon business and staying ahead in the digital age.

EP325: Shaping Futures with Joanne Doward – The Impact of College Hair Education May 06, 2024

In this week’s episode of the How To Cut It podcast, we talk with Joanne Doward about her journey to becoming a college lecturer in hairdressing education, and how she’s using that experience to inspire others in college hair education.

With over 30 years dedicated to aspiring the next generation of stylists at West Suffolk College, in this episode, we explore the vital role college education plays in the hairdressing industry, touching upon the importance of passion, dedication, and industry collaborations.

Joanne, a finalist at this year’s HJ Business Awards ‘Educator of the Year’ and a previous finalist for the Trevor Sorbie Award in 2023, disputes the notion that college lecturers lack industry enthusiasm. She shares how many college hair lecturers strive to teach excellence and foster constructive feedback.

Discover the transformative effects of competitions and networking for skills development and confidence building, and understand the significance of support from organisations like Concept Hair Magazine and the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists.

Tune in for a deep dive into the benefits of hairdressing college education, the partnership between salons and colleges, and the nurturing of young talent, providing a wealth of insights for those interested in a thriving career as a hairdressing college lecturer. Don’t miss out on the wealth of knowledge and inspiration Joanne brings to the next generation of hairdressers.

EP324: Why is it Important to Find Industry Recognition, Validation and Approval? with Dylan McConnachie Apr 29, 2024

In today’s episode of the How to Cut It podcast, I dive into a conversation with Dylan McConnachie – 3 times finalist for the coveted British Hairdressing Awards ‘Avant Garde Hairdresser of The Year’ and former contestant of Channel 4’s Big Blowout series.

Dylan is to shed light on the significance of why it’s important for him to find industry recognition, validation, and approval. I explore Dylan’s quest for professional acclaim and personal fulfilment in an industry that thrives on creativity and visual appeal. Why does all the accolades matter so much to him?

Delving into Dylan’s experience on Channel 4’s Big Blowout, he candidly discusses the challenges of showcasing his real personality on screen, drawing lessons from stepping out of his comfort zone and overcoming past experiences of bullying that shaped his confidence and resilience in the hairdressing industry.

Throughout the episode, our candid dialogue explores themes of ambition, self-discovery, and the pursuit of excellence in the dynamic realm of hairdressing. Its an insightful journey of self-exploration and growth in the ever-changing world of hairdressing.

Tune in to learn how Dylan’ relentless pursuit of success that is driving him forward in his hairdressing career and beyond.

EP323: Adam Garland – Success as a Leading Session Stylist Amidst Life’s Battles Apr 08, 2024

Join us on this week’s episode of HTCI as we dive into the depths of Session Styling with Adam Garland. Adam is a renowned session stylist recognised for his innovative approach in the field of backstage hair styling education

In our conversation, Adam is to lay bare his tumultuous path to success, marked by personal challenges, including overcoming drug addiction and navigating life with a disability. His raw and candid account illustrates the resilience required to rise in the industry, coupled with the critical importance of evolving from a salon stylist to a backstage expert.

Adam’s journey from honing his craft in the salon to shining backstage with pop culture icons like Cher offers an exclusive glimpse into the transformation that mastering product manipulation and brand building can bring to a session stylist’s career. He underscores the value of recognising your worth and the economic realities of the freelance fashion world, as well as the significance of fostering a personal brand in this competitive arena.

Delving deeper into Adam’s professional chronicles, we see his passion for inclusion and advocacy for those with disabilities in fashion, drawing strength from his experiences with muscular dystrophy. His story is one of turning adversities into advantages. In addition to storytelling, Adam unpacks his Backstage Accelerator course, an invaluable resource for aspiring stylists focused on developing the essential skills, from creating flawless ponytails to applying wigs, to thrive in the demanding Fashion Week circuit.

Tune in for a masterclass in ambition, artistry, and authentic backstage insight. Adam not only shares his profound knowledge of session styling but also imparts the intangible skills of perseverance and communication necessary for anyone aiming to make their mark in this dynamic industry. Don’t miss this compelling narrative that promises to inspire and guide generations of stylists to come.

EP322: “Meet The Brand” Series – Paving the Path to Industry Success with Quif Hair Apr 02, 2024

Today we kick off a new HTCI series titled “Meet The Brand”.

In this series, we get to explore the products, uncover the stories, delve into the vision, and discover everything in between to industry-leading and up & coming hair care brands. Get an exclusive look into what makes them unique and successful.

First up in this series is Quif Hair. A colour brand who’s mission is to develop a line of professional hairdressing products that champions creativity, breaks from the norm and defies stuffy corporate logic, giving you… the stylist… whatever you need to be at the top of your game.

In this episode we are to get an in-depth look at the Quif professional products, delve into Quif Centre Stage – a competition that asks rising hair talent to bring their imagination from salon to stage, plus we get to discover how you could become part of their soon-to-launch art team. Joining me for this conversation is the current Quif Centre Stage winner Brooke O’Donnell, Alan Howard’s Education Manager Sarah Dickenson and their Marking Manager Wendy Berry.

Whether you’re an aspiring hairstylist seeking a breakthrough or a seasoned professional looking to take your career to new heights, this podcast episode is required listening. So get set to unleash your creative potential and propel your hairstyling journey forward with Quif Hair.

EP321: Melissa Timperley – How to Take Your Precison Hair Cutting Skills to the Highest Level with MT Masterclass Mar 18, 2024

In this episode of the How To Cut It podcast, we are joined by the incredibly talented Melissa Timperley, a rising star in the hairdressing industry. Melissa is the founder of the renowned Melissa Timperley Salons in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and the brains behind MT Masterclass and the MT Masterclass App.

As a multi award winning hairstylist, Melissa’s extensive experience and passion for education have led her to develop a revolutionary approach to precision cutting, which is more important than ever as the demand for top-quality commercial and beautiful haircuts continues to rise. Through her MT Masterclass App and in-person MT Education, Melissa offers hair professionals like you the opportunity to take your cutting skills to the highest level, commanding top prices for your services.

During the episode, we’ll learn about Melissa’s game-changing MT Masterclass App and her in-person bespoke precision cutting courses offered through MT Masterclass. Trust me, this is the kind of education that will set you apart and take your hair cutting to the highest level.

Melissa also provides valuable insights into the art of hair cutting, discussing the importance of precision and techniquesPlus that will give you deeper understanding of the trends that are shaping the industry today. Plus, you’ll gain tips from Melissa on how to deliver stunning haircut results you clients are wanting.

If you’re looking to elevate your hair cutting game, stay ahead of the curve, then this episode with Melissa is a must-listen.

To fully immerse yourself in Melissa’s expertise, make sure to visit MT Masterclass website HERE.

Alright, let’s get started. I know you’re going to be blown away by everything Melissa has to share. So, grab your notepad, get comfortable, and let’s learn how to cut it together.

EP320: Chloe Swift – Content Hair Creator…The New Career Pathway in the Hair Industry Mar 11, 2024

Today we have the pleasure of hosting Chloe Swift, a leading name in the world of hair content creation. In this episode, we are diving into the exciting and emerging career pathway of a Content Hair Creator.

With over 550,000 followers across her 3 main platforms, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and currently holding the #1 ranking in the National Hair & Beauty Federation’s Top 100 Hair & Beauty Influencer Index of 2023, Chlöe takes us on her inspiring journey that led her to become such a prominent figure in the hair industry.

Recorded live in the ‘HTCI PodShed Studio’, throughout the conversation, we unravel the essence of being a Content Hair Creator and gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs that come with establishing one’s brand. Discover the strategies Chloe employed to navigate the ever-evolving social media landscape and learn how she stays ahead of the curve.

Join us to uncover the future trends and technologies that impact this exciting field as a Content Hair Creator. We also get a glimpse into Chloe’s forward-thinking vision for the future of Content Hair Creators.

If you’re curious about this new career pathway in the hair industry or aspire to become a Content Hair Creator yourself, this podcast is a must-listen. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the role, learn from Chloe’s remarkable career journey, and explore the ins and outs of what it means to be a Content Hair Creator.”

EP319: Rae Palmer – Raising the Standards of the Hair Industry with Purple Hearts Feb 28, 2024

Todays episode we are joined by Rae Palmer, founder of WeLove Community and Education. Rae brings a fresh perspective to the hairdressing industry, emphasising holistic education and caring for hair pros. From her award-winning days at the British Hairdressing Awards to founding WeLove, Rae shares her inspiring journey and experiences.

The conversation delves into the origins of WeLove as a salon concept, the challenges Rae faced, and the importance of collaboration over competition among hair professionals. Rae emphasises the need for empathy and understanding from brands toward salon owners and professionals while maintaining high industry standards. We explore the evolution of education within the hair industry, including the growth of educational opportunities and the importance of quality content and training.

WeLove is highlighted as an educational platform aligned with industry values, promoting collaboration, sustainability, and community support. The concept of “hair pros” is discussed, emphasising the dedication to continuous learning and business excellence. We delve into WeLove’s mission to empower the industry through community-driven initiatives and innovative educational approaches that prioritize well-being and self-care for professionals.

The episode reflects on the challenges and aspirations of hair professionals, including achieving work-life balance and financial sustainability in a competitive field. The commitment to education, community empowerment, and well-being within the hair industry shines through, showcasing a dynamic landscape and a dedication to industry growth and support.

Join us in this enlightening conversation with Rae Palmer of WeLove, as we explore the exciting future of the hairdressing industry together.

EP318: Lacey Hunter-Felton – The Changing Perceptions of the Freelancer and Co-Working Space Feb 20, 2024

In this episode of How To Cut It podcast, we are joined once again by Lacey Hunter-Felton, co-founder of Hunter Collective. Theres been some changes since we last spoke in 2018, and today she takes us that journey that has seen impact and growth of her members co-working spaces for freelancers in the hair and beauty industry.

We’re are to delve into the dynamic world of co-working spaces and freelancers within the hairdressing industry. Lacey shares the challenges and triumphs experienced by the Hunter Collective community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also explore the evolving landscape of freelancing in 2024, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of professionals in the face of adversity.

Lacey also reveals the core values of Hunter Collective, emphasising the significance of lifestyle balance, independence, and community support in fostering a thriving space for creatives. We discuss the necessity of remaining brand-neutral, embracing innovation, and prioritising collaboration to drive industry advancements. The episode underscores the importance of listening, adapting, and upskilling within the hairdressing sector to stay competitive and relevant.

Furthermore, we touch upon the human aspect of freelancing, the impact of technology on the industry, sustainability efforts, and the future trajectory of Hunter Collective post-COVID. Our conversation showcases the strength and innovation of hair professionals in navigating change and building a connected, forward-thinking community.

To wrap up, Lacey shares her aspirations for the future of Hunter Collective, including expanding partnerships.

And lastly, we would greatly appreciate your support by voting for the How To Cut It podcast for this year’s Hairbrained Awards’ “Industry Podcast of the Year.” We are honored to be one of the 10 international podcasts nominated for this prestigious award. You can cast your vote HERE. Your vote will help us continue to bring you valuable conversations and insights from industry leaders like Lacey Hunter-Felton. Thank you for your support!

EP317: Claire Martin – Making the World a Better Place Though Hair Feb 12, 2024

Todays podcast I’m joined by the unstoppable Claire Martin aka cLHAIR. With over a decade of experience under her belt, Claire’s impact on both the Caucasian and Afro hair markets has been ‘standing ovation’ worthy. She’s won awards in textured hair and reached the finals of E4’s “The Big Blow Out” TV series, all while sharing her knowledge as an educator and becoming a Redken Brand advocate.

In this conversation, Claire talks about her mission to make the world a better place through hair, highlighting the importance of representation and education in the industry. She delves into her book, “cLHAIR Mantra,” which helps people understand what their hair and scalp needs through hair care, healthy diet and balanced lifestyle.

For all of you hair professionals out there, Claire shares her insights on working with textured hair. She also talks about her online learning platform, the cLHAIR Online Academy which focuses on creating a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Throughout the conversation, Claire emphasises the need to bridge the gap between different hair textures and empower both clients and professionals alike. Her enthusiasm for changing the industry for the better shines through in every word.

Don’t miss out on this conversation to hear Claire share her insights, experiences, and inspiring journey.

EP316: How to Build Your Hair Industry Profile with Sharon Brigden & Laura Craik of SLBPR Feb 05, 2024

In this episode we delve into the world of PR with special guests Sharon Brigden and Laura Craik from SLBPR. In this episode, Sharon and Laura are here to debunk common misconceptions surrounding PR in the hair industry and provide valuable insights to help you navigate the PR landscape.

One of the key takeaways from their conversation is the importance of building a strong reputation and authentic connections in the hair industry.

They stress the need to tailor PR strategies based on individual needs, whether that’s targeting trade professionals, consumers, or both. They explain that PR is about more than just endorsements and ambassadorships; it’s about forming genuine relationships and making a lasting impression.

The episode wraps up with key takeaways, including the importance of pursuing opportunities even if there’s limited traction and visibility. They stress that active participation and input from clients are crucial for successful PR partnerships. They also provide tips on entering awards on a budget, such as collaborating with photography students and choosing awards that align with your vision and criteria.

So if you’re looking to boost your profile in the hair industry and gain valuable insights into the world of PR, be sure to tune in to this episode of the How To Cut It podcast with Sharon Brigden and Laura Craik from SLBPR.

EP315: Get On Board To Grow Your Hair Career! with Dom Lehane and Samantha Blues Jan 22, 2024

Welcome to this weeks episode of the How To Cut It podcast! In today’s conversation, I’m thrilled to be joined by colour and hair science educator, Samantha Blues.

We’re stepping out of our comfort zone and delving into the unique world of the ‘How To Cut It Platform‘.

You see, this episode is not about your typical Facebook groups or online hair communities. No, no, no. This is something special. ‘How To Cut It Platform’ offers a whole new universe for hair professionals like you. It’s a place where connections are made, support is given, and skills are elevated to the next level.

Samantha Blues, our special guest today, has been an influential figure in the ‘How To Cut It Platform’ community. So much so that she’s become its community manager!

I’ve invited Samantha to turn the mic on me and delve into the exciting new future of ‘How To Cut It Platform’ from connected hubs to local events that bring hair professionals together.

If you’re tired of the same old, same old, and thirst for something fresh and inspiring, then you don’t want to miss this episode. It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and discover the hidden gems of the ‘How To Cut It Platform’.

So sit back, relax! I guarantee you’re going to leave feeling motivated, empowered, and ready to take your hair career to new heights!

Together, let’s connect, share and grow!

EP314: Phil Jackson: Level Up Your Salon Business in 2024 with Profit-Boosting Memberships Jan 15, 2024

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Phil Jackson, founder of Build Your Salon, to explore the keys to building a successful salon business with profit-boosting memberships.

Phil dives into the importance of aligning your business with your goals and values. Described as the ‘Queen of Memberships’, Phil shares his expertise on implementing effective membership programs. Stuff like addressing challenges that can arise in memberships and provide practical solutions to how to successfully implement them.

We’ll also cover essential topics such as pricing strategies, bonuses and communication with clients. Phil also emphasises the need for realignment and clarity in your business, and the benefits of building a supportive tribe within the salon industry.

Tune in to gain insights on communicating and packaging services, simplifying membership descriptions, managing fees, determining the right pricing strategy, the value of premium services, improving the customer experience, frequent price reviews, and uncover opportunities in 2024.

Don’t miss out on these valuable tips and strategies that can take your salon business to the next level in 2024!

EP313: Ruth Lundstrum – Unleashing the Freelancer’s Guide to Calculating, Justifying, and Increasing Prices Jan 08, 2024

In this episode of the How To Cut It Podcast, I have the pleasure of chatting with Ruth Lundstrum about one of the most crucial aspects of freelancing: pricing. We dive into a discussion about the challenges that freelancers face when determining their pricing and the true value they bring to the industry.

During our conversation, we uncover the common issues surrounding lowering prices and the importance of justifying costs. We also touch upon the dynamics of pricing in different areas and with different types of clients.

But it doesn’t stop there! Ruth shares some eye-opening insights on the misconceptions surrounding appearance and poverty, challenging the notion that luxury services are out of reach for those in deprived areas. We also explore the incredible benefits of raising prices and fostering an environment of self-care for both freelancers and their clients.

If you’re looking for practical advice on when and how often to increase your prices, as well as effective ways to communicate those changes to your clients, Ruth has got you covered. She generously shares her own journey and pricing examples, along with valuable tips on managing finances and navigating the salon industry.

This episode is a must-listen for all freelancers who want to master the art of pricing and take their business to the next level.

EP312: Steven Buzassy – I Found my Calling in Education Dec 18, 2023

In this episode, we interview Steven Buzassy, a highly respected hairstylist and educator based in Hungary who has a large following of loyal fans from around the world. We discuss how his family history in the industry was his calling into hairdressing (particularly education), his unique approach to education, and his visionary plans for the future.

Our conversation kicks-off learning about Steven’s background and the vibrant Hungarian hair industry. He shares his experience thats seen him become a leading global hairstylist and educator, as well as why he has a strong passion for haircutting.

Steven also talks about his Instagram account and how he uses it to showcase his work and creativity to his legion of 61K followers. He discusses his plans for online education and the potential of the metaversein the future.

Be sure to stay until the end to hear how Steven began collecting his thoughts on haircutting in 2019. He then transformed the presentations into a book.

Overall, Steven’s story highlights the impact of family legacy, personal growth, and the evolving landscape of the hair industry.

Its an episode that will motivate you. Hit play!

EP311: David Drew – A Sat Nav Guide to Future Proofing your Salon Business Dec 11, 2023

For today episode we are joined by Hair Salons Business Expert and Chairman of the Hair & Barber Council, David Drew.

As a fully accredited qualified performance coach of substantial standing in UK hairdressing, David’s coaching philosophy is simple: He delivers up-beat service performance seminars and better-business courses designed to motivate & have all hairstylists & salon teams inspired fired-up and ready to return to their salons brimming with new knowledge and profitable growth success business plans.

In our conversation today, David is to share valuable insights on business growth, pricing, leadership, and building a positive culture in the salon industry. He emphasizes the importance of understanding numbers and utilising modern business tools to stay organised and in control.

David also discusses the significance of authenticity and embracing individuality in the salon industry. He encourages salon owners to reinvent their services and pricing to cater to different client needs and budgets. Additionally, David highlights the importance of financial accounts and seeking help from coaches to overcome obstacles and achieve success in the industry.

Its a great listen! Hit play!

EP310: It’s Time to Thrive Again! with Vicki Lord Dec 04, 2023

Buckle up because today’s episode is a rollercoaster ride with celebrity, session stylist and TV Hair Expert, Vicki Lord.

In this riveting episode, Vicki bares it all, recounting the highs and lows of her journey, from the closing of her salon business during COVID to her comeback trail. But the narrative doesn’t conclude there—brace yourself for an intimate exploration of Vicki’s personal realm, learning about her courageous journey of coming out after a 20-year marriage and battling health issues like ear tumours and hearing loss.

We kick things off by delving into Vicki’s stint as a TV Hair expert on QVC. She spills the beans on her experiences of being in the spotlight on a shopping channel, offering a sneak peek behind the scenes of live television glam.

This conversation is a potent testament to resilience, triumph, and the unyielding strength to kick arse and thrive again! And remember, as Vicki rightly puts it, “You are never too old to educate yourself in the industry.”

And, be sure to stay tuned as she unravels the fascinating journey behind her new course, ‘Vivid Colour Science,’ revealing how she stumbled upon it and the intriguing ways colors evoke different emotions. It’s a tale that resonates far beyond the salon chairs, exploring the vibrant palette of life itself.

Enjoy!

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Vicki Lord for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP309: Heather Robertson – Find Success as a Solo Hairdresser and Educator Nov 27, 2023

In today’s episode, we are bringing back on to the podcast the incredible Heather Robertson, a world-renowned hairstylist with 30 years of experience and founder of HRHair Education.

Heather was last on the HTCI podcast back in 2020, and today we are to delve into her multi-level approach to her solo hairdressing and education business. She will be sharing how she manages and navigates her a solo career, whilst learning how, if possible, to find balance to it all.

As an award-winning stylist, Heather has earned immense love from hairstylists and colourists alike, boasting a massive following of admirers seeking out her hair education. In particular, her bridal hair education.

The conversation touches on the challenges faced and the relationship between her studio clients work and being an educator. We also tackle the balance between mass appeal and standing out across social media. We go deep into opinions here!

This conversation is a goldmine of inspiration, showcasing that a career in hairdressing can be multi-faceted and dynamic. You can expect to learn about the various dimensions and levels of success a solo hairdressing career can give you, with Heather Robertson as your perfect guide.

Stay inspired!

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Heather Robertson for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP307: ‘YOU’RE A WASTE OF TIME!’ – Dealing with those Negative Inner Thoughts, featuring Anne Veck Nov 07, 2023

In this episode Im delighted to bring back onto the podcast the iconic and renowned hairdresser known for her sustainable and artistic approach, Anne Veck.

Anne is back on the show to update us on her new happenings and she reveals her insights on managing thoughts and cultivating a positive mindset, highlighting the importance of challenging negative beliefs and not comparing ourselves to others

We explore the concept of self-talk and how it plays a significant role in our mental well-being and overall life satisfaction. Anne shares her personal journey of challenging self-limiting beliefs and replacing them with more positive and supportive thoughts. We discuss the importance of processing our thoughts in a way that empowers us rather than holds us back and surrounding ourselves with people who are strong where we are weak.

We wrap up the episode by sharing our personal experiences and giving ourselves credit where it’s due, without undermining our own achievements. Anne emphasises the value of treating your job seriously, putting in time and effort, and staying humble.

Its a mighty listen!

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Anne Veck for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP306: How to Know When It’s Time to Make a Change, with Patrick Marrow Oct 30, 2023

In this episode, we catch up with Patrick Marrow, owner of the Whitworth Street Creative Studio Group. I want to learn how HiveMCR evolved during the pandemic to become a new membership-driven business that empowers freelancers. Was there a particular moment that Patrick knew when it was time to make a change?

With a shift in people’s preferences to how they want to work after the second lockdown, there was a realisation that led Patrick to reassess his business goals. In our conversation he reveals the thinking behind the membership-driven and incentivised model his new business has adopted.

Patrick highlights the benefits of this membership-driven model, including brand autonomy for stylists and the opportunity for them to create their own career paths while still providing traditional salon amenities.

Community is crucial at the Whitworth Creative Studio Space, and Patrick emphasises how to foster unity among freelancers. Additionally, we hear how the business plans to host makers markets and involve professionals from different industries.

He wraps up the podcast by speaking about the importance of normalising failure and highlights the value of personal connections. Patrick shares his own experience of pivoting during the pandemic, which led to personal growth and a more relaxed approach in life.

So here’s the thing to come out of today episode. If its not working, don’t be afraid to change!

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Patrick marrow for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP305: How and Why Your Salon Business Needs to Become More Sustainable, with Melanie Tudor Oct 23, 2023

Becoming a more sustainable salon business is crucial for our planet. By being a more sustainable salon business helps reduce environmental impact, minimise resource consumption, and contributes to the preservation of natural ecosystems. Failure to adopt sustainable measures can add to heightened carbon emissions, increased waste accumulation, and further degradation of natural resources, exacerbating the global environmental crisis.

Todays guest Melenie Tudor, is sustainable advocate. With 40 year’s experience, Melenie Tudor has established herself as the northern powerhouse of hairdressing and owner of the successful En Route Hair Salon in Wakefield.

What sets En Route apart as a high street salon is Melenie’s passion for sustainability. Melenie has made a conscious decision to look after the planet and make eco-friendly choices, while actively helping others to do the same to ensure longevity of salon businesses.

Our focus today is on sustainable practices for salon businesses. Melenie’s role as The Green Salon Collect ambassador has shaped her dedication to eco-friendly initiatives, stemming from her early days as a vegetarian and her firsthand experiences with the environmental impact of palm oil production in Borneo. Melenie shares in this episode on how she witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of deforestation and the plight of the orangoutangs.

From quick wins like recycling with the Green Salon Collective to engaging clients and teams through mirror talkers and refill discounts, Melenie provides actionable steps for businesses eager to embrace sustainability.

Stay tuned as she shares tips for overcoming resistance and highlights the significance of local partnerships in spreading the sustainability message and practices thats pushing for industry change around environmental issues.

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Melenie Tudor for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP304: Why Salon International 2023 is a Must-Go Event for all Hairdressers and Barbers, with Jez Barnett Oct 09, 2023

In this episode, we celebrate Salon International’s 50th year and its special role in our hairdressing journey. Plus we are to be sharing our excitement of bringing the HTCI Platform live stage supported by INNOluxe and Fabriq to Salon International 2023. To help me share all of this, I’m to be joined by my good friend and Managing Director of INNOluxe and Fabriq, Jez Barnett.

Jez first joined me on the podcast back in 2017, where we learned about creating a global hair product label. He’ll be updating us on this, and why KeraStraight has been rebranded to become Fabriq.

But as this episode title suggests, we’re both here to mostly talk about Salon International, past and present, and how we’re excited to be exhibitors at this years show.

Salon International is a special event for me and Jez. We have attended it for many years. The experience and memories it provides are invaluable. There is no denying that Salon International played a big part in us both becoming hairdressers.

In this conversation you’ll get to hear all about our Salon International 2023 collaboration and the amazing lineup of speakers and artists, legends and newcomers we have planned for it. The Platform live stage will be like no other over Salon International’s 3 days. It’ll feature a diverse range of speakers who will create a positive and informative experience that is all about championing the hair industry.

Salon International is an event not to be missed. Something that will come through heaps in this podcast with Jez today. Let the fun begin!

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Jez Barnett for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP303: Mustafa Hassan’s Colour-B Revolution Oct 02, 2023

Today we have a guest that I first got to know back in the lockdown of 2020, and now someone I class as a friend. Let me introduce you to Mustafa Hassan

Mustafa is a hairdresser, salon owner and the creator behind Colour-B—an innovative modular professional colour trolley that’s set to change the game of the traditional colour trolley.

In this episode, Mustafa is taking us behind the journey and development of Colour-B, from his light bulb moment born out of frustration, right through to its concept and creation. Now all set for its pre-sale launch, its a professional salon tool that you have been waiting for–if not necessarily something you would have realised!

What sets this episode apart is Mustafa’s passion and ideology in giving hairdressers a seat at the table in shaping our industry. This ideology is at the core of Colour B’s mission, making it not just a product but a symbol of unity and progress in the industry. Respect!

By the end of this episode, you’ll not only be inspired by Mustafa’s journey but also motivated to embrace innovation in your own career. Its a HTCI podcast gem!

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Mustafa Hassan for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP301: Colour Blocking – Get to Know the New Colour Trend with Jordanna Cobella & Hayley Austin Sep 18, 2023

Theres a new colour trend you and your clients need to know about! From high contrast shades of blonde to cool combinations of tonal browns to dreamy romantic pastels to optimistic, bright power pops, the season’s big trend is Colour Blocking.

In todays podcast we are exploring this new colour trend of Colour Blocking in collaboration with Wella Professionals. Joining me for this conversation is Wella Professionals UK & Ireland Colour and Trends ambassador, Jordanna Cobella, and Wella Account Manger, Hayley Austin.

The episode discusses the origins of the Colour Blocking trend and why now is the perfect time for the industry to embrace it. We are to delve deep into the technique of Colour Blocking, the shades to use, the techniques and tips and how to effectively communicate with clients about this trend.

Colour Blocking reflects a shift in people’s desire for individuality and a departure from the blended and balayage trends. Jordanna says, “The Colour Blocking trend is an evolution of the popular ‘money piece’ thats gradually got bolder and less blended. Unlike other colour trends in the last few years, Colour Blocking is super versatile and will be used to express individuality and identity.”

Colour Blocking is bringing excitement and creativity back to hair colourists and clients alike. It also offers many business opportunities that will keep your clients coming back regularly.

So lets go to it and explore the new big A/W 2023 colour trend, Colour Blocking.

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media network – Find out more HERE

Thanks for Listening

Todays podcast is in collaboration with

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you for Jordanna and Hayley for joining me on todays podcast in collaboration with Wella Professionals UKI

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP300: Georgia Bell Revisited – Why I’m Not Afraid of Change! Sep 11, 2023

For this special 300th episode, Im to be joined by Georgia Bell in an episode recorded live on Facebook – a first for the HTCI podcast.

Georgia first came onto the HTCI podcast back in March 2019 in an episode titled How a Small Town Hairdresser is Making a ‘BIG’ Buzz in the Industry – with Georgia Bell. It was a great episode that impressed me so much about, the then, relatively unknown Georgia Bell. We learned how Georgia’s dedication to develop herself to be the best hairdresser should could be by having bags of commitment and determination to succeed in this industry. And that she has certainly done by never being afraid to changing direction.

Today she is back for this special Revisited episode. I want to catch up on her journey in the last 4 years. Stuff like how she has gone from salon owner to independent working, discussing the importance of embracing change and personal growth. She talks about the struggles of managing teams and her balancing roles, She also reveals her recent decision to become sober and emphasises the importance of family and education.

Georgia’s goal is to create killer courses and inspire fellow hairdressers whilst developing herself to be the very best hairdresser she can be. The big takeaway from this conversation today is the importance of staying open to change, continue evolving, and finding new opportunities for growth.

As Georgia says,”You can entertain yourself in the industry as much as you want. You can keep yourself excited by it!”

So if you’re feeling stuck in the slow lane, nows the time to change lane and grow your hair career. Kickstart it by pressing the play button!

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Georgia Bell for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP299: Hairdressing…It’s Not Just a Job! with Katie Howarth & Paul Fensome Sep 04, 2023

In this episode today Im joined by Wella Professionals UKI Senior Education Manager, Paul Fensome, and Wella Professionals Studio Leader, Katie Howarth.

They’re going to be sharing about the launch of the Wella Colour Higher Level Diploma, an industry first accredited degree-level education thats a major step forward in recognising the professionalism and technical acumen needed to be a true colour expert.

A diploma that focuses on credibility and progressiveness in the industry, following the 70-20-10 learning principle, Katie says of it, “Anyone that wants to educate themselves to a degree level recognised throughout Europe can now do so in this industry.” I love it and I know after listening in, you’ll love it too!

As we go deeper into the podcast we also discuss the evolving nature of the hairdressing industry and why hairdressing is so much more that just a job. Paul and Katie have some inspiring thoughts and ideas on hairdressing both as a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Now hit play and take your first steps to obtaining your accredited degree specifically designed for hairdressers thats recognised throughout Europe.

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media network – Find out more HERE

Thanks for Listening

Todays podcast is in collaboration with

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you for Paul and Katie for joining me on todays podcast in collaboration with Wella Professionals UKI

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP298: Its Time to Boost your Business with Salon Owner & Business Coach, Leah Durrant Aug 29, 2023

Today Im to be joined by salon owner and business coach, Leah Durrant.

Leah is not only a successful hairdresser and salon owner, but she also has a brilliant head for business and uses her years of knowledge, expertise and experience to support salons to fulfil their own potential. As a single mother, Leah wants to break stereotypes and show that hairdressing can be a lucrative career with the right mindset and knowledge.

In 2020, during the pandemic, Leah was inundated with messages from fellow salon owners and hairdressers asking for advice and guidance. This led Leah to train as a business coach so that she could further support salons to recover from the pandemic and work towards future growth.

Recognising that many salon owners lacked basic business knowledge, Leah is all about helping and empowering others in the industry. The corner stone to this episode is addressing the challenges that salons are currently facing , including recovering from the pandemic, labor shortages and rising living costs. With financial struggles for many salon business, understanding your numbers, and setting the right prices has never been so important.

When it comes to finding stylists or assistants, Leah is to share that by searching CVs and using social media and posters in local businesses have proven effective for her salon business. Also building connections with schools and colleges and offering apprenticeships has also been successful in attracting and retaining loyal employees. Leah’s clear message is, “We need to invest in apprentices and make it clear that there are job opportunities at the end of their training.”

To wrap up the podcast, Leah advises us to invest in learning and working on our businesses , whether through a business coach or following experienced professionals who share valuable insights.

From self-care, performance-based pay, pricing, labor shortages, social media, and business coaching, Leah covers heaps in todays HTCI podcast. Hit play!

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Leah Durrant for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP297: Why We Need to Bring Positive Awareness to the Hair Industry with Cos Sakkas Aug 14, 2023

In this episode today, I’m thrilled to once again be joined by current British Hairdresser of the Year 2022 and Global Creative Director for TONI&GUY Cos Sakkas. Cos is passionate that we need to bring more positive awareness to the hair industry and how we can explore creative approaches to bringing more apprentices into it.

Our conversation revolves around the decline in apprenticeships within the hairdressing industry and how at TONI&GUY, they have taken proactive steps to address this issue head-on. Cos is keen to highlight the significance of providing young apprentices with valuable opportunities and equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in salon work. Something you’ll hear all about!

One of the critical aspects we discuss is the funding and support available for apprentices, as well as the noticeable quality improvement they are too experience after implementing comprehensive apprenticeship and training programs. Cos emphasises the unique benefits that come with being part of a renowned brand like TONI&GUY, including the unparalleled opportunities it offers in terms of education and growth.

While the changing hair industry faces many challenges, we explore the need to train apprentices to the same high standards within a shorter time frame. To adapt to the fast-paced content world, Cos is to suggest incorporating additional skills such as business acumen, social media expertise, and effective communication into the training curriculum. We delve into the idea of incentivising apprentices within the salon environment.

Theres so much covered, so be sure to stay tuned for an insightful discussions and engaging content for the current British Hairdresser of the Year, Cos Sakkas.

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Cos sakkas for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP296: Frustrated by Social Media? Come Join a Platform Created Just for Hairdressers & Barbers Like You! Aug 09, 2023

In this solo podcast episode, I want to share with you about HTCI PLATFORM – a brand new all-in-one community platform created just for hairdressers and barbers just like you – and why it’s important for you to be a part of it

The brand new HTCI PLATFORM is at the core of our mission to help hair professionals like you excel in your careers.

As someone with 37 years of experience in the industry, I understand the need for different opportunities and pathways. Since our HTCI podcast started in 2017, we’ve built a thriving community and network for hairdressers and barbers. Im guessing you’re listening to this podcast because you’re enthusiastic and seeking inspiration for your next career move in the hair industry.

In this episode, I’ll explain what HTCI PLATFORM is, the benefits of being a member, and how you can join. You’ll hear how it will offer spaces where you can dive deeper into our industry and grow beyond your limitations. By becoming a member, you’ll join a vibrant community where you can collaborate on projects, share ideas, and elevate your skills in hairdressing and barbering. We facilitate networking and workshops through live streams, where our new members have already experienced the power and energy of coming together.

HTCI PLATFORM aims to be a supportive place that offers authentic connections and invaluable guidance exclusively for hair professionals.

Excited? Then listen in to learn why YOU need to be part of this game-changing platform designed for hairdressers and barbers, just like you!

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

Classic Reruns: Patrick Cameron – The Master of Long Hair Dressing (Recorded May 2017) Jul 31, 2023

From time to time we love to take you back on a nostalgic trip to some of our favourite episodes from the past. Welcome to Classic Reruns!

Today, we’re taking you on a journey back to a timeless gem. Join us as we replay an episode originally recorded in March 2017, featuring the legendary hairstylist, Patrick Cameron!

In the realm of hairdressing, Patrick Cameron stands as an iconic figure admired for his artistry and exceptional talent. As one of the most influential hairstylists in the industry, we were truly honoured to sit down in his London home for a conversation with him.

Known for his expertise in long hair and his signature updos, Patrick’s creations are nothing short of awe-inspiring. With his unique ability to blend classic elegance with contemporary trends, he has left an indelible mark on the world of hair.

During this episode, we delve deep into Patrick’s journey as a hairstylist, uncovering the experiences that shaped him into the renowned artist he is today. From his early days behind the chair to the stages of international hair shows, Patrick’s insights and stories are both inspiring and fascinating.

For all the aspiring hairstylists and long hair enthusiasts out there, this episode is a must-listen! Patrick’s passion, dedication, and love for the craft will undoubtedly leave you with valuable lessons and a renewed sense of creativity.

So, sit back, relax, and join us on this fantastic journey as we revisit the words of one of the most captivating hairstylists of our generation. We promise it’s worth every moment!

Next week, we’ll be back with a bang! We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be featuring another hair industry icon, the current British Hairdresser of the Year, Cos Sakkas. So mark your calendars and join us as we delve into the world of hairdressing once again. Until then, have a fantastic week, and we can’t wait to catch up with you on our latest episode next Monday! Stay tuned for more hairdressing greatness!

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Patrick Cameron.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

**EP295: Positive Impact of Wearing Great Lengths Hair Extensions, with Sharon Sheehan & Sophie Anderton** Jul 24, 2023
Today, our joint podcast with Great Lengths is taking a new turn. I will be speaking with Sharon Sheehan, a salon owner and award-winning hair extensionist, as well as celebrity British model, designer, and Great Lengths extension enthusiast Sophie Anderton.
This interesting and fun discussion between hairdresser and client, examines the many advantages of using Great Lengths hair extensions.

Sharon is to revealing why Great Lengths are her preferred choice that makes top choice for her salon business. Whilst Sophie is to shares her personal experiences with Great Lengths hair extensions. Experiences like how hair extensions have boosted her confidence after experiencing hair damage and thinning.

Throughout the episode, we explore the misconceptions about hair extensions and how Great Lengths has changed the game with their ethical sourcing and non-damaging extensions.

Listen in as we explore the transformative power of Great Lengths hair extensions, the outstanding care provided by Great Lengths, and the positive impact these extensions can have on self-esteem and overall well-being. If you’ve ever considered hair extensions for your business, this episode is sure to inspire you to explore the possibilities that Great Lengths offers for a confident and beautiful look for your clients.

**Thanks for Listening**

Todays podcast is brought to you by Great Lengths

Produced and published by HTCI Network

**To share your thoughts:**

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

**To help out the show:**

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Sharon Sheehan and Sophie Anderton for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP294: Valuable Insights and Strategies for Salon Business Success, with Liz McKeon Jul 17, 2023

Today’s episode I’m to be joined by Liz McKeon, a salon business expert. Liz is to share her expertise on business development in the hair, beauty, and spa sectors.

In our conversation we will also cover customer care, up-selling, cross-selling, and the importance of every team member as a financial asset in the business. Liz also discusses Shear Haven, an organisation providing anti-domestic violence training for salon owners and stylists, highlighting the significance of recognising and addressing domestic violence in the salon industry.

Liz’s journey as a salon business expert began with her own experience running successful businesses. She emphasises the importance of providing excellent customer service and maximising client spending. Liz’s expertise has been shaped by opening a small salon focused on retail, where she proved that retail can account for a substantial portion of salon turnover.

Later into the podcast we hear from Liz on the transformational potential of the hair industry, drawing from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasises the need to leverage the industry’s importance in clients’ lives, focusing on the overall experience rather than just a single service.

Liz offers practical advice on consultation, taking clients on a hair journey, and prioritising exceptional customer service to cultivate client satisfaction, rebookings, and positive recommendations.

Join us as Liz shares her valuable insights and strategies for business success in the salon industry.

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Liz McKeon for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP293: Simon Butcher – A Journey into the Barbering World with ‘Hairground Lives’ Jul 10, 2023

Get ready to submerge into the world of barbering and men’s hairdressing as we explore the distinct disciplines and how this industry has been evolving over time. Joining us for this conversation is Simon Butcher aka Simon Hairground.

With Simon’s wealth of experience as a Barber, Hairdresser, Podcaster and host of the popular weekly ‘Hairground Lives’ on Instagram, we are turning the mics round on to Simon as he shines a light on the key differences between barbering and men’s hairdressing.

We delve into Simon’s thoughts on the trend of non-accredited qualifications in men’s hair. With his deep involvement in the barbering industry, Simon offers valuable insights on the impact of this growing trend. We explore the implications for the field of men’s hair and how non-accredited qualifications are shaping the industry landscape.

Together, we’ll unravel the potential effects and consequences of non-accredited qualifications in the context of the barbering industry.

Furthermore, we explore the evolving trends in barbering, the emergence of new brands, and how these factors have influenced the artistry and techniques involved in creating short haircuts. Simon shares his insights on the impact of these trends and how they have shaped his own approach to barbering.

And for all of you interested in possibly starting your own Instagram lives, we kickoff the episode today with Simon revealing his motivations for starting ‘The Hairground Lives’. He offers some invaluable advice, taking us through the ins and outs of hosting captivating live sessions on Instagram.

So, join us on this episode of the HTCI Podcast, where we dive into The Hairground Lives, Simon Butcher’s incredible journey, and gain valuable insights into the world of barbering and mens hairdressing. Let’s jump right in!

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Media Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Simon Butcher for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP292: From Self-Doubt to Success – Samantha Cusick and the Future of Sta Studios Jul 03, 2023

For todays podcast Im sitting down for a discussion with Samantha Cusick, who is fast becoming an industry powerhouse. As a successful salon owner of her two London salons that specialises in balayage and colouring, Samantha’s to share today her personal experiences, views, and aspirations, taking us on a journey of self-discovery and resilience.

She dives into her triumphs and challenges, addressing moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome that she overcame along the way.

A key focus of the conversation is Samantha’s new passion project, Sta Studios. As an extension of Samantha Cusick London, Sta Studios is to launch a new groundbreaking co-working space that caters specifically to freelancers in the hair industry. Samantha delves into the concept behind Sta Studios and its mission to empower freelancers, providing them with an owned business experience and a supportive salon infrastructure.

With a focus on addressing the concerns surrounding the rental model, Samantha highlights the accessibility and affordability of Sta Studios. She discusses the unique features and amenities, such as individual booking software, available assistants, and the innovative Sta Stacked system that maximises freelancers client capacity.

Throughout the interview, Samantha emphasises her commitment to championing women in the industry and advocating for change. She challenges traditional routes to success, encouraging listeners to embrace new opportunities and paths. Samantha’s insights shed light on the importance of self-confidence, self-expression, and staying true to one’s goals.

This episode is a captivating blend of personal stories, industry insights, and empowering perspectives that will leave you inspired and motivated to embrace your own journey. Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation!

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Media Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Samantha Cusick for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP290: Maintaining the Quality Standards of the Hair Industry with Emma Jarvis Jun 19, 2023

In todays episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Emma Jarvis, a multi-award winning salon owner and educator. Emma joins me to dive deep into her latest venture, The Hair Base finishing school.

We get to learn how The Hair Base finishing school’s groundbreaking 12-week program is designed to empower and equip newly qualified stylsits as well as individuals who are taking a break from the industry, with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in their craft. Essential skills such as effective client communication, marketing prowess, and a deep understanding of the business side of hairdressing.

Recognising the challenges faced by traditional colleges, particularly limited practical training time, Emma advocates for a more innovative and socially aware approach to training. She emphasises the importance of staying abreast of social media trends and evolving industry dynamics.

With her wealth of experience, Emma is also to provides us with invaluable insights into the current state of the hairdressing industry.

She passionately discusses various topics, including industry standards, recruitment practices, and the training landscape. Emma firmly believes that traditional hairdressing schools often fall short in preparing aspiring stylists for the reality of running a successful salon.

Emma is passionate about the hairdressing industry and believes that there are many issues that need to be addressed.

Let’s dive in!

A podcast produced and published by HOWTOCUT IT Media Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Emma Jarvis for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP289: Creating Perfect Blondes: An Interview with Blonding Expert, Daisy Goord Jun 12, 2023

In this podcast episode in collaboration with Wella Professionals UK & Ireland, we’re joined by Daisy Goord, Salon Owner of Daisy Goord in Plymouth and Wella Professionals UKI Digital Craft Expert.

Daisy is known for her expertise in creating beautiful blondes, and we’ll be diving into that today, along with sharing her industry experience and impressive online following, with 119K followers on Instagram and 149.3K on TikTok…and counting!

In our conversation we are to explore why Daisy loves doing blondes so much and why it’s a lucrative business. We also get her favorite blonde services, techniques, and go-to products reveals for lifting, toning, and caring for blondes using the new Blondorplex Cream Toners.

As we head further into the podcast, Daisy discusses the challenges of working with blondes and offers valuable tips and tricks for achieving the best results. She highlights the benefits of the new BlondorPlex Cream Toners and provides advice on selecting the perfect toner for clients.

Shifting to the social side, we learn how Daisy built her massive following and her favorite content to film and photograph. She shares lighting tips, the importance of posting consistency, and involving clients in her content creation process.

Daisy wraps up with her final thought—a culmination of valuable insights from our conversation.

Join us for this mega podcast episode as we delve into the world of blondes with Daisy Goord, and gain inspiration and knowledge from her blonding and social media expertise.

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media network – Find out more HERE

Thanks for Listening

Todays podcast is in collaboration with

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you for Daisy Goord for joining me on todays podcast in collaboration with Wella Professionals UKI

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP288: A Story of Curiosity, Creativity, and Collaboration, with Makeup Artist Designer, Lan Nguyen-Grealis May 30, 2023

For this episode of the How To Cut It podcast we are exploring the captivating world of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration with leading makeup artist designer, Lan Nguyen-Grealis.

Lan is a celebrity, beauty fashion, and multi-award-winning makeup designer. She is the author of “Art & Makeup” and “ProMakeup Design Books” and has made appearances as a guest judge on the successful BBC Series of Glow Up. Lan regularly collaborates on many shows at London Fashion Week, leading a team of exceptional makeup assistants whom she dedicates her time to mentor.

Lan’s journey is one of self-teaching, trial and error, and valuable experience. She understands the challenges of not having access to assisting early on, which led her to start her own education platform to find and mentor her own team of talented assistants.

Today we get Lan’s insights and experiences that offer valuable lessons in why we need to expand our creative horizons. From her fearless attitude driven by curiosity to her artistic approach to makeup, Lan’s journey holds inspiration and knowledge that can elevate your craft.

But that’s not all. In this episode, we also discuss the impact of social media on mental health, protecting your artistic identity from impersonators, and the importance of collaboration and giving credit to fellow artists.

We are also going to discover how collaboration between hairdressers and makeup artists can take creative projects such as photo shoots and shows to new heights.

So listen today to Lan’s incredible wisdom, experiences, and creative flair. Press play!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Lan Nguyen-Grealis for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP287: Triumph, Loss, and Reinvention, with Paul Davies May 22, 2023

In March 2020 the world stopped…….that’s when todays guest lost everything! We are in for an extraordinary podcast episode today with Paul Davies.

Paul has been a salon owner, educator and session stylist in a career that spans over 35 years. From simple beginnings at a local College of Further Education to London Fashion Week and an award winning Clarins Gold Salon.

In this episode, Paul takes us on a journey filled with triumph, loss, and the inspiring process of reinvention.

From his humble beginnings in the North East, Paul defied societal expectations and pursued his passion for hairdressing. We explore his path as a salon owner, the financial challenges, and the growth of his team. But just when success seemed within reach, a brain haemorrhage forced him to face a new reality.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought yet another wave of change, and Paul shares how he adapted during the lockdown, investing in personal and professional growth. However, the industry transformed, and he made the difficult decision to close his thriving five floor salon business. Now, as a freelancer, Paul is embracing a new chapter in his career, driven by a love for the industry and a desire to support others.

In this captivating episode, Paul’s candid storytelling and unique perspective offer valuable insights for entrepreneurs and anyone facing adversity. Join us as we explore his remarkable journey, filled with triumphs, setbacks, and the unwavering spirit of reinvention.

Get ready to be inspired and gain practical wisdom to navigate your own challenges and pursue your dreams.

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Paul Davies for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP286: You’ve Got Nothing to Lose but Everything to Win! Enter the Exciting World of TrendVision Award 2023 May 09, 2023

A podcast in collaboration with Wella Professionals UKI

If entering hair industry competitions is your thing, then we have feast for you in todays episode. Because we are entering into the exciting world of the Wella TrendVision Award 2023.

In collaboration with Wella Professionals UK & Ireland, today, I’m to be joined by Wella’s Digital Platforms and Data Manager, Lucy Windle and Wella TrendVison Award and International TrendVision Award 2021 winner, Gerri Leigh Stobbs, to discuss Wella TrendVision Award 2023 and what it means to both enter and win!

We kick off the conversation by explaining what the Wella TrendVision Award is, who can enter and an overview of the competition’s two stages.

Gerri then shares her journey to winning the TrendVision Award 2021 Colour Artist UK. She discusses what initially excited her to enter, the process of entering, and the thrill of winning.

The conversation then turns to the benefits of winning the Wella TrendVision Award, including improving your profile and confidence, exposure to global audiences, and opportunities with Wella Professionals and the industry. Lucy and Gerri also discuss the four categories for the 2023 competition. This includes competion updates for 2023 and some big watch out tips!

Finally, Lucy shares important information on how to enter the competition, including the entry deadline and steps to take, and Gerri and Lucy explain why they recommend entering the Wella TrendVision Award.

So, don’t miss this episode as we explore the exciting world of the Wella TrendVision Award 2023!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media network – Find out more HERE

Thanks for Listening

Todays podcast is brought to you by

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you for gerri Leigh Stobbs and Lucy Windle for joining me on todays podcast in collaboration with Wella Professionals UKI

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

yuv lab — **EP285: The Most Game-Changing Addition to the Salon Since the Hairdryer, Introducing YUV** May 05, 2023
*A podcast episode sponsored by YUV*
The most game-changing addition to the salon since the hairdryer, introducing YUV.

Big claim, eh?

Well in this latest episode of our brand new four part collaborative podcast series with YUV, I’m excited to be invited to discuss a revolutionary new colour system for the hair industry thats never been seen before.

I’m to be joined by Marketing Manager for YUV, Rachel Lee, and Zoey Olechnowicz who serves as Senior Colour Educator at YUV, where we’ll be exploring what YUV is and what it can offer salons and freelancers, including how the YUV colour lab can dispense millions of colour shade tones and how it looks and works. We’ll also discuss the range of colours that YUV can create, and why the hair industry needs a system like YUV.

One of the most exciting aspects of YUV is its sustainable closed loop system, which we’ll delve into and explain how it works. We’ll also explore how many colour canisters a salon needs to hold using yuv and the colour ingredients used in YUV.

We’ll also dive into the performance of the products, and how YUV eliminates the need for shade charts by allowing you to create your own custom colour shade palettes.

Another key benefit of YUV is its ability to remove colour wastage, and we’ll hear from Rachel and Zoey on how this will be achieved. And what about the cost of YUV and what you get for your investment? We cover that, too!

This is a big listen! Enjoy!

*A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media network – Find out more HERE*

**Thanks for Listening**

Todays podcast is brought to you by

**To share your thoughts:**

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

**To help out the show:**

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you for Rachel Lee & Zoey Olechnowicz for joining me on todays podcast in collaboration with yuv®.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP284: Get Beautiful Shiny Blondes that your Clients will Adore… Super-Fast! with James Earnshaw & Daisy Hewitt May 02, 2023

Podcast in collaboration with Wella Professionals UKI

From the most popular blonde categories and services to the struggles of finding the perfect toning solution. Today we’re talking all things blonde using the brand new Blondorplex Cream Toners from Wella Professionals. Joining me for this conversation is Wella Professionals UKI Digital Ambassador James Earnshaw and Commercial Education manager, Daisy Hewitt.

They’re super excited to introduce the brand new Blondorplex Cream Toners from Wella Professionals and share how this product can benefit your clients and business. With a super-fast toning solution that won’t leave your clients hair feeling damaged or dry, these toners come in five different shades, including a brass kicker.

James also shares some tips and tricks for using Blondorplex Cream Toners. They wrap up their conversation by discussing why Blondorplex Cream Toners is the right choice for both stylists and clients, and where you can find more information on these products.

So, tune in and get ready to be blown away by the latest and most innovative in blonde toning haircare that your clients will adore, and all in super-fast time!

Follow Wella Professionals @wellaprofessionalsuki

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media network – Find out more HERE

Thanks for Listening

Todays podcast is brought to you by

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you for James Earnshaw and Daisy Hewitt for joining me on todays podcast in collaboration with Wella Professionals UKI

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP283: No More Fear to Scalp Bleaching with Sarah Keane, aka SLK Bleach Expert Apr 24, 2023

In this episode of the HTCI podcast, I’m thrilled to have Sarah Keane, aka SLK Bleach Expert, join us to discuss all things scalp bleaching.

As the only UK-based educator whose sole focus is scalp bleaching, Sarah is a wealth of knowledge on the topic. In our conversation, we explore the common fears and myths surrounding scalp bleaching, the lack of education on the topic for many hairdressers, and Sarah’s own journey to becoming a scalp bleach specialist.

Sarah emphasises the importance of knowledge and education in overcoming the fear associated with scalp bleaching. “Once you have the knowledge behind why you would do it a specific way/how to assess suitability, etc., the skill will naturally improve, lessening the fear,” she explains. Building confidence with the service is crucial, and the more knowledge hairdressers have, the better their understanding, leading to better results.

Sarah’s approach to teaching has helped hairdressers with over 20 years of experience who had never done a scalp bleach before. Now, they are building up a return clientele.

As Sarah likes to say, “practice means progress.”With the right knowledge and practice, stylists can improve their scalp bleaching skills and provide excellent service to their clients. The results that Sarah’s students achieve are a true testament to this. It’s a fascinating conversation that any hairdresser looking to expand their knowledge on scalp bleaching won’t want to miss.

Its a perfect listen for all hair colourists! Let’s dive in!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Sarah keane for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

Announcement: Showcase your Talents and Elevate your Career! Enter Wella TrendVison Award 2023 Apr 19, 2023

Brought to you on behalf of Wella Professionals UKI

Hey, Howtocutter’s! I’ve announcement revealed in this midweek pop-up podcast. Because it’s that moment you have been waiting for – the Wella TrendVision Award 2023 is now accepting entries! Whether you’re a stylist working at a salon, running your own independent business, or even working at a non-Wella salon, you’re invited to join this exciting competition.

This is your chance to showcase your incredible talents and make a name for yourself in the hairdressing world. Imagine the thrill of having your name or salon on the map, recognised by industry leaders and your peers alike. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your career to the next level!

The Wella TrendVision Award is one of the most prestigious competitions in the industry, and participating in it can give you invaluable exposure and recognition. It’s a platform where you can truly let your creativity shine, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in hairdressing.

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to wella.co.uk/trendvision to submit your entry now. Trust us, you won’t regret it. Good luck, and may the best stylist win!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media network – Find out more HERE

Thanks for Listening

Todays podcast is brought to you by

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you for joining me on todays podcast announcement on behalf of Wella Professionals UKI

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP281: Mentoring and Growing Freelancers – The New Way of Working with Ricky Walters Apr 11, 2023

In todays episode we’re exploring a brand new way of working that’s taking the best of both employment and freelance work and blending them together. Sounds interesting, right? Let’s dive in!

For this episode, we have brought back onto the show Ricky Walters, founder of the head turning SALON64 in Soho.

Ricky is never afraid of breaking from tradition and coming up with original ideas. Something he is continually doing at SALON64. He is passionate about finding ways to combine the benefits of full-time employment and freelance work, and he believes that mentoring and growing is an essential part of making it work.

For years, the only option was to become an employed assistant, hoping to grow into an employed hairdresser while building a client base. But now, some hairdressers are taking an innovative approach and pursuing freelance work instead. By doing something different, they can work on their own terms and explore new creative avenues, while building their reputation.

But Ricky is to reveal in our conversation on why freelancers are discovering they’re not quite as ‘free’ as they had first thought. Also he shares on when meeting and speaking with the freelance community he learned one of the main struggles and something they felt missing as a freelancer is a lack of a mentor. They were crying out for a mentorship style of working to motivate, inspire and drive results.

Thats why SALON64 has created a brand new role by taking all the benefits of being employed, and the benefits of being freelance and blending them into the next age and the future of hairdressing. A future of providing mentoring and growing individuals.

So, if you’re looking for a new way of working that offers the best of both worlds, why not consider this brand new way of working? And remember, mentoring and growing is an essential part of making it work. Enjoy!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Ricky Walters for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP280: Insight to Being a Small Salon Owner in America – with Denman Stage Star USA Winner, Eric Marshall Wright Apr 04, 2023

A podcast episode sponsored by @denmanpro

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to run a small salon business in America? While both the US and UK share a common language and similar cultures, there are significant differences between the two countries when it it comes to running a small salon business. Or is there?

In todays episode in collaboration with Denman Professional I’m to be joined by the first ever winner of the Denman Stage Star USA, Eric Marshall Wright.

Eric is the owner of his small salon business, Eric Marshall Salon in Nashville, America. He opened his business two years ago, after he stumbled across a previous salon that was a chain salon that had gone out of business.

We have lots to cover in our conversation with Eric. First up, Im keen to get a rundown from Eric on what his experiences was like entering and winning the inaugural Denman Stage Star USA. Experiences like how part of his winning prize was an all expenses paid trip to fly from Nashville to London to enter the Denman Stage Star, live on stage at Salon International . Then I get to ask questions to Eric on being an American salon owner, from hair trends to staffing, pricing to marketing strategies, and everything in between. Eric shares some fascinating insights with us!

And being a collaborative podcast with Denman Professional, we couldn’t finish the conversation without learning what Eric’s favourite Denman brush in his styling tools armoury.

Lets go to it Howtocutters! Hit play!

A podcast produced and published by the HOWTOCUT IT Podcast Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you Eric Marshall Wright for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP279: Belinda Mindset – Thriving to a Hairdressing Career with Real Purpose! Mar 28, 2023

The mission for todays guest, Belinda Hillman of Belinda Mindset, is to teach every hair, beauty and barber learner from every background with the skills that empowers them to the success they all deserve.

A career in hairdressing has the power to both change lives and to support you financially. It certainly changed the life of Belinda. In this episode Belinda is to share how hairdressing gave her a purpose to discovering herself, a self-discipline and an identity. It gave Belinda the importance of thriving not surviving.

But thriving is so much more than just money!

Thriving for Belinda is still laughing with her husband after 20 years. Thriving is seeing her children grow into amazing young men. Thriving is being able to travel the world. Thriving is living the life that she chooses. Thats the Power of what a career in hairdressing can give you. Belinda reveals today how she is sharing the gospel to inspiring a new generation of learners coming into the industry, that they too can thrive! Something she is doing through her Belinda Mindset coaching business and motivational cards.

The message that comes through loud and clear is that choosing a career in hairdressing can also help you create the life you want to choose! Learn what fires you up and make sure to be right there when opportunities presents itself. As Belinda say’s, “Filling in the gaps of knowledge is like putting on clear glasses!” So let me tell you, this podcast with Belinda is like putting on them clear glasses. It’s time to thrive!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you Belinda Hillman for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP278: What’s Holding You Back? Fear of Not Being Good Enough!? Mar 20, 2023

You think you’re not good enough! Is this what’s holding you back from doing something new? If that rings true for you, then we have similar traits.

Back in 2014 my love for podcasts began. It was listening to these podcasts that put the seed of thought into me head on producing my very own podcast? Craziness, I can’t do this! Fear and self-doubt was to hold me back from creating a podcast. I’m not good enough! I don’t have the right skills… blah blah blah!

It took me another three years of researching that finally give me the confidence to pluck up the courage and launch the podcast show that you hear today.

On March 18th 2017 the How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry podcast was recorded and published. It’s fair to say it’s proably one of the best decisions I have ever made. Thats why we must fight our way through them fears thats holding us back from change. A change that could light up your life and help you reach them dream goals of yours.

Today, I’ll share that story that finally led me to no longer holding back on something that was way outside my comfort zone. I will also reveal how the forthcoming launch of a new project has returned them same old fears of mine. I’m again asking myself, “Am I good enough”!?

If your struggling with them same fears thats holding you back in your hairdressing and barbering career, listen in on this episode. You are going to hear how the soon to launch PLATFORM from How To Cut It is going to help you ‘grow beyond’ in your hairdressing and barbering careers.

Howtocutter’s, let’s go to it!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP277: Sophia Hilton – A New Work Life Balance Mar 13, 2023

Today Im sharing a podcast that I recorded live at the Common Counter, London in 2022 with the one and only, Sophia Hilton.

This is an honest and open conversation with Sophia. It leaves no stone unturned. Sophia is to reveal her own personal challenges that she has encountered in both life and business in recent times. It was a period that she described as a ‘wild time’!

Sophia is now taking these experiences to help other people from all industries, sectors and businesses. And she is sharing many of these valuable learnings in this episode.

The newly crowned ‘International Hairdressing Influencer of the Year’, Sophia has just finished her sell out UK & Ireland events tour. In April she is set to launch ‘Leadership For a New Life’ online course, and has recently launched her Not Another Business podcast. She has done all of this whilst continuing to lead her Not Another Salon and educational businesses, creating social content and keeping to her ambassador role commitments. Whats fascinating though, Sophia’s being doing all of this by structuring it around what she calls her 421 system.

In the second half of this podcast, Sophia is to reveal her thoughts on understanding the generation gap and the changing culture in the industry. You need to stick around to hear this!

The openness, advice and strategies we discuss today are invaluable for all of us. You won’t want to miss this fantastic episode with one of the biggest names in the world of hairdressing, so tune in and enjoy Howtocutters!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Sophia Hilton for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP276: A Progressive Agency Built on Producing Positive Growth in the World of Hair with Karrie Fitz Mar 06, 2023

Today’s guest Karrie Fits has created something very special. KIT STUDIOS is an agency that represents some of the most exciting, talented and creative names in the hair industry. Names such a Conor J Doyle, Harriett Stokes, James Earnshaw, Zoe Irwin, Jordanna Cobella, Danielle Garner and many more!

On International Women’s Day 2021, Karrie founded KIT.STUDIOS; a hybrid consultancy that provides insight, connection and strategy for the hair industry on a global scale. Pioneering a fresh vision that combines Karrrie’s experience of mentorship and coaching with the emotional intelligence required, Karrie has created a progressive agency built on producing positive growth in the world of hair.

Inquisitive and not afraid to tackle issues affecting the industry, KIT STUDIOS offers a bold, editorial approach to agency life.

We cover a lot of ground in this episode. We kick off the podcast by asking what KIT STUDIOS is, then we lead into who Karrie is, her hair industry background, and the journey that led her to creating KIT STUDIOS . It’s impressive!

We also discuss Karrie’s views on how the hair industry is changing, the digital evolution and a future for the industry with Metaverse. Stay tuned, she shares why the future may not be iPhones any more, but headsets. Yes headsets!

Listen in to this encaptulating conversation with Karrie. I love what she is doing. Enjoy Howtocutter’s!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Karrie Fitz for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP275: Why Conor James Doyle is on a Mission to Change Education in the Hair Industry Feb 28, 2023

Championing a new era of hairdressing and the education that allows this, it’s fair to say that todays guest Conor James Doyle is on a mission to do just that!

Conor is back on the show for one heck of a chat. Its a chat that kicks-off learning about his metaphoric rise to becoming one of the industries top content creators with his six-figure following, right through to using his platform to research and open conversations on the neurodiverse needs within the industry, and how education has to change to fulfil these needs.

We go deep in to all of this, and lots more!

We get to hear how during lockdown, Conor lost all his business and he turned to his social media following and embraced real conversations. This brought an opportunity to make people laugh, creating connections of light in a time of darkness. But he also reveals why social media has become a love hate relationship for him.

Dismantling the toxic narrative around hairdressing has become the ethos of Conor’s education and business today. Respect for the industry’s heritage combined with a determination to make fundamental changes for the future, Conor James Doyle is at the core of driving these changes.

If you’re curious to know what this all means, listen in on this episode to fully understand! Enjoy!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Conor James Doyle for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP274: Meet Dr.Syed, the Master Chemist whose ethos is The Science of Hair and Scalp Care Feb 20, 2023

A podcast episode sponsored by Uberliss.

Today I am honoured to be speaking with Dr. Syed, the Master Chemist whose mission is to develop the World’s most advanced formulas for hair by using the most cutting-edge methods available in the sciences.

Dr. Syed founded Avlon Industries, Inc. in 1984. His winning strategy for formulating Avlon brands is to use ingredients that have a positive effect upon hair and skin. With the drive and personality to fight for the best formula possible, Dr. Syed’s mindset is to accomplish something which hasn’t been accomplished before. That leads us nicely into the Uberliss Bond System.

A patented bonding system suitable for all hair types, I want to get behind the Uberliss Bond System in this podcast conversation. Like what makes Uberliss different from other bond treatments, and what are the big benefits the Uberliss Bond System brings to our clients and salon businesses.

As a world authority in the textured hair sector and next year Avlon will celebrate 40 years as a company, we now see Uberliss, a patented bonding system entering into the bond market. So I’m keen to also find out from Dr. Syed on why enter the bond market and introduce a brand for all hair types?

With an abiding affinity for chemistry, Dr. Syed personally supervises every project undertaken by Avlon’s Research & Development Center. Equal to his regard for chemistry, is the respect he holds for the professional hairstylist. Always positive towards ideas and opinion of stylists, Dr. Syed is to deliver a hair science masterclass the will keep you locked in.

From Nano lipids such as Phytosterols and Ceramides to the Patented Uberliss Bond sub-micron technology, this is required listening for every hair professional serious about the hair and scalp care of their clients. Press play!

To find out even more on the Uberliss Bond System click HERE

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media – Find out more HERE

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Dr. Syed for joining me on todays podcast sponsored by Uber.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP273: Ultimate Guide to Copper Hair Colouring, with Rachael Lomax aka Copper Queen Feb 13, 2023

How good is your copper hair colour knowledge? I ask because too often it gets overlooked. In an era dominated by vivid trends and our ongoing love affair with blondes, it’s fair to say that copper hair colours are our forgotten hair colour hero. Until now!

Having a new rekindled love affair with copper hair colours whilst combined with expert knowledge, I promise it will take your copper hair clients and business to a whole new level. So step up Rachael Lomax aka Copper Queen!

This episode with the Copper Queen, Rachael Lomax is your ultimate guide to copper hair colouring. We learn everything from the many copper tones that can be achieved, the maintenance of copper colours and lots of expert tips along the way. It’s a essentially a masterclass delivered straight to your ears, wherever you are listening from!

With over 20 years of specialist copper experience, Rachael Lomax has become the authority on copper hair in the industry. Having such knowledge I’m also biting at the bit to finding out more on how and why she niched down to specialise in copper hair colours. What she shares here will inspire you on why it’s important to find your niche. Rachael says in this podcast, ‘Consider having a copper hair expert in your salon’! Great idea!

You can be confident in knowing that you are learning from one of the best when it comes to copper hair colouring. So what are you waiting for, hit that play button!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Rachael Lomax for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP272: Making a Difference through Business – The Voice of a CEO Feb 06, 2023

A podcast episode sponsored by Denman Professional

Having company CEO’s on the How To Cut It podcast are important! Hearing the human side of a company and what they stand for, allows us to connect with them on a much deeper level. People like to engage with other people, not companies!

In our new collaborative podcast series for 2023 with Denman Professional, I’m sitting down for a conversation with the brands CEO, Kevin McNamee. In this conversation we get an inside look to the iconic Denman brand to understand how it operates, and why it’s viewed as a truly caring company.

A British and family-owned business, Denman haves a really robust Corporate Social Responsibilty (CSR) strategy. Its uplifting to hear how a company is taking such a positive approach to its CSR, so I had to record a podcast episode to learn all about this. We learn stuff like the many projects Denman are supporting and how they are actively seeking a ‘root to branch’ approach to hairdressing.

Later in to the podcast we also get an exclusive on the Denman Stage Star 2023 competition. Be sure to stick around for this!

It matters that the professional tools that you both use and recommend to your clients comes from a company thats stands for the right values. A company that takes an interest in wider social issues, rather than just those that impact their profit margins. Sharing these values can only be a positive thing for us all. Enjoy!

To apply for a Denman Professional account sign up HERE

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media – Find us on @howtocutitmedia

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Kevin McNamee for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP271: Danielle Garner – Working with your Intuition Jan 23, 2023

Are you someone that follows that feeling you get in your gut when you instinctively know that something you are doing is right or wrong? If so then you are not alone!

For todays guest Danielle Garner working with intuition is imparative to her success. It’s this intuition that sees her lead with an open heart.

A genuine rising star in the hair industry, Danielle’s approach to hairdressing has caught the attention of industry peers, press and icons while her instinctive connection, creatively, colour and finishing skills have built an envious celebrity clientele.

Danielle’s CV is seriously impressive for someone so young. Multi-awarding winning hairdresser/entrepreneur, International Session Stylist, Salon Owner, Ambassador, Educator and Leader. So what does her journey look like thats seen her achieve so much in such a short space of time? Thats what we find out in our conversation today.

We get to hear how she needed to mould a career that aligned with the life she desired. A big part of this was opening Wildflower in 2017, a salon located in the heart of Dublin. As we go further in to this episode you’ll hear why protecting the energy of your work studio is everything for Danielle. At Wildflower, the team chooses their clients based on intuition and energy.

The importance of balance is everything! Flexible working, communal lunch breaks, give back days – Danielle and Wildflower prioritise balance when running a successful salon business.

Theres so much to take from the podcast today! Danielle is truly impressive!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media Network

Thanks for Listening

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Danielle Garner for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP270: Why be a Young Salon Owner! with Luke Hawkins Jan 16, 2023

Are you a young hairdresser who one day dreams of being a salon owner? If you answer yes to this question, then this podcast has your name on it. Our conversation today is with 24 year old salon owner and educator Luke Hawkins and he’s giving us an insight into what life looks like as a young salon owner.

For many hairdressers being a salon owner can be their ultimate career goal. But is it all that it’s cracked up to be?

Theres no denying it is difficult out there right now for salon owners. Staff shortages, cost of living crisis, high rents just to name a few of the growing challenges salon owners face in 2023! All of these on the back of pandemic and lockdowns that left many salons fighting for their sheer survival . So why do so many still want to be a salon owner?

Thats one of the first questions I want to ask Luke in todays episode. Luke will reveal his experiences, including how his salon had to cope with the pandemic lockdown during it’s very early days of opening.

As we go deeper into the podcast we also get to hear why Luke is happy to describe himself as a non-award winning hairdresser. He has some big opinions on this that you may or may not agree with. And being an educator too, specialising in teaching commercial haircuts, I just had to learn more on why the hair industry needs more educators like Luke. Its a conversation I know you’ll enjoy!

Let’s go to it Howtocutters’! Hit Play!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media – Find us on @howtocutitmedia

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Luke Hawkins for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP269: KP: POP Collection – From Shoot to Salon with James Earnshaw & Daisy Hewitt Jan 09, 2023

KP: POP is an exciting new collection by James Earnshaw in collaboration with the Wella Education team, that celebrates COLOUR! Today we are privileged to get the story and journey to this exciting colour mixtures all created using the ICONIC Koleston Perfect, and then captured in a photo collection.

Recorded live in the Wella Studio Manchester UK, this collaborative podcast with Wella Professionals UKI, I get to sit down for a conversation with Wella UK Top Artists and Ambassador James Earnshaw and their Commercial Education Manger, Daisy Hewitt. In this insightful conversation, we get to find out how you can take the looks from the KP: POP collection shoot to salon so that you can inspire your clients in 2023.

We learn why the Koleston Perfect colour heritage is so important as a brand. Most hairdressers will have heard of Koleston Perfect and used it for standard services. Koleston Perfect has to move with the times and be reactive to trends. Thats why Koleston Perfect can be used for everything; inspiring yet commercial!

James reveals his inspiration to the looks behind the collection and why KP: POP is important to him. He also gives us an overview to the looks, services and techniques behind the KP: POP collection. Daisy shares the reality of taking this collection to salon life – from runway to store!

KP: POP is all about inspiring a brand new Koleston Perfect audience showcasing saturated bold colour placement. So listen in and hear how to celebrate colour in a young fresh way!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media – Find us on @howtocutitmedia

Thanks for Listening

Todays podcast is brought to you by

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to James Earnshaw and Daisy Hewitt for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

Classic Rerun: Gianni Scumaci – The Hidden Intelligence of a Hairdresser Dec 27, 2022

Happy Christmas Holidays, Howtocutters! I couldn’t think of a better way to enjoy this festive holiday season than listening in to a How To Cut It Classic Rerun podcast . And for this Classic Rerun I’ve selected one of the worlds most respected hair artists, Gianni Scumaci.

Titled the ‘Hidden Intelligence of Hairdresser’, you are about to hear that episode I had with Gianni Scumaci that was first recorded and published back in February 2019. It was a huge hit!

No surprises it was such a huge hit. It was one of the the most powerful and impactful interviews we have heard on the How To Cut It in the Hairdressing podcasts. We got to hear on why being a hairdresser has such worth and value. It was truly a thought provoking interview from an incredible mind and great communicator.

Gianni is passionate about raising the value of hairdressing and founded GS Education spending the last few years traveling the world educating hairdressers, awakening them to their worth and hidden intelligence. This is something Gianni is going to share this with you, along with his story on how his carved out a unique and successful career in the world of salon, editorial and education.

This Classic Rerun episode is a reminder on why what we all do as hairdressers and barbers is so meaningful. It will reconnect you back to why you first came into the hair industry, your worth, and why it puts you on an equal level with other highly respected professionals. I promise you that our conversation recorded back in 2019 with Gianni will have a profound effect on you. Let me know here .

Hit play Howtocutters and lets go deep!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media – Find us on @howtocutitmedia

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you Gianni Scumaci for joining me on this Classic Rerun podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP268: Inspiring, Exciting and Supporting the Next Generation of Stylists & Salons with Carolyn Newman Dec 19, 2022

How do you succeed at becoming the very best hair professional you can possibly be? The best starting point is to make sure you are continually growing and developing in all areas of the industry. For sure!

Thats what the most successful people in the hair industry do. I should know! I’ve had the pleasure to interview many of them, and I get to learn theres a common thread that runs through each of them. They never stop learning.

So if 2023 is the year that you will throw yourself into learning, then todays guest Carolyn Newman is someone who can help you achieve all of the this.

Carolyn is a genuine hair icon who is respected by many of the hair industries biggest names. An award-winning hairdresser, she has been hairdressing for 41 years and in 1993 was a member of the first ever FAME Team for the Fellowship of British Hairdressing. She was at the helm of Charles Worthington Salons for 25 years.

Today Carolyn’s ‘Colour and Education Consultancy’ is inspiring, exiting and motivating the next generation of stylists and salons with the skills, communication tools and ideas to use in the day to day salon life. Helping them become the very best hair professionals they can be.

In my conversation with Carolyn today, she’ll share many of those skills, communication tools and ideas. Im sure they will help get you charged up for the new year ahead. We also get to hear Carolyn’s thoughts on what hair education will look like in 2023, along with our industry’s future – the positive actions that are needed, and what does it mean for apprentices, hairdressers, employers and most importantly clients.

There’s lots to come. Enjoy!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media – Find us on @howtocutitmedia

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Carolyn Newman for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP267: The 17 Year Old Hairdresser Who Entered and Won ‘Quif Centre Stage’ 2022 Dec 12, 2022

It might surprise you that a 17 year old hairdresser was the winner of Quif Centre Stage 2022. Yes at just 17 years of age Vinny-Lee Brennan entered and won the innagural Quif Centre Stage 2022.

Quif Centre Stage is a brand new hair industry competition open to all levels of hair professionals and has been created to find the next Generation of Hair Colour Stage Artists. The competitions live finals were held back in September at the Alan Howard HQ in Stockport, UK and I had the pleasure to host this.

In this episode today, we are going to inspire a new generation of hair professionals on why they too should throw themselves into entering hair industry competitions like Quif Centre Stage. And who better to help us than Vinny-Lee Brennan himself.

Vinny is currently completing his training apprenticeship at his mums salon, Colour-Code Hair Lounge in Stoke-on-Trent, and is certainly an emerging hair talent to watch out for.

Already in his short time working in the hair industry he has worked on stage at Salon International 2022 styling for Alfa Italia, and was on the styling team at Cheshire Fashion week. Vinny really is throwing himself into the hair industry, and grabbing every opportunity it gives to him. I love that!

So we are to kickoff our conversation on what excites Vinny about the hair industry, leading in to what life looks like for 17 year old hairdresser in 2022? Im keen to also get his experiences of entering and winning Quif Centre Stage 2022 so young.

We cover all this and lots more in todays episode. I know all you young hair professionals will be pumped on what Vinny shares. It’s a great listen from a extremely focused and impressive young hair professional. Enjoy!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media Network

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Vinny-Lee Brennan for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP266: Jordanna Cobella’s Top Tips to Boosting your Colour Business this Party Season! Dec 05, 2022

The Christmas party season is now upon us. So this is that perfect time to fill up any of those remaining column gaps with some express colour service menus. But how can you do this?

Step up todays guest; Wella Professionals UK & Ireland Colour Craft Expert and the newly crowned London Hairdresser of the Year 2022, Jordanna Cobella.

I’ve invited the brilliant Jordanna back onto the show to share with us some of her top tips when it comes to boosting your colour business using express colour service menus from Wella professionals.

We will get Top Tips like: How to implement more express colour services that will boost your colour business this party season? How to use this opportunity to book in clients for the upcoming year? How to create a consultation that sells? And how to get playful with colour names for your express colour service menu?

We learn about all of this from Jordanna today. Join us for this fab festive conversation that will give you all the ideas you need to know when it comes to making sure you keep all those empty column gaps filled to maximise your business revenue this Christmas.

Trust me––you don’t want to miss this one. Enjoy!

A podcast produced by HOWTOCUT IT Media – Find us on @howtocutitmedia

Thanks for Listening

Todays podcast is brought to you by

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Jordanna Cobella for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP265: The Pressures and Responsibilities of Todays Salon Owners, with Colin McAndrew Nov 28, 2022

What does life look like for todays salon owners that are leading an employed team? This is what I want to find out from todays guest, Colin McAndrew.

As the Managing Director of Medusa, Colin is responsible for the fastest growing salon group in Scotland. Six salons and a 4,000 sq ft academy, the brand has continued to strengthen over recent years as Colin’s plans have come to fruition. All this sounds great! Right?

It’s fair to say that Colin McAndrew is the definition of leadership. Honest and hardworking, Colin credits his success to the team around him. But the pressure and responsibility that comes with all these successes for not just Colin, but all salons owners, has gone untold for too long. Until now!

For todays salon owners, running a business is extremely high right now due to the world we’re living in.

A changing salon culture, cost of living etc, it’s having an impact on the mental health for many of todays salon owners. Those same people that feel they have to be superhuman, but who still have the same fears and health issues as the team they lead has.

Today I want to talk to Colin’s about his own experiences of being a salon owner leading an employed team across six salon. He’s to reveal so openly how all of this leaves him at times feeling anxious and vulnerable.

This is one heck of an inspiring chat. Hearing Colin’s own struggles at the ‘top’ can only benefit all of us that tune in to this entire episode. Colin’s transparent vulnerability does not equal weakness. It’s quite the opposite! Join us, listen in, and enjoy!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions for How To Cut It Podcasts

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Colin McAndrew for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP263: Teaching Everyday Hairdressers to Colour with Confidence… Meet Emma Fowler Nov 14, 2022

Meet Emma Fowler: An award-winning colourist who over the last 2 years has gone from a relatively unknown to becoming one of the UK’s top independent colour educators. All achieved whilst raising two young children! So how has she done it?

Emma has grown a loyal and committed community of hairdressers who are looking to gain confidence in the new era of modern colouring techniques like Balayage. Her story to becoming such a highly regarded educator is inspiring. We’ll hear all about this in todays episode.

It’s no fluke for where Emma is in her career today. She has certainly earned her stripes as a leading hair colour educator. She has been educating for most of her hairdressing career. Starting as an in-salon trainer, then working for two of the leading brands before moving onto her own independent education.

Based in in her studio in Essex, UK for in person education, Emma is also founder of ‘The Community’ – the ultimate membership for Hairdressers and runs online colour courses, too. We get some valuable lessons today from Emma’s forthcoming ‘The Colour Confidence Programme’, a 12 module online course designed to help the everyday hairdresser feel confident in their colour work behind the chair.

For all you everyday hairdressers, you’ll want to listen from one of your very own – an everyday hairdresser just like you!

Her story and teachings are powerful on what you can successfully achieve, whether working behind the chair or becoming an independent educator.

A podcast produced by How To Cut It Podcasts

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Emma Fowler for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP262: How we Screen for Allergy Screams Quality, with Sophia Hilton and a Very Special Guest. Nov 07, 2022

In todays show we’ll be talking about something there’s no great controversy about – screening for allergy.

It’s not controversial as we all need to do it, and the good businesses do. It’s also not controversial to say it’s one of the least popular parts of a salon’s operation. It’s not controversial either to say not enough people understand the issue well enough to make informed choices. So I’ve invited two amazing guest onto the show to talk about it.

This is the first time we’ve have two world renowned guests from completely different industries in one show. Legendary colourist Sophia Hilton is joined by Dr David Basketter, expert in hair colour toxicology, to talk allergy screening.

Far from being complicated, Sophia’s transformed the way Not Another Salon screens for allergy into an easily recognisable badge of quality for her thriving business. While supercharging colour convenience and unlocking creative freedom. This always brings up a scientific debate, but we knew that already, so David’s with us to get the facts straight on the science supporting Sophia’s approach. Visionary as always, Sophia’s cracked it in her business.

I don’t know any colourists with more followers than Sophia or scientists with more literature citations on hair colour than David! Thats why this conversation is the most informative and engaging listen you can get on why we need to screen for allergy using the highest standards possible. Let’s dive in!

A podcast produced by How To Cut It Podcasts

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Sophia Hilton and Dr David Basketter for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

Matrix haircare and hair colour — **EP261: Align with a Brand to Help your Business and Profile Grow – Christian Wiles** Oct 31, 2022
Here’s something for you: Work with another brand that aligns to your business, profile and core values. But why does this matter? What does it mean?

Put simply, having a strong loyal relationship with a brand will help your business and profile grow through support, education and aligned core values. So what examples do we have of a business and a profile successfully aligning with a brand?

Thats what we are going to share with you today,

In the last of our four part collaborative podcast series with MATRIX UKI, I have joining me on the show MATRIX & BIOLAGE Artist Ambassador and owner of Wiles Studios in Northampton, UK, Christian Wiles. Christian’s salon business and profile has long aligned itself with the MATRIX brand. Through this beautiful and successful partnership, Christian has gone on to become a dedicated member of the Matrix Artistic team for more than a decade and an influential role within the Matrix haircare brand. A perfect harmonious relationship for his business, profile and the MATRIX brand!

So in this episode I have many questions I want to ask him. I want to learn on the opportunities working with MATRIX has given to him and his business? Creatively, I want to learn how he shoots collections. Entering industry awards? What hair work of his transfers best to social media? What are his go-to trusted hair products? And having studied Fashion Forecasting & Trend Predictions at Central Saint Martin’s, what’s his thoughts on the latest trends in hair colour and care?

Listen in on this conversation to understand why need to align with a brand to help grow your business and profile. I also urge you to learn more on Christians reference to colour and the MATRIX formulations that will be best suited for quick free inspiration HERE. Check it out!

*A podcast produced by How To Cut It Podcasts*

**Thanks for Listening**

Todays podcast is in collaboration with MATRIX.

**To share your thoughts:**

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

**To help out the show:**

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Christian Wiles for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP257: Grow Your Colour Business Using the Signature Naturals Trends with Jordanna Cobella Oct 06, 2022

Statistics show that 42.9% of women are colouring their hair vs 52% in March 2018. And did you know that one of the main reasons why people stop colouring their hair is that they want a more natural appearance and feel that colouring involves too much maintenance. But Fear not, where there is a threat to our colour business comes new opportunities.

This episode in collaboration with Wella Professionals UK and Ireland, I’m joined by their Colour Craft Expert, Jordanna Cobella. It’s essential listening to understanding the colour trends emerging, and how using the Wella “SIGNATURE NATURALS’ COLLECTION OF shades will empower you to meet these trends and how it will help you to grow your colour business in these changing times.

Jordanna and I kickoff the conversation learning about the colours that supports ‘SIGNATURE NATURALS’ and what she loves most about them. We also go on to talk about the services and techniques she and her team uses in her London based salon business, Cobella. Theres some pretty cool tips and tricks Jordanna shares with us here on the shades and formulas using Kolestone Perfect and the new Shinefinity shades.

Jordanna even shares some top tips for effective communication with clients around trends, colours, managing expectations and how to incorporate this into your client consultations.

Working with Koleston Perfect and Shinefinity the ‘SIGNATURE NATURALS’ collection allows you the hairdresser to provide the client with a natural result, but also adds an element of interest to drive frequency and grow your colour business. Listen in to this episode to find out more!

A podcast produced by How To Cut It Podcasts

Thanks for Listening

Todays podcast is brought to you by

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Jordanna Cobella for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP255: ‘SIGNATURE NATURALS’ – Behind the Collection Shoot with Robert Eaton Sep 20, 2022

I love getting behind the ideas, planning and inspirations to a collection shoot. Thats why I’m excited to be bringing back on to the podcast British Hairdresser of the Year 2019 & 2022, Robert Eaton to share all of this and more.

Today Robert is going to take us behind the latest Wella Professionals ‘Signature Naturals’ Collection Shoot. He’ll be revealing why this is a collection of colours that meets the trends shift of people that are now wanting a more natural appearance.

As the UK and Irelands Technical Director for Wella Professionals, Robert worked with the Wella team in creating the ‘Signature Naturals’ collection.

With the penetration of colour services in decline comes new opportunities. Retention of clients through technique and colour placements with services that will demonstrate hairdressers skillset for grey coverage AND natural results. Welcome to the ‘Signature Naturals’ collection.

In our conversation we get to hear tons of exclusive stuff from Robert. Stuff like the inspirations behind each of the looks and the Koleston Perfect and Shinefinity colour shades used. Plus how it works with natural shades as an overall application that also includes placement of bespoke and interesting shades to create a signature result for the client.

A collection of shades, looks & techniques, ‘Signature Naturals’ empowers the Hair Artists to transform every women’s hair from their ordinary colour to the signature natural they can own.

A podcast produced by How To Cut It Podcasts

Thanks for Listening

Todays podcast is brought to you by

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Robert Eaton for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP254: From £30 to TikTok Hair Sensation – Heffy Wheeler’s Journey to Recovery Sep 12, 2022

Heffy Wheeler is a prime example of todays digital hair generation who has literally built their success on social media. But behind all this success lies a story much deeper to the person than just the content posts and videos we all adore seeing.

With just £30 in her pocket and Instagram and Facebook pages, Heffy Wheeler utilised her social media to grow HX Hair business into a multi-award winning salon. Thats where we start the story today with Heffy. But like all stories, it’s never plain sailing. This certainly rings true for Heffy.

After falling pregnant, Heffy developed ‘perinatal’ mental health illness. It was one of the darkest moments in her life. She says, “I felt so detached from this period of my life”. However with her fearless determination, coping stratergies and support from her husband she has battled back. We get to hear how she is now using her channels to raise awareness of mental health and get people talking about a subject that’s extremely close to her heart.

Then final part of the podcast is all TikTok. Heffy reveals how during lockdown she threw herself into what was then, a relatively new platform. Being on TikTok so early was a move that proved very fruitful for both her and her salon business. You’ll hear why in our conversation today!

Now regarded as a leading TikTok Hairdressing Star, Heffy is also going to share with us her tips and tricks that are perfect for all of you wanting to build success on TikTok, too.

If you love hearing a story with a journey, then Howtocutter’s, you’ll love this episode with Heffy Wheeler. Let’s go to it!

A podcast produced by How To Cut It Podcasts

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Heffy Wheeler for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP253: How to Recession Proof your Salon Business, with Richard McCabe Sep 05, 2022

Recession proof your salon business. Its the hottest industry topic right now! So ask yourself this: How is your salon business going to survive the economic global recession? To help with all of this is todays guest, Richard McCabe the Lifestyle Salon Coach. For the very survival of your salon business, this is a podcast that needs to be heard.

For many of us it’s a scary time! Inflation on the rise, interest payments and utilities at the biggest rate since we can remember, there is no denying it’s going to be a tough year ahead for some salon owners.

At first it all seems so daunting. You’re worrying yourself to sleep at night on how are you going to afford to pay the salon bills and survive! Ok, so you cant control the rising costs and global crisis, but you can control how you will guide your salon business through these bumpy times ahead by not only surviving, but to also come out of it thriving.

Today Richard will guide us through exactly how our salon businesses can address and overcome the 3 biggest issues that will influence the next two years takings of your salon business. These 3 issues discussed today are:
#1 Dealing with rising bills and why you cannot just plod along through these next 2 years.
#2 Coping with fewer clients visiting the salon and that are dragging out appointments or looking for cheaper alternatives.
#3 Managing staff that are getting nervous about rising costs and looking to you for help.

Whether the economic global recession is “mild and short’ or a “major long one’, salon owners, small suit business renters, freelancers, etc so you need to be fully prepared for it. So hang on in there because today episode will not only help your salon business overcome it, but it could also help in giving it the best year ever.

Howtocutter’s, lets go to it…

A podcast produced by How To Cut It Podcasts

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Richard McCabe for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

Classic Rerun: Alcohol, Drugs and Suicide Attempt! Niall Colgan’s Incredible Comeback Story Aug 29, 2022

Welcome to a How To Cut It ‘Classic Rerun’ with Niall Colgan. Delving deep into our extensive podcast libraries, our Classic Rerun’s bring you some of our most popular episodes since we launched back in 2017.

Originally published in September 2019, this episode with Niall is our second highest download of all time. And for good reason! Niall’s story he shared then was what I described as a ‘podcast blockbuster’.So be prepared. You’re about to hear is one of the most powerful, emotional and hard hitting stories that we have ever brought you over the last five and half years!

An incredible comeback story, you’ll hear how Niall seemed to have it all. Enjoying great success, before the cracks began to show, I guarantee that you’ll all be hanging on every last word Niall shared with us back in 2019.

In 2009 Niall opened Niall Colgan Hairdressing, and in his very own words said, “I was flying by the seat of my pants, and with no clue on how to be a leader”! With this pressure he ended up having a total breakdown in October 2013, followed by a suicide attempt when it appeared that he had lost both his business and young family.

Hitting rock bottom was the turning point for Niall to rebuild his life. At the time of recording in 2019 he was 6 years into sobriety and with his partner Melie by his side and two young sons, Niall has gone from strength to strength.

Niall is truly inspirational. Listen in to hear his words on recovery from the depths of being rock bottom, and how he’s rebuilt both his life and thriving salon business out of a hard working ethic and huge passion for hair.

A podcast produced by How To Cut It Podcasts

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Niall Colgan for joining me on todays Classic Rerun podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP252: Why Winning Denman Stage Star 2021 Has Been Career Changing for James Forte Aug 23, 2022

Denman Stage Star 2021 winner James Forte has had a career changing year. In this final episode of our current podcast series in Collaboration with Denman Professional, we are to talk to James on his experiences of entering Denman Stage Star and everything it has brought hime since winning. It’s a conversation for all young hair professionals who are wanting to understand the excitement and impact entering hair industry competitions can give you.

A stylist based at Guy Christian in Cardiff, James could only dream about the opportunities that winning the Denman Stage Star has given him over the last year. This has included industry exposure and working on his very own photoshoot collection with Desmond Murray. If you are looking to shine brighter in the industry, I’m dead cert that entering the Denman Stage Star 2022 is a must for you.

It’s a competition that gives all budding platform artists the spotlight and a year of amazing opportunities. Denman is seeking individuals that stand out from the crowd and have the confidence and technical skill to share knowledge and inspiration from the stage. The winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip to London to present on stage alongside UK Stage Star finalists at Salon International, the UK’s largest hair show, plus a full year of education and creative guidance from world leading academy Allilon, one-to-one sessions with Denman Ambassadors and a full Denman professional kit. Boom!

To enter is as easy as simply submitting examples from your work portfolio, your social media links and creating a 2-minute video explaining why you should be the next Stage Star winner. In doing so could be your first steps to winning this career changing opportunity. Just like James did in 2021!

A production produced by How To Cut It Podcasts in collaboration with Denman Professional

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to James Forte for joining me on todays podcast in collaboration with Denman Professional.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP251: Getting Back Up When Life Knocks You Down, with Marcus King Aug 15, 2022

Let me tell you this: It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get back up.

There will be times when you feel like you’re on top of the world. Then life stops you right in your tracks! It throws you a big punch that knocks you sideways, and possibly out! You’ve hit rock bottom! This is exactly what today’s guest Marcus King experienced, and all within a two year period of the recent COVID pandemic.

Salon owner of the ‘King and I Norton’ in the North East of England and many industry awards to his name including British Men’s Hairdresser of the Year and North-Eastern Hairdresser of the Year, Marcus King looked to have it all. Then in 2020 the COVID pandemic arrives. Salons around the world go into lockdown. With the anxiety of salon closure, the furlough of staff, a compromising business partnership, short of money, the break up of his relationship, the tragic loss of his very close sister and illness, Marcus’s world was literally turned upside down in a very short space of time.

Today I want to get Marcus’s story that led him to such dark and difficult times. But before we get to this part of the story, I want to go right back. Right back to when Marcus entered into the hair industry as a young 14 year old lad, and how he went on to work on stages around the world with Hooker and Young, before leading us along to why winning at the British Hairdressing Awards meant so much to him. Then we learn about the exiting times of opening his salon business just before the pandemic, and then… Battling the very dark days of lockdown and how it all led Marcus to mental health illness, that culminated in a stroke. Then like all big blockbusters, we get the comeback story!

This is a hard-hitting episode that is going to help inspire and empower you to know that however difficult things get, you can comeback event stronger. Marcus is full proof of this. He’s discovered resiliance and determination to adapt in the face of adversity, trauma, ill health and loss. By turning to well-being and choosing a healthier lifestyle, Marcus is once again transforming pain into possibility. You’ll get so much from this monmuental episode.

A podcast produced by How To Cut It Podcasts

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Marcus King for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP250: Why you Need to Understand the Science of Textured Hair, with Jacqui McIntosh Aug 08, 2022

To be a successful hair professional, it’s important that you have skill sets that sits across all hair types. Including textured hair. Unfortunately for many of us, when its comes to understanding both the technique and science of textured hair, theres still much needed room for improvement. But fear not! We’re about to start changing that for you today.

In this episode I’m joined by the hairdresser often respectfully referred to as being the all-knowing “authority of textured hair and its business”, Jacqui McIntosh.

When Jacqui talks about hair she means business. A globally renowned salon Hairstylist, International Educator, Texture Management Specialist, Qualified teacher, Assessor, Internal Verifier, Award Winning Educator and Trichologist. She was recently celebrated as an industry pioneer for British Afro hairdressing, for black history month 2020. And with skill sets that sits across all hair types, we’re in the company of a true expert when it comes to understanding the science of textured hair.

Having Jacqui coming on the show today, I have so much to ask her on understanding the science of textured hair. Number 1, as hairdressers why do we struggle to truly embrace the science of textured hair, what benefits can it have on our clients, industry careers and businesses. All will be revealed later.

Going deeper into the podcast I also ask, why are we saying textured not curly hair? And why Jacqui believes not everyone has to do textured hair?

This is a brilliant and captivating conversation. You’ll get so much from what Jacqui shares! Let’s go to it, Howtocutter’s!

A podcast produced by How To Cut It Podcasts

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Jacqui McIntosh for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP249: Meet the ‘Popular Nobody’ Barber – A Powerhouse of American Barbering! Aug 01, 2022

You’ve seen the title and you may be thinking – “What the heck do you mean by a Powerhouse!?” A Powerhouse to me is someone who is a great source of influence and inspiration. Do you agree?

For this next instalment of our collaborative podcast series with Denman Professional, I’m thrilled to be joined by someone I believe to be a true powerhouse of American barbering, John Mosley aka the Popular Nobody.

As a newly appointed Denman US Ambassador, John has worked with names like Eminem, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar and many more. He is all about motivating through education and knowledge. A big part of this education is about focusing the way he teaches barbers. Today we get the story to John’s purpose, how he has hustled to the top by doing what he loves and of course, a good dose of John’s motivational words.

You’ll get to hear his entry into barbering, why he adopted the Popular Nobody name and brand. We talk too about his thoughts on the difference between the US and UK barbering. Is there a difference? Thats not all though. We also get to learn about John’s favourite tools and his love hate relationship with social media. Theres so much packed into this episode brought to you by Denman Professional.

A super smart barber and business man, I love John’s motivational teachings. This is an interview that prooves humble beginnings can lead to humble success. And for all of John’s barbering fame and success, remaining humble remains at the core of his values. Legit!

A production produced by How To Cut It Podcasts in collaboration with Denman Professional

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to John Mosley for joining me on todays podcast in collaboration with Denman Professional.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP248: Jack Howard – Remaining Relevant in an Ever-Changing Hair Industry Landscape Jul 25, 2022

Being relevant is essential in this extremely competitive hair industry world. Keeping up to date can help an individual or business become more dynamic and marketable to brands, hair professionals and clients. This is something that todays guest––the globally renowned hair colourist Jack Howard successfully does.

In September 2022, Jack will celebrate 40 years in the hair industry. After 40 years, he continues to be one of the most successful and popular hair colorists in the world, remaining relevant in an ever-changing hair industry landscape.

Jack was one of the shows very first guests back in in early 2017. He was a leading name back then, but fast forward to today, it’s fair to say his industry profile has gone international on an epic proportion. You know why? Because he didn’t just think “I’ve crushed it, so what more do I need to know and do!” Oh no, not Jack! He continually upgrades his knowledge and practice new skills in not just hair, but on social media and digital. It’s this never stop learning and evolving attitude hat has seen his industry persona grow even bigger with both hairdressers and brands from all around the world.

In this episode, we discuss in detail the importance of staying relevant, along with why it really matters. He will also share his new ways of working both here in the UK and North America. And I’m inquisitive on also getting Jacks approach to mindset, which by his own admission he has to work at to help him to continue to bring his A-game to his social media , education, clients and ambassadorial roles.

We’re couldn’t be more happy to have Jack join us again on the show. He is never short of being truly motivational. Enjoy!

A podcast produced by How To Cut It Podcasts

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Jack Howard for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

POP UP PODCAST: Centre Stage with Quif Hair Jul 21, 2022

The search is on for the Next Generation of Hair Colour Stage Artists.

Do you dream of being centre stage showcasing your talent to the hairdressing world? Are you ready to take your skills to the next level by appearing as a guest artist on a branded photoshoot? If that sounds like you caught then today’s HTCI Pop Up Podcast with Quif Hair is essential listening.

I’m delighted to be hosting the launch of a brand new industry hair competition called ‘Centre Stage’ and I would love to see as many of you enter this. But what’s it all about?

Gone are the days of single dimension imagery, Quif Centre Stage wants to see hairdressers work in action as they bring their imagination from salon to stage. Colourists are encouraged to combine their creative colour, cutting and styling skills using Quif professional products.

Entries opened at the beginning of May with a deadline of Sunday 31st July and finalists being announced the following week. Finalists will then be invited to present their look to a panel of expert judges at the live final, on stage at Alan Howard Stockport on Monday 26th September 2022, where one winner will be announced.

The prizes include: £1000 worth of Quif professional products, the opportunity to feature as a guest artist on a Quif branded photoshoot and the chance to appear as a judge on next year’s Centre Stage panel. BOOM!!!

So you’ve got to enter, and here’s how:

Submit your best hair look using Quif colour products via the form available on the HERE by Sunday 31st July.

A panel of industry experts will select 6x lucky finalists who will be invited to recreate their look and then present their model on stage in front of a live audience on Monday 26th September.

Best of luck everyone. I’m rooting for you

A podcast produced by How To Cut It Podcasts

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP247: “NO SEX WE’RE BRITISH” with Dale Ted Watkins Jul 18, 2022

“NO SEX WE’RE BRITISH” (Weird title, I know). But let me tell you that’s the name to the recent hair collection created by one of the most iconic names from the world of mens hairdressing and barbering, Dale Ted Watkins.

A collection that explores and captures on film people who may express a combination of masculinity and femininity, or neither, in their gender expression. It plays homage to what todays very special guest Dale Ted Watkins sees as the ‘NEW MAN’.

For over 30 years Dale Ted Watkins has spent pushing forward the boundaries of men’s hairdressing in the UK. Cutting the hair of his celebrity clients, styling on fashion campaigns, music videos, magazine shoots and as an educator with Dale’s training company CITYBOY, Dale certainly knows his stuff in mens hairdressing and fashion cultures.

I invited Dale on to the show today to not only get his enigmatic story within the industry, but to also get a deeper understanding into the history of British youth culture through hair and fashion. He explains brilliantly on understanding how hair are the signals to our gang affiliations. For Dale, it’s having this depth of knowledge and curiosity that continues to push his creative boundaries forward. Something we see in his recent “NO SEX WE’RE BRITISH” and ‘Alt Skin’ collections.

As Dale says about “NO SEX WE’RE BRITISH” collection, “There was “ANOTHER” sex in town and I wanted to explore and capture this on film. The phenomena of Genderqueer or, non-binary. People who may express a combination of masculinity and femininity, or neither, in their gender expression. I wanted “NO SEX WE’RE BRITISH” to feel and reflect this “NEW” open mindedness of a young open minded society.”

This is a genuine Top of the Pod’s banger. Hit play to hear why!

A podcast produced by How To Cut It Podcasts

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Dale Ted Watkins for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP246: Mindset Magic & Miracles with Caroline Sanderson aka The Salon Jedi Jul 11, 2022

Can changing your Mindset be the key to transformational growth for you? Do you have the feeling that there is a magical life waiting for you, but it just feels out of reach? Curious…

Let me introduce you to todays guest Caroline Sanderson also known as ‘The Salon Jedi’.

This episode with Caroline is all about forming new and positive habits that will allow you to master your mindset, and learn how to use the Law of Attraction to bring Magic and Miracles into your business as well as your life.

If you think all this manifest talk is just magical stuff reserved only to films like ‘Harry Potter’, then think again! Caroline used the Laws of the Universe, to manifest Magic and Miracles into her own life and helped take her business go to the next level and beyond at a time when she was on the verge of closing the salon doors to it back in 2009. I

In our conversation with Caroline we explore her key concepts related to mindset and visualising, and how to apply them to both business as well as life. It has the possibilities to bring big results along with so many action points to help you with starting out on your journey to mindset mastery.

This podcast I describe as gold. It will genuinely help to take you forward in both business and life. It’s magical stuff!

Howtocutter’s, lets go to it..

A podcast produced by How To Cut It Podcasts

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Caroline Sanderson for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP245: Take the Fear out of a Salon Experience for Children with Autism & Additional Needs, with Craig Henderson Jul 04, 2022

People with sensory processing difficulties, a salon visit can be overwhelming. Buzzing clippers, fragranced products, the rasp of a comb – can all be a nightmare!

On todays show, I talk with Craig Henderson. He recently received the ‘Beyond Business Award’ at this years innagural Collective Pride Awards, recognised for his exceptional services in helping children with autism and additional needs become desensitised with their scary salon visit.

Collective Pride Awards recognises the unsung heroes in the hair, beauty and barbering industry who are going that extra mile to help others in a time of need, by genuinely making a difference to someone’s life. Something that todays guest, Craig Henderson, has gone above and beyond in doing.

In this episode, you are going to hear why and how Craig spends masses of patient time getting children and young adults with autism and additional needs familiarised with salon equipment.

For Craig it is all about giving complete haircut experience without the additional needs for youngsters feeling judged or discriminated against. To date he has successfully helped many children so far (to the delight of parents and professionals alike).

This is a really inspirational episode. It’s learnings are ones I hope you will all begin to practise in your own hair and barbering workplace.

Howtocutter’s… Let’s go to it!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Craig Henderson for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP244: I’m Just a Barber! with Johnny BaBa Jun 27, 2022

Today Im joined on the podcast by Johnny Baba, founder and owner of the Barber Barber UK brand of shops and product range. Never afraid to share his open and honest thoughts about the industry is why I love inviting Johnny onto the show. He has been on the show a couple of times before.

If you know anything about Johnny, you’ll know he is deservedly regarded as one the best barbers in the world. You will also know that he is massively passionate and protective of the barbering industry at large. But with passion comes strong opinions. Something we get to hear today as Johnny explains his beliefs on gender neutral hair. It’s big hitting and at times, controversial!

I’m sure this conversation will evoke many emotions from you all, but regardless, it’s something Johnny truly believes in. You will hear him openly share the reasons why his Barber Barber shops refuse to cut women’s hair. Some of you may agree and some of you will disagree strongly with what he says. I’ll let you decide on this one.

Whilst we have Johnny on the show, I also had to ask about his brand new Barber Barber product range that he has launched since last spoke back in 2019. Let’s find who are these products for, what they do and why do we need another rage of products on the market.

Johnny’s podcast is prime listening waiting for your attention. I can’t wait to dive in, so let’s go to it Howtocutter’s.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Johnny BaBa for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP243: How to Start a Home Salon Business with Cally Borg Jun 20, 2022

Today we’re talking how to start a Home Salon business with Cally Borg. I’ve wanted to cover this topic for sometime as the popularity of running a professional Home Salon business is going from strength to strength. Could it be for you, too?

As a successful Home Salon business owner, Cally is on a mission to positively smash the current stigma that is often attached to running a Home Salon business.

In this episode she will be sharing her journey of how she has created a successful ‘six figure’ lifestyle business working three days a week, around her family commitments, no evenings or weekends. AND, she also has half terms and the summer holidays off!

I wanted to get Cally to come on the show today to learn how she has done just this and more. Things like: what made her become a Home Salon business owner, the space realistically needed, the running costs, having staff, fitting in a business in and around her home-life. But most of all, how has she created the business model that works successfully around her lifestyle goals.

As an advocate for professionally run Home Salons, Cally gives us some honest, practical and candid insights – both pros and cons – on running a successful Home Salon business that is all shaped around having a fulfilling family life. I love that and know you’ll love it, too!

Howtocutter’s, let’s go to it!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Cally Borg for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP242: Find and Unlock your Inner Creativity with Brandon Messinger Jun 06, 2022

Are you struggling on how you can find and unlock your inner creativity? Maybe you’ve heard yourself say, “I’m just not creative?”

Sound like you, then today’s episode brought to you by Denman Professional and featuring their UK Ambassador, Brandon Messinger has your name on it!

Brandon will be sharing why as hair professionals we need to find and unlock our inner creativity. If not, we run the risk of staying in the slow lane, resulting in us stagnating within our hair careers.

We last spoke to Brandon back in Episode 112, where we got his backstory and learned about his industry dreams. 3 years on has he achieved them dreams? Well, in today’s episode he’ll be updating us on this. Plus being one of British hairdressings most exciting names and star performers to breakthrough in recent times, I’m keen to also know about the tools he turns to along with his tips for presenting on live stage – something he learned when being part of the Fellowship’s FAME team 2020.

Theres much to get from this conversation Howtocutter’s, so let’s go to it!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Brandon Messinger for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP241: Dealing with the Challenges of Recruiting and Retaining Staff, with Raymond Martin May 30, 2022

How to recruit and retain staff for salon businesses is the biggest challenge that our industry faces!

I’m regularly hearing from salon owners who are saying to me, ‘It’s a crisis out there, ‘We’re having to go down the rent-a-chair model,’ and most worryingly, ‘We won’t be able to keep our salon business open for much longer!’

It’s scary stuff that potentially could see many of these salons closing soon and with it, the reduction of future hair talent coming through.

In this episode we will be addressing how to deal with the challenges of recruiting and retaining staff. To help me with this, I’m to be joined by Raymond Martin, a salon consultant with over 40 years salon ownership and training provider behind him. He now gives the tools for salons to succeed and be profitable. Today he’s here to share with us his proven recipe method to help your salon business recruit and retain staff.

Raymond owned one of the leading and salons and academies for over 4 successful decades in my hometown where I grew up and worked as a salon owner myself. I very much looked up to and admired Raymond as a respected businessman and hairdresser. He always seemed to have the knack of recruiting and retaining the very best hairdressers in our area. I’m keen to find out how he created a salon environment that hairdressers wanted to be a part of and grow with.

I believe theres a lot that we can take from past thinkings and how we can adapt them to todays changing hair industry landscape. And this certainly rings true from this conversation.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Raymond Martin for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time Howtocutter’s, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP240: How to Build a Successful Salon Business Around Your Team, with Lara Johnson & Dom Capel May 23, 2022

Today, you’re going to learn how husband and wife duo, Lara Johnson and Dom Capel of Lara Johnson Lifestyle, have built a successful salon business around their team and family. Social proof of this success is celebrating 27 years of being in business this year.

Now, you might be thinking, “This all sounds great, but I don’t own a salon business, let alone having a team. What’s this podcast got to do with me?” Well, think again! Let me explain.

By listening to this conversation today, Lara and Dom share their experiences that could be your trigger to exploring the idea of opening up your very own salon business. And if so, Im certain their insights will help you on your way to doing just this.

Like most successful salon business owners, it starts with a dream of one day owning their own salon business. That dream became a reality for Lara and Dom, when after working at Charles Worthington in London, Lara moved back to her native Swansea to open Lara Johnson Lifestyle. Then followed later with Dom joining her in the business.

They’re going to share how they brought a piece of London fashion to Swansea, South Wales, and along the way the importance of education and their team – an industrious family of like minded professionals. They will also give you some sound advice to why brand association matters to the success, plus learn about their daughter, Tilly, becoming a part of the business.

Whether a current salon owner or future one in the making, this is an insightful episode from two of my favourite people in the hair industry. Let’s dive in!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Lara Johnson and Dom Capel for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP239: Anything is Possible! Just Follow Your Dreams and Passions, with Paul Watts May 16, 2022

Today I’m joined by multi Salon Owner and one of the UK’s biggest YouTube hairdressing educators, Paul Watts of Paul Watts Hair. Paul is proof that anything is possible if you just follow your dreams and passions. But here’s the disclaimer; you’ve to go above and beyond to making it happen!

Its busy for Paul. Working 7 days a week that includes running his two salon businesses in partnership with his dad, working behind the chair, ambassador roles for both Joico Europe and Alfa Italia, educator for Lee Stafford Education, plus creating free hair education content for his fast growing YouTube channel and social media channels.

It’s a fair comment to say that Paul’s hair industry profile has grown twofold since I first got to know him back in 2013. Paul tells me about how he went from a possible career as a professional footballer to becoming a multiple salon owner of his boutique salon brands, Paul Watts Hair. And then why in 2019 it was a year of big changes for him.

We’re gonna dive into so much today and learn exactly how Paul manages all the rad stuff going on with his salon businesses, ambassador roles and his fast-growing YouTube channel with over 66K subscribers.

I’ve known Paul for quite some time, and its great to finally have him here on the show. I believe this conversation is going to inspire a lot of you on whats possible, no matter where you are located!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Paul Watts for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP238: Alan Beak – Don’t Stand Still, Grow and Develop! May 09, 2022

It’s a pleasure to bring back on to the How To Cut It podcast, Alan Beak, co-owner of Ruger Barber. Theres some big changes afoot for the Ruger Barber business, and today we’re learning what’s dropping soon for it. It’s exciting stuff!

In Part 2 of our collaborative podcast series with Denman Professional, we get to hear from Alan on how and why Ruger Barber is moving to a new site location along with a new pioneering concept for it. A big slice of this is centred around re-branding the business to hair that has no genders.

Alan also gives us a lot of things that are happening for him as Ambassador for Denman Professional. This includes the tools he loves using, and a big exclusive on how he will be working on the forthcoming Denman’s Global Ambassador Collection. You must stick around for this, it’s a super cool idea!

With his successful co-owned business, product company and ambassadorial roles, I just love the approach Alan has to continually developing and growing. It’s his never-stand-still-approach that inspires so many in the hair and barbering industry. And thats why I’m really excited to bring Alan back on this episode today in collaboration with Denman Professional.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Alan Beak for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP237: Instagram Lessons for Hairdressers in 2022, with Vivienne Johns May 02, 2022

Today’s show is a masterclass lesson for all hair and beauty professionals wanting to survive and outsmart the Instagram Algorithm in 2022. If you’re serious about keeping up to speed with the quick changing face of Instagram, then this is one podcast you cant afford to miss.

I’m very happy to have Vivienne Johns back on the show. Vivienne is the Founder of The Hairdressers Social Club, working as an Instagram Coach for hair and beauty professionals.

If you haven’t heard of The Hairdressers Social Club, it’s all about helping hair and beauty professionals to understand the Instagram techniques needed when it comes to branding, content and engagement on it’s platform that will bring results that really matter to hairdressing and beauty businesses. Getting more guests through your business doors!

Over 1000 people have gone through courses with Vivienne at The Hairdressers Social Club. And today you have the opportunity to get some of these valuable Instagram Lessons that Vivienne shares.

I know Instagram can be minefield for many, but Vivienne has a beautiful way of simplifying it for us all to easily understand. You’re going to be excited and more confident on using Instagram after listening in on this conversation.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Vivienne Johns for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP236: Your Brand! What Does it Say About You & Your Business? Apr 18, 2022

Let’s be honest here! What does your brand say about you and your business? This is something that I’ve been asking myself a lot recently.

In this episode today I will be sharing with you some of the questions that I have been asked by the branding agency currently rebranding the undertaking for How To Cut It. I think you’ll find it very helpful resource in understanding what your brand says about you and your business in 2022.

Now celebrating 5 years since we launched the ‘How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry’ podcast, it’s fair to say that the brand has come a long way in that time. A vibrant community, live events, collaborations and much much more to come, I saw that How To Cut It has naturally grown into much more than just our podcast. So I needed a new brand look to reflect this era going forward for How To Cut It –– something I cant wait to share with you all very soon.

So if 2022 is the year that you want to unlock who and what your brand is, then Im sure you’ll find answering these question very helpful. So come join me as we all go on a journey together discovering our new brand identitities. Enjoy!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP235: A Unique Approach to a Different Type of Salon Experience, with The Chapel Hairdressing Apr 11, 2022

Today we’re learning how The Chapel hairdressing salons was founded on a vision to help the hairdressing industry evolve. By listening to what women universally disliked about visiting the salon, The Chapel has set out to create a different type of experience where each individual receives the care and attention they deserve.

Joining me for this conversation is The Chapel’s Co-founder, Amanda Faith and two members of The Chapel team, Colour Specialist from the Tunbridge Wells salon, Symon May, and Stylist George Oughton, based in the Marlow salon.

Each of our guests shares their own personal experience on how and why the salons is a unique destination, a natural gathering place, with its own individual atmosphere that benefits both guests and stylists.

Plus we get some great knowledge on why The Chapel instead of being restricted to booking a specific style, treatment or hair colour for guests, each stylists works by time. It’s refreshing and inspiring to hear, especially if you’re looking to explore a new approach to how we work as a hair professionals in 2022.

So sit back, listen in and make sure to take notes. It could change the way you work forever!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Amanda Faith, Symon May and George Oughton for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP234: Putting Hair Professionals at the Very Heart of all That They Do, with Martyn Wady Mar 21, 2022

A podcast brought to you by Denman Professional, we are going to be learning why one of the most iconic hairdressing brush brands of all time puts the hair professional at the very heart of all that they do.

I’m chatting today with Denman’s International Business Manager, Martyn Wady. Martyn’s been hairdressing since leaving school early, eventually going on and working as a Salon Educator and Session Hairdresser for 15 years in London, New York and Tokyo. So you can see, Martyn knows exactly what it means to be a hairdresser just like you!

He will be taking us behind the scenes to the Denman brand and explaining why their products are the supporting cast in hair professionals creativity. We also get some of Denman’s exciting developments for 2022, including how us hairdressers can be part of these developments, too. Theres some great opportunities to be heard here.

We also talk about the environmental ethos of Denman with it’s plastic bank, recycling, hearing why plastic is not the bad guy and how products that seem environmentally friendly, may not actually be!

All this and more with Martyn Wady.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Brought to you by Denman Professional

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Martyn Wady for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP233: Why You Need to Work ‘ON’ and Not ‘IN’ your Salon Business, with Jessica Crane Mar 07, 2022

Ask yourself this: Right now, are you working ON or IN your salon business? Answering IN could be the reason why your salon business always seems to struggle compared to the ones that are reaching massive successes.

Two weeks ago, we chatted with leading Salon Business Coach, Jessica Crane. With over 20 years industry experience, Jessica has helped hundreds of salon owners across the globe run the business of their dreams. Dreams like living the life they dreamed of when they first opened their salon door.

Today I want to talk to Jessica on the things that could help you reach them dreams, too. I mean dreams like HOW to make more money without working in your salon.

In typical HTCI podcast we’re about to deep-dive into mastering the right business mindset to achieving these dreams – because I think it’s important to understand your salon business will only ever be as successful as you are.

This conversation with Jessica is absolutely going to shape how you look at running and marketing your salon business in a new approach, and how we can plan to pivot quickly with market changes and buyer behaviours. In truth, there’s so much to get from this episode today! So let’s get stuck in.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Jessica Crane for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP232: Zero Damage, Zero Lift – Why You’ll Love Shinefinty! Feb 28, 2022

You’ve heard of glossing, but what about glazing? Get ready for lots of Zeros! 2022 is the year the shine-boosting technique is blowing up.

In today’s podcast episode brought to you by Wella Professionals, we’re understanding why Wella’s latest innovation product just launched, glazes hair with a zero damage, zero lift, zero ammonia, zero silicone and zero drying alcohols formula that’s kind and gentle. Fail to be part of this Wella innovation could see you miss out on the opportunities it will bring to your salon business.

A conversation recorded Live from the Wella Manchester Studios, UK, I’m joined by Wella Professionals UK & Ireland Commercial Technical Education Manager, Suzane Alphonse and Top Artists, Jordanna Cobella and James Earnshaw. Today they will talk on why Shinefinity should be your new best friend when it comes to giving your clients spectacular long lasting colour glaze, resulting in a healthy-looking shine and a silky hair feel.

If they wasn’t enough for you, then they will also be revealing some palette and mixing formulas using Shinefinity. How to market Shinefinity to your clients. The diversity of the range. Plus, how you can grow your salon business using Shinefinty.

All that and more, today, on the How To Cut It In The Hairdressing Industry podcast with Wella Professionals UK and Ireland.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

Todays podcast is brought to by

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Suzane Alphonse, Jordanna Cobella and James Earnshaw for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP231: Inside the Mind Of James Earnshaw Feb 21, 2022

Todays guest is Wella Professionals UKI Digital Ambassador & Content Hairdresser, James Earnshaw.

We’re talking with James about what it means to be a Content Hairdresser in 2022. We’re talking about his creative process to creating content. And we’re talking about the inspirations and workings behind the latest Wella KP: ID collection shoot day. It’s a podcast made for all you hairdressers mad about creating standout hair looks for both your social images and short form videos.

In the first of a brand new series brought to you by Wella Professionals UKI, ‘Inside the Mind’ goes deep into the thinkings and understandings to the ‘Why’ from Wella Professionals Ambassadors and Top Artists.

Recorded and filmed live at the Wella Studios Manchester, UK, in this episode we had the pleasure to sit down for a enlightening conversation with James – regarded by many as one of the UK’s most exciting hair talents of the digital generation.

With over 66K followers on Instagram, James certainly knows he’s stuff when it comes to creating gorgeous imagery for content posts and videos that deliver outstanding results on social media. Little wonder then when was charged with the responsibility of heading up the project behind the latest Wella KP: ID collection. A diverse hair colour collection he and the Wella team absolutely smashed!

James shares some behind-the-scenes-stuff to the studio day creating and capturing the images to the new KP: ID collection . He also reveals how it excited him to unleashing his full colour creativity using Kolestone Perfect. With it’s 5 new shades – 5/71, 7/77, 8/01, 77/44, 99/44, you’ll also learn how Kolestone Perfect can excite you, too.

This podcast is packed full with James’s top tips for all of you who want to up your game as content hairdressers. Trust me, you’re not going to want to miss this one.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

Todays podcast is brought to by

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to James Earnshaw for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP230: Fairness and Parity for the Hair & Beauty Sector – Meet the Salon Employers Association Feb 15, 2022

On todays show we are speaking to some of the founding members of the Salon Employers Association (SEA). Created to ensure fairness and parity across all models in the hairdressing & beauty sector, will be learning the SEA aims and ideas to protecting and preserving the future of the industry.

The SEA founding members joining me for this conversation are Co-Founder at The Chapel, Toby Dicker, Director at Alan d Hairdressing Education, Edward Hemmings and CEO at Hershesons, Luke Hersheson. We talk about some really big topics, including why the SEA is campaigning for salons with bricks and mortar premises working and employing PAYE staff and training future employees within the sector.

We also talk about how the SEA feels our industry is poorly represented, with nobody campaigning directly for salons that pay the most tax and contribute to the future of our sector. I’m keen to do a little probing here as many say our industry is served by many other associations, but regardless SEA is doing fantastic work. So fantastic the SEA currently has 953 salons signed up, representing 10,458 employees.

This honest and frank conversation with Toby, Edward and Luke will leave us with a better uderstanding of the SEA mission – a coalition of like minded salon business owners fighting for parity and the future of salons and those trained within them. It’s a long journey to getting the recognition our industry truly deserves, but after listening to this episode today, it’ll be a journey that you will want to be part of, too!

.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Toby, Edward and Luke for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP229: Rachel Williams – One of America’s New Superstar Hair Educators Feb 07, 2022

Rachel Williams is one of America’s new superstar Hair Educators. It’s easy to understand why!
With currently over 155K followers on Instagram, BTC OneShot Overall Haircut Winner 2021 and one of the originals pioneers of the modern Shag haircut currently seen all over Instagram, Rachel has built an incredible name and profile for herself. She’s joining the show today to share some of that story that’s led her to this place, and why being a hairdressing educator really matters to her.

Trained in all areas of hairdressing, you’ll learn why Rachel believes you should never niche down to just one area of expertise in hairdressing if you’re serious about being a successful hair educator. Plus we get her honest opinions on the rise of Instagram hairdressers more obsessed on dancing and their post likes, than that of providing quality content that offers real value to their followers.

We get a real understanding in this conversation with Rachel on why her legacy is all about helping new hair talent go on to achieving a great career within the industry and how she is looking to rejuvenating uninspired hairdressers in getting back their mojo for hair. I love that!

Teaching across America in hair that is wearable and beautiful, she also gives us a tease that her next step could be creating online courses, and she’s already get the studio space ready to go! It could be huge for her. So make sure you stick around and listen in.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Rachel Williams for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP228: Increase Customer Loyalty & Grow your Business with Christel Barron Hough Jan 29, 2022

In this episode, we explore how you can make the most of every client who sits in your chair. Did you know that only 41% of clients say they feel like they get a consultation from their hairdresser? I personally find this staggering! Surely giving a consultation to each of our clients should be a giver when it comes to the professional service we each provide. And it’s worth noting that by giving great consultations they will spend up to 35% more on products and services!

So today, in collaboration with Wella Professionals, that’s what we will be discussing! I’m to be joined by award-winning hairdresser and Wella Professionals UK&I Top Artist, Christel Barron Hough of Stil London. Christel will be sharing with us how she gives her clients an amazing experience in the salon and how this has helped her grow a her brand. She talks through how to assess someone’s suitability and identity and then link this their perfect color formula & technique.

Be sure to stick around for this conversation. We will be exploring with Christel how using the 3 step Consultation can help grow your business, increase the frequency of your client’s salon visits and improve the loyalty of your customers. All leading to increasing your salon revenue. It’s pure gold!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

Todays podcast in collaboration with

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Christel Barron Hough for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP227: Pivot! Why It’s Time for a New Direction in 2022 Jan 24, 2022

A drastic career change may not be for everyone. But gently pivot on your career journey might be just the change your life needs. As I once read in a book, “The only move that matters is your next one!” I love this and that’s why today I wanted to talk about ‘why it’s time to pivot in a new direction for 2022’.

Life is packed full of surprising twists and turns. I don’t know about you, but from time to time I do love a change of direction. For me this keeps everything fresh and exciting –– something that I’m currently doing right now. Yep, I’m pivoting again as I prepare for the biggest overhaul to How to Cut it since we launched the podcast in 2017.

I know to pivot isn’t easy, event if it feels right. If you know you need a new direction –– you can still feel the fear and some self doubt. But that’s okay. If you don’t feel this stuff, in some way you’re probably not being honest with yourself.

Pivoting your career is not for everyone. If it doesn’t feel right, put it off until it does. If it does, embrace it. The new journey could take you to some new magical places that you just don’t know exists right now. I’ve certainly found that to be the case. So if pivoting could be for you in 2022, then join me as we all go in a new direction together in the year ahead. Let’s smash it!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP218: GUYS LIKE ME DON’T DO HAIRDRESSING! with Dexter Dapper Oct 13, 2021

Perhaps hairdressing wasn’t a natural career choice for you. Well, for a lot of us that can be the case, and I include myself in that list. The same can be the said for todays guest, Dexter Dapper, International Artistic Director for Toni&Guy/Label M. It was after a conversation with group of friends in a local pub that the idea of hairdressing could be a great career match for him. A big lover of music and fashion there was so many reasons why hairdressing could really connect with both him and his fun guy personality. But Dexter still had some self doubts about hairdressing. He really did believe ‘guys like him don’t do hairdressing’!

For some outside of the industry, hairdressing can have a negative image. Sadly, this wrongful negative image can put many people off from entering into what we all know is a wonderful, dynamic and diverse industry. And jeez, once you do go and fully immerse yourself into it, you can find so many different assets and directions that you can take in a hairdressing career. Thankfully, this is very much what Dexter discovered once he made the decision to go into hairdressing after that initial conversation with friends. And it took him no time at all to grasp the opportunity of unlocking a successful pathway in it.

He’s joining the podcast today to tell us all about how he’s made hairdressing work for himself and his life. He’s used hairdressing to help him become the ‘best version he can be of himself’. Having this approach is at the heart of everything he does, giving him a career he genuinely could have never believed possible when he first started out in hairdressing. So, if you have ever felt hairdressing was an unfulfilling career with limited pathways, then there’s a lot of great stuff in this episode for you.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Dexter Dapper for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP217: Insight to Being a Leading Session Stylist with Anna Chapman Oct 04, 2021

Back in December 2020, we spoke with leading session stylist Anna Chapman, Founder and Creative Director of beauty online store Session Kit, about her journey to becoming a leading global session stylist. And we talked about her insights in this world of fashion, something that we held back exclusively for our Patreon’s premium ‘Xtra Show’ podcast. Until now!!

Today I’m to reveal that conversation with you, where I learned more from Anna on her life of being a leading session stylist. This includes picking up the conversation from where we left it in Episode 180 on how Anna found her first opportunity to working a session stylist.

Whether you’re a newbie looking into what it could be like being a session stylist, or someone on the cusp of making that step into this world, then this is a must listen for you. We get the realities of what it really is like to being a session stylist, right the way through to Anna’s top tips to becoming one. It’s a great listen from one of the most respected session stylists out there.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Anna Chapman for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP216: “We Don’t Do Saturdays” with David and Nicole Barnett of HPS Sep 27, 2021

Attracting staff is the No.1 problem for our hair industry. So what todays guests, David and Nicole Barnett of the High Performance Stylist, are suggesting that not working Saturdays could really help fix a part of this big problem. This is why they are championing “We Don’t Do Saturdays”. It’s for salon owners that want to shout from the rooftops,”OUR TEAM COMES FIRST!” Now let’s be be really clear about something. David and Nicole say closing your salon on Saturdays is MUCH, MUCH, MORE than just a schedule change! “We Don’t Do Saturdays” is a CAUSE! And with such a proposed game changing cause for the hair industry, my natural curiosity to this massive statement meant I had to delve deeper with them both on it. Will you agree or disagree with what they are proposing?

In this episode we get to hear why David and Nicole believes if your salon business adopts “We Don’t Do Saturdays” it says that if people work for you, that your salon business cares about creating a balance between all of your salon life and personal life. That you can all work the perfect schedule and still have an incredible career. It says that you are a forward thinking company that understands and listens to the wants and needs of your team!

BUT, there is a strategy that must be followed if your salon business wants this change to be a raving success and attract new team members and new guests due to the CAUSE you may now stand for! Something that they will be sharing in this episode. It’s radical and who knows, after listening in you too might just be saying; “We Don’t Do Saturdays”.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to David and Nicole Barnett for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP215: Presley Poe – One of the Worlds Top Platform Artists Sep 20, 2021

Think about a lasting legacy that you would like pass from one generation to the next. Now imagine the impact that your legacy will have on others. Pretty special, right? Well, today’s guest, Presley Poe, is doing exactly that – giving back to make a difference that lasts.

Presley Poe is an established hairstylist and one of the world’s top colourists and platform artists. As a platform artist, brand educator, BTC One Shot winner, and 18+ year Master Cut + Colourist. She has learned what it takes to build a career and powerful brand from your individual techniques, style, and communication skills with brands. And she is seriously passionate on passing on these skills that has defined her incredible career from humble beginnings by helping others achieving their dreams, too.

So how has she built such an incredible career that gives her the privilege position to educating hair professional from around the world? How did she get on the radar of leading brands, what drives her to succeed, why giving back really matters to Presley and keeping a sense of work life balance? Presley’s giving us the full rundown today, so whether you’re a seasoned or aspiring hairdresser or just want to hear an amazing story, you’re in the right place!

Watch the video of this interview with Presley HERE

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Presley Poe for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP214: Gay and Proud! Coming Out with Justin Mackland Sep 14, 2021

Coming out as gay can be a very difficult process. Thats why today we will be learning how hair colourist at the award winning Ishoka in Scotland, Justin Mackland , went about this very difficult process of telling his family and friends, whilst also dealing with the confusion of recognising his feelings as a young gay man.

Inspired by the announcement our How To Cut It presents, ‘The Hair Show: Unleashed’ live event in Londons Kings Cross on Sunday October 17th 2021 will be supporting the LGBTQ+ Foundation, I wanted to get Justin experiences of coming out as gay man. Justin reveals the challenging moments he went through in his early years, along with dealing with the tragic loss of his father at such a young age. It’s a frank, open and emotional conversation, but all beautifully deivered from Justin in a light and entertaining way. I loved it and I know you will, too!

Justin started his journey in the hair industry 5 years ago at the age of 25 and has never looked back. Bursting on to the social scene of Instagram with a dream of combining his love for hairdressing and social media, he was instantly catapulted into making his dreams become a reality. Hairdressing really shaped who he is as a person today and has allowed him to ignite his true self. Something you will find out in this podcast episode.

After hearing this episode for yourself, you’ll certainly hear that there is a lot more to Justin than just the smiles and sparkles you see regularly on his Social Media feed. There is determined young gay man who has a steely depth, warmth and inner strength away from the camera. Somebody I really admire!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Justin Mackland for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP213: Becoming the Owner of a Franchised TONI&GUY Salon in Australia, with Dette Cliff Sep 06, 2021

Becoming the owner of a franchised TONI&GUY salon was something that I considered in my early hairdressing career. And I was not alone! One of the biggest hair brands in the world, many hairdressers and non-hairdressers have gone on to successfully open up their own franchised TONI&GUY salons. Just like our guest today, Dette Cliff, who is the successful salon owner of TONI&GUY Broadbeach on the Gold Coast of Australia. Today we will be hearing her story and experiences that led her to opening this salon.

Ever since I began to get to know Dette as one of my Patreon members, I’ve enjoyed learning more on her story of how she moved from Leeds in the North of England to Australia. Her story tells of how she moved to Australia as an accountant but was drawn to re-training as a hairdresser with TONI&GUY. This eventually led her to working as a stylist with the brand and then, becoming the owner of her own franchised TONI&GUY salon. We dive into her firsthand experiences on all of this.

And for all you mums out there, Dette reveals how she has balanced being a mum alongside managing her busy career running a TONI&GUY salon.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Dette Cliff for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP212: Starting a New Life Working as Hairdressers in Australia, with Jack Pollard & Jasmine Redstone Aug 30, 2021

What does it take to start a new life working as hairdressers in Australia? Thats what I’m curious to learn all about in todays episode, as I know that from the many messages I receive from you all, a big number of you are interested in exploring the opportunities of taking your hairdressing skills Down Under.

Whether you’re considering working as a hairdresser in Australia as a permanent thing or just for some timeout travelling, then this podcast is a must listen for you! It’s packed full with great insights on everything you will need to know on what it takes to move to Australia working as a hairdresser.To help us understand all of the in’s and outs of this, is Jack Pollard and Jasmine Redstone.

A hairdressing couple originally from Croydon, England they took the massive steps of emigrating out to Australia after 2 years travelling. They will be walking us through their own experiences of moving out to Australia permanently that includes learning more on the complexity and costs of obtaining visas, getting residency, the lifestyle you can expect as a hairdresser, and how as new Australian residents they have been able to open their new hairdressing business, Polly and Stone in Sydney.

Formerly working at the Rush London, Jack was the winner of the L’Oréal Young Colourist Trophy for London and a year later, Jasmine took the trophy for Newcomer of the Year 2011/12 at the British Hairdressing Awards. Many thought they were crazy to walk away from the UK at such a peak time in their hairdressing careers, but it was something they needed to do, and we get to hear why today.

To continue the conversation with Jack and Jasmine in this weeks premium Xtra Show podcast click HERE

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Jack Polly and Jasmine Redstone for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP211: How to Create a Hair Salon Website that Grows your Business, with Kate Woods Aug 23, 2021

If your hair salon website has been neglected in recent years, then this podcast episode is for you. Thats because we are talking why having an active, functional and well designed website with great SEO will greatly improve your websites Google search rankings. All resulting in growing you hairdressing business and attracting new team members. I’m sure none of you wouldn’t want to turn that down…Right?

To help us understand creating a successful hair salon website and more, I’m joined by digital marketing expert for the hair and beauty industry, Kate Woods, of Kor Digital and Salondipity.

Kate sure know her stuff when it comes to what makes a great hair salon website. Having such an expert on creating websites and social ads, I’m really keen for us to learn from Kate on what makes a site functional, understanding how SEO best works, who we should be talking to with our content and how to move our website up the Google rankings.

There’s some big takeaways from todays episode. The sort of stuff that really will put you ahead of your competitors. And there’s not one bit talk on how to cut and colour hair. This is a pure digital masterclass which is going to be so valuable to all of you that are looking for your hairdressing business to standing out and getting noticed on a local level.

So if you’re serious about having a great hairdressing business, then you need to be serious about why you should have a great hair salon website to match it. This one with Kate I loved and I know you will too. Press play.

Support the How To Cut It podcast by becoming a Patreon HERE

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Kate Woods for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

EP194: Luke Benson – Successful Hairdressing Career for a Generation NOW! Mar 29, 2021

Todays podcast is brought to you by Wella Professionals

Podcast Alert! Failing to listen into this episode today could see you miss out learning on the many exciting pathways a hairdressing career can give you in 2021.

As part of a new series for Wella Professionals just launched education website dedicated for college students and lecturers, HERO (Hairdressing Education Resources Online), I was psyched to be invited to the ‘Wella World Studio‘ London and interview for this series, Wella Professionals brand ambassador and former guest of the show, Luke Benson.

Through his dynamic career story in hairdressing, we will be learning about the many opportunities a hairdressing career can give you. It will open your eyes on why hairdressing can be so rewarding, and how it can take you in so many directions that maybe you didn’t realise existed.

We will be diving deep into his illustrious award-winning career to date and what it’s like working as a Session Celebrity Stylist. And If that wasn’t enough for you, we will also be talking to Luke on how he is mentoring the current crop of Wella Professionals GenNOW 2021/2 team, and why it can be a fantastic launch pad for all you aspiring creative hairdressers.

If you are a generation now hairdresser who’s looking to get engaged even further into the hairdressing industry, then I’m confident after listening to Luke’s story today will help you do just that. So time to hit that play button, you will love this one live from Wella World Studio London.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

Todays podcast brought to you by

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Luke Benson for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

Podcast Special: Save Our Salons with Luke Hersheson, Hellen Ward, Sonia Haria & Collette Osbourne Feb 26, 2021

Brought to you by Wella Professionals, today’s podcast special is one of the most critical ones we’ve brought you in our 4 year history. But why such a statement?

Like never before the beauty industry has been challenged over the course of the last 12 months with COVID-19 pandemic. SPAs, Beauty treatments and salons closing weeks after weeks when we all know how important these can be for clients as a great escape for wellbeing and mental health. With the beauty industry contributing £28.4 bn total to the UK GDP in 2018, the beauty industry economic impact cannot be ignored any more!

Together with Wella Professionals we want to empower everyone to support the Save Our Salons course by raising awareness where we can. To help us with this serous and much needed topic, I’m joined by an illustrious panel of speakers. They include Luke Hersheson, CEO of Hersheson, Hellen Ward Co-founder of Richard Ward Hair and Beauty Metro Spa, Sonia Haria Beauty Director of the Telegraph and owner Director of Hairven Group, Collette Osbourne.

Covering the devastating effects COVID-19 is having on our industry, how together we can make a difference, and explaining why as an industry we are pushing for a VAT reduction, our panel will leave no stone unturned to this hard hitting podcast. Both ourselves and Wella want to support this very serious topic as it touches the majority of people, from professionals in the industry to all our clients. This is about us all being together as hair professionals, brands, guest artists, influencers, and clients to come together to make the change that is needed.

After listening to this episode make sure to sign the petition, as we need you as a industry professionals to stand united with others to amplify the voice.

Let’s all act now by signing this petition HERE. Together, Let’s stand united!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

Todays podcast brought to you by

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to todays panel Sonia Haria, Luke Hersheson, Hellen Ward and Collette Osbourne for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

TRAILER: How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry Podcast Nov 10, 2020

What will you get from listening to the ‘How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry’ podcast? Show host Dom Lehane gives you an overview on why listening in to the UK and Irelands No. 1 hair industry podcast will help take your hairdressing a barbering careers to the next level.

Like what you hear, then check out our library with some of the biggest names from the world of hairdressing and barbering, and hit that subscribe button. Enjoy!

https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/domlehane/Trailer_-_10-11-2020_19.27.mp3

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Wella Series #1: Robert Eaton – Adapting to Client Change and Demand Nov 09, 2020

In a pandemic year that most of us have never or ever want to experience again, I want you to ask yourself: how has your hairdressing business adapted to these very difficult times? Joining me to answer this big question is current British Hairdresser of the Year and Wella Professionals UK and Ireland Technical Director, Robert Eaton.

In the first of our monthly ‘How To Cut It with Wella Professionals‘ partnered podcast series, we’re going to be learning how Robert’s city salon businesses, Russell Eaton Hair, have been tackling tough times by adapting to their clients changes and demands. Offering many gold nugget tips and advice on how your hairdressing business can adapt, Robert is to walk us through how with COVID-19 and reduced footfall into cities, Russell Eaton Hair have continued to operate successfully.

And in these changing times that has seen a growing trend towards clients embracing their natural hair texture and colour too, I’m curious to learn from Robert today on how his businesses are also dealing with this change, by offering Wella Professionals new grey blending services. From the versatile Wella products Robert is using to help with this change, he will also be sharing the techniques around this exciting new services.

With so much on offer in this podcast with Robert, I’m confident after listening to it, it will play a key part in helping drive forward your business in these challenging times. Offering a fresh new approach that reflects your clients changes and demands in 2020/21, this episode with Robert in partnership with Wella Professionals is a must listen. Lets dive in!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

Be sure to join us for next months ‘How To Cut It with Wella Professionals’ partnered podcast series.

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Thank you to Robert Eaton for joining me on todays podcast.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye.

A podcast series in partnership with

EP152: Wella Colour Conversation Live from Manchester, with Melissa Timperly May 25, 2020

In Partnership with www.wella.com.

Welcome back to the second instalment of Wella Professionals Colour Conversation event live from Manchester.

Following on from the worlds first ever podcast live educational hair event recorded back in Episode 150, How To Cut It has again partnered up with our friends at Wella Professionals. Bringing you the second of these game changing event concepts, we rocked up to a room full of Salon Managers, Salon Owners and Freelance Hairdressers. In a exclusive afternoon of live Colour models, I was thrilled to be invited to host and record a live podcast it in front of the live audience at the Wella Studio, Manchester.

With bags full of industry discussions, insights and new services to grow your Colour Business, I was joined on stage for a colour conversation with Melissa Timperly, owner of Melissa Timperley Salons, Manchester. A hairstylist who has been described as one of the exciting names to watch in the international hair industry, it was an honour to interview her on everything colour business. The event was a huge success for all in attendance and you too can be part of the event.

With a mix of live conversations and live presentations from Wella’s Technical Educator, Emma Cavin, this live podcast event perfectly captured the event. Melissa and Emma share their top tips and insights to help drive your colour business, including how to increase colour clients in you salon and increasing colour spend.

Today’s episode is so relevant now in these times. We will all need to be working smarter and safer for when we all get back to doing hair. And what we will be better than once again bringing all our clients hair back to life and making them feel fantastic again, by offering them the best hair colour products and services. If that all sounds good, then we’ve got it all here wrapped up in this podcast.

Wella Professionals is here to help support not only your creativity but your business too. So Lets wait no more, grab yourself a prime seat at the second of Wella Colour Conversation podcast live events in Manchester.

Thanks For Listening:

Special thanks to Melissa Timpery , Emma Cavin and all at Wella UK for making this hair industry first possible.

Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Until then, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

JOIN THE #WELLAHAIR FAMILY!

Follow Wella Professionals on Instagram @wellahairuk and tag your best creations using #wellahair and @wellahairuk to get the chance to be featured across their digital channels!

EP150: Wella Colour Conversation Live from London, with Jordanna Cobella. May 11, 2020

In Partnership with www.wella.com

Todays episode is very special for two reasons. Firstly, I’m delighted to reach the landmark of 150 ‘How To Cut It‘ episodes, and secondly, to celebrate this I’m bringing you a slice of hairdressing history – the worlds first ever recorded podcast live hair event in partnership with Wella Professionals UK, Colour Conversation. Thats seriously special!

Back in early March 2020 pre-lockdown, I was delighted to be invited to host and record in front of a live audience the first of Wella Colour Conversation events held at their Wella World Studio, London. Joining me live on the stage for this event was Creative Director of Cobella Hair and Beauty, Jordanna Cobella and Wella Professionals UK Commercial Education Manager, Scott Evans.

With a mix of live conversations and live presentations, this live podcast event perfectly captured the event, with Joradanna and Scott’s top tips and insights to help drive your colour business. This included creating in-salon colour menus, creative toning, managing client expectations and how to increase client frequency and spend. Now why wouldn’t you want to learn more on this!!

Today’s episode is so relevant now in these times. We will all need to be working smarter and safer for when we all get back to doing hair. And what we will be better than once again bringing all our clients hair back to life and making them feel fantastic again, by offering them the best hair colour products and services. If that all sounds good, then we’ve got it all here in this podcast.

Wella Professionals is here to help support not only your creativity but your business, too. So Lets wait no more, grab yourself a prime seat at the first of Wella Colour Conversation podcast live event in London!

Thanks For Listening:

Special thanks to Jordanna Cobella, Scott Evans, Suzzane Alphonse and all at Wella for making this hair industry first possible.

Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Until then, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

JOIN THE #WELLAHAIR FAMILY!

Follow Wella Professionals on Instagram @wellahairuk and tag your best creations using #wellahair and @wellahairuk to get the chance to be featured across their digital channels!

EP146: Matthew Sutcliffe – Taking Self-Employed Salons to Another Level. Tint Leeds Apr 13, 2020

Today’s special guest is Matthew Sutcliffe. A former UK L’Oreal Colour Trophy winner and Creative Head ‘It List Guy’, Matthew is a hairdresser I’ve long admired. Most recently I’ve become a huge fan of the salon he co-owns, Tint Leeds.

A salon where all it’s stylists are self-employed, Matthew got inspiration to open Tint Leeds after the negative experiences he had when he went from being employed to a self-employed hairdresser. He hated it. In this HTCI podcast, Matthew talks us through his journey to Tint Leeds. We will learn how its fresh attitude to producing a modern culture in todays hairdressing industry, is changing the poor perception that the self-employed salon has long had.

If your perception is, “Self-employed salons are unprofessional,” then think again. Tint Leeds has taken the best from employed and self-employed salons, and fused them all together to create one of the most progressive and exciting salons in the UK right now. Listening to what Matthew say’s today will go a long way to cutting out the stigma of self-employed salons.

Whether employing or self-employing hairdressers, I love the fact that our industry offers us all choices. It’s all about what suits your own business goals and set ups. If being a self-employed salon is of interest to your salon business set up, then you won’t go far wrong by listening in to what Matthew shares with us all today.

I respect how Matthew is taking the self-employed salons to another level, and how his team is at the forefront of everything he’s doing. As he says, “Being co-owner of Tint Leeds my ultimate goal is to use my experience to educate staff and help them achieve what they want from this amazing industry.”

So what are we waiting for, lets dive into todays episode with Matthew Sutcliffe.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Matthew Sutcliffe for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP145: Two Leading Hairdressers Join Forces, with Katrina Kelly and Conor Doyle Apr 06, 2020

Have you ever considered joining forces with a fellow industry colleague to create unique hair education? Interested to know more, then we’ve a treat for you today.

In todays episode we have to heavy hitters of Irish Hairdressing, as I’m joined by the owner of Cut Social, Katrina Kelly, and L’Oreal Young Colourist winner, Conor Doyle. Both with an aligned common goal of collaboratively sharing to the industry their experiences and passions for their craft, I love how and why these two free spirits came together back in 2018.

Fulled by each others creativity and drive, Katrina and Conor are a generation of hairdressers attracted to collaborating – in their case, as collaborative educators. Creating education together has helped them to bring out each others best skills, whilst bouncing off each others different expertise. As Connor says, “We have very different ways that we educate and do hair. This provides a different mindset that you can pick and choose in creating unique hair education.”

If there is one takeaway that I hope you get from todays podcast, is that you and your industry peers that you respect have so much potential together, by joining forces to share and inspire others. By working collaboratively can also help you become more aware of your strengths, as well as your weaknesses … so go on, give it a go!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Katrina Kelly and Conor Doyle for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP144: Ryan Forsythe of Trevor Sorbie – Being a Happy Successful Hairdresser Mar 30, 2020

Now more than ever you need to work really hard at being a happy successful hairdresser. This is hard when we are all at home in isolation, right? No, it’s never been such a good time!

With so much down time, nows the time to absorb new information and ideas. With a wealth of digital and online education in the palm of our hands, planning daily training into your routine will see you come out of isolation a much more happier successful hairdresser.

To help us with this is today’s guests, Ryan Forsythe. Senior Director and Head of Education at the Trevor Sorbie Flagship Covent Garden salon, Ryan is a key member and mentor of the award winning Trevor Sorbie Artistic Team. With a natural creativity and willingness to challenge himself, Ryan says, “Giving yourself a planned structure to what you want to achieve can make you become a happy successful hairdresser”. Today he’s about to inspire you on ways to challenge yourself to being a happier successful hairdresser whilst in isolation.

Ryan sees happy as the key component to being successful. I agree, but what makes you happy and how you define success is so different from person to person. One thing for sure though is ‘learning actually makes you happier’. Researchers found that one of the things that people need to be happy is to be engaged in difficult-but-doable activities. This is an opportunity for us to become so absorbed in our learning. Learning leads to increases in self-esteem and self-efficacy. Something we all need plenty of right now.

So remember, ‘as we become happier, we become more successful’ so don’t have a fear of failures. Lets start that journey to being a happy successful hairdresser by pressing play!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Ryan Forsythe for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

Podcast Special: Our Listeners Voice Diaries Going into Industry Lockdown Mar 26, 2020

What did it mean for you to go into industry lockdown? How did you prepare for it? How will you cope being in lockdown for the next 12 weeks or more?

This was the question I put out to our ‘How To Cut It’ Community. I was not disappointed with what I got back in reply to this question. In this midweek podcast special, I’m delighted to bring you some of our listeners to share their experiences firsthand as they prepared to go into industry lockdown. Joining me for this is: Lea Shaw of ‘Rural Fringe Hair Salon’, session stylist based at ‘Adam Reed London’ Tom Gilling, Danny Van T of ‘Ginger Lemon Hairspace Vienna’ and Becky Candy of ‘Becky Candy Salons’. Each one of them left me their candid voice memos of their experiences going into industry lockdown during the Covid-19 outbreak.

You’ll hear each of them talk on how they prepared for lockdown. But most importantly, you’ll learn how they are looking to take a positive approach to learning new skills during these surreal times of isolation. I’m confident that their candid words will provide a powerful industry chronicle for many generations to come as we all look back to this 2020 global pandemic that changed the world.

#Stayathome and tune in!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Lea Shaw, Tom Gilling, Danny Van T and Becky candy for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP143: Getting Through the Toughest Start to Life as a New Salon Owner, with Brooke Evans Mar 23, 2020

No one says it’s easy being a salon owner! That’s certainly one thing todays guest, Brooke Evans, would certainly agree with.

As a 26 year old hairdresser, Brooke is a new salon owner who is having to learn fast in dealing with circumstances way out of her own control so early on. Today, she shares how opening her brand new salon in December 2019, has been the toughest start to life as new salon owner. Faced with a two week salon closure in February 2020 – caused by localised flooding – and quickly followed by currently coping with one of the biggest asks she’ll ever have to experience. Temporarily shutting down her salon ‘again’ in the space of just 4 weeks, due to the Coronavirus global pandemic.

The year 2020 started off with a bang for Brooke. Opening her new salon, getting into the Fellowship fo British Hairdressing’s Fame Team as well as a year of exciting job and competition opportunities! But with the smooth came the rough in a very short space of time. Opening a salon in a conservation area came with a tough time from her local council planning department, January being the quietest month of the year, shutting down the salon for 2 weeks due to the flooding and then, Coronavirus!

Experiencing such challenges, you would expect someone so new to business to be sitting down and feeling sorry for themselves. Not Brooke! Taking such a positive outlook and approach to challenges way out of her control, she gives us all a valuable lesson on how to make the best out of the worst situations. Something all of us could do with right now. She’s here today to offer words of positivity given the current situation of the Coronavirus outbreak.

By the end of this podcast you’ll learn how you could turn what could be a dreadful experience into a positive one. Through lockdown, this could be your perfect time to open up your mind to self-development of creative learning and headspace. So lets get ready as we start our journey to preparing for when the green lights get switched back on.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Brooke Evans for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

Podcast Special: Preparing Your Business for the Coronavirus Lockdown, with Richard McCabe Mar 17, 2020

In light of the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) we are joined in this podcast special by leading international salon coach, Richard McCabe. Offering his independent advice on how your hairdressing business should be preparing for these unprecedented lockdown times, this is a listen that requires your attention.

With each country dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic in a different way, we hope no matter where in the world you are, that these words from Richard will give your salon business some creative ideas to help it cope during a lockdown. We are all as one right now and together we will all rise and flourish again as when life begins to return back to normality – which it will!

Stay Strong, Stay Committed, Stay Healthy.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Richard McCabe for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP142: I Can Do This – Opening My Own Salon Business, with Sophie Bullivant Mar 16, 2020

If your fearful of becoming a salon owner, then today’s podcast is set up to inspire you. Let me introduce you to today’s guest Sophie Bullivant – aka Colour Me Sophie B ™. A Master Colour Expert, Sophie reveals big in this episode on what made her frightened of her owning a salon business. The turning point came after receiving some one-to-one business coaching, that she credits to the shift of mindset to her becoming a salon owner by saying, “I can do this”. In 2017 Sophie opened her salon business, Colour Me Sophie B. The rest is history.

Describing herself as a normal (sassy) hairdresser, Sophie is the heartbeat of what it means to be an everyday salon owner in 2020. Though her career journey has not always been plain sailing. Fighting through a global recession and a sheer lack of education led her constantly fully booked column to drastically drop off. This was devastating for Sophie. But with her never give up attitude saw her through these bleak times that has led her to the where she is today. This story of her’s shines through in today’s episode.

With her fun personality, it’s hard to ignore her infectious style on social media. Never shy of her uniques sassy social posts, she’s caught the attention of the industry – and most importantly successfully marketed her salon business to the consumer. Something she rightly sees as the most important part of her social media strategy.

Sophie conquered her fear of launching her own salon business, and you can too! With her small everyday salon business thriving, she is the role model many need for finding success. As Sophie simply says of her success, “We make our guests feel as good on the inside as they feel on the outside.” So ask yourself: Is it time to let go of your fear and take the big step to launching your salon business? You can do this!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Sophie Bullivant for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP141: Facing Up to a Hair Industry Crisis, with Alan Austin-Smith Mar 09, 2020

The hair industry is facing a crisis!

It’s regularly being said that there’s no young people coming into hairdressing. The passion has gone out of young hairdressers. Salons are not keeping on to their staff. But what are we doing to solving this big problem? In this episode, we’re talking once more with The Fantastic Hairdresser co-founder, Alan Austin-Smith, on how we need to rethink the way we are marketing our industry message. In doing just that, Alan is confident it will play a big part in engaging the attention of a new generation of future hairdressers in a positive light.

If you’re experiencing some of those big industry problems outlined above, then there’s nothing you can do about it, right? Think again! Your salon business may be in a black hole right now, with you on the verge of calling it day. But stop! Alan’s on hand today to help you fight back and beat the hair industry crisis that’s threatening to take down your salon business and the hair industry at large.

In an ever-changing digital landscape, it’s never been harder to win the attention of a younger audience. Fighting against social media, on-demand tv and other creative industries away from hairdressing, Alan is about to uncover some of the best practices to help the hair industry and your salon business reach and engage with young audiences. His words of wisdom could be that eureka moment that we’ve all been waiting for. Hit the play button and hear why.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Alan Austin-Smith for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP140: Harriet Stokes’s Go-To Guide to Hairdressing Teams, Competitions & Events Mar 02, 2020

If you’re curious to know what’s out there when it comes to the inspirational world of the hairdressing circuit, and all the opportunities that it can bring – then we’ve got the ultimate go-to guide for you.

Coming back onto the podcast today is the mega hair talent, Harriet Stokes. Harriet last joined us back in Episode 110, where we learned of her rise to becoming one of British hairdressings hottest hair stars. Well she’s back today to offer her invaluable experiences of what you need to know when it comes to being part of hairdressing teams, competitions and events. I promise that it’ll will show you the many opportunities that are out there for you.

Harriet knows only to well on what’s out there when it comes to taking your hair career to the next level. A senior stylist and educator for the world famous Not Another brand, Harriet has never stood still when it comes to self-improving as hairdresser. Being part of Mentoring Teams such as the GHD Style Squad and L’Oreal ID team, has played a vital part in the successes and accolades she’s now achieving in her career. These include winning the L’Oreal Colour Trophy ‘Star Award’, finalist for Creative Heads ‘Hair trend” category and a finalist for Creative Heads It girl for the last two years.

Harriet’s go-to guide will include her top tips to for why you should be part of a Mentoring Team, entering competitions and what attending industry events can do for you. It’s great listening for all of us with ambitions to get the most out of the industry. But most of all, to keep us all excited about it. Lastly, make sure to stick around to the end of our conversation. Harriet has a massive first-time exclusive that she’s about to reveal to us all in this episode. It’s an OMG moment!

What are you waiting for, hit play to find out more!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Harriet Stokes for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP139: When it’s Time to Step Away and Handover the Salon Business – with Tony Wood & Liam Fry Feb 24, 2020

Today, we’re covering a conversation rarely discussed: stepping away from a salon business that you’ve loved, nurtured and grown over many years.

To help us learn more on this intriguing topic, I’m joined by two hairstylists who know perfectly how this works – iconic hairdresser Tony Wood and rising star, Liam Fry. For any salon owners looking for an exit strategy to your salon business, then this episode is your essential listening guide. And if you’re a salon employee, then you’ll love learning on how one day you could find yourself next in line for the salon business you love being part of.

For the past 30 years, Tony Wood has helmed Tony Wood Hairdressing as its founder, director, and the name above the door. But in 2019 was the year he decided to step back from directorship duties. With the salon business going brilliantly, he knew his purpose had always been to do what’s best for the business and its team of astoundingly talented stylists. It just so happens that last year — three decades later — was the year he felt that the strongest course of action would be to hand control of the helm to his protégé, Liam Fry. The injection of youthful energy he’s brought to the salon has been revolutionary.

With Liam being in the hairdressing industry for just over 15 years, as a stylist, a manager, an educator, and all under the Tony Wood Hairdressing roof, he was the ideal candidate for Tony to handover the salon business to. And for Tony? Well, it’s time he steps out from behind the salon’s social media and establish his own ‘Wood Hair’ presence online. He’s looking forward to seeing how thing shape up.

Whether your planning an exit strategy or wondering when the time is right to step away from your salon business, Tony has this to say, “I’ve met business owners that shouldn’t be doing anymore, they should have got out 5 to 10 years ago”. Food for thought, so lets go to it!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Tony Wood and Liam Wood for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP138: Why Freelance Hairdresser’s Need to be Taken Seriously – with Sheila Abrahams Feb 17, 2020

Today’s guest Sheila Abrahams went from salon owner to freelance hairdresser by default, offering home hairdressing services. But with the freelance world being dubbed as ‘the black market’, professionals like Sheila struggled to be taken seriously outside of a salon environment. This was going to change!

Sheila had a very different vision and got together with Heather Hopkins, who shared her vision, to form a trade association that set standards for the first time in the freelance sector. In October 1993 The freelance Hair & Beauty Federation (FHBF) was launched. Giving a voice to freelancers in the industry as well as making many services available for the freelance sector that had previously been denied. At last freelance hairdressers had a voice in the industry, were being recognised for running professional businesses and renowned for the importance they place on regular training to keep their skills at the cutting edge.

Freelance hairdressers have now had their own organisation for more than twenty five years and in 2014 the FHBF was rebranded the Freelance Hairdresser’s Association (FHA). The freelance sector is now well established with recognised industry standards. But has the freelancer reputation really changed or is there still a stigma with mobile hairdressing? Thats what we’re about to uncover in today’s podcast with Sheila.

As the founder of the FHA, the pride that Sheila has towards her astonishing achievement is clear – and rightly so. “The members are like my family. People have made amazing friendships through the organisation and I’m hugely proud of the support it was provided.” And, today she’s got some amazing insight into being a professional freelance hairdresser, and what it takes to succeed. Have a listen.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Sheila Abrahams for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP137: What You Need to Know – ‘How To Cut It’ Podcast in 2020 Feb 10, 2020

Today’s episode is a rare one. Why you may ask? First up, I have no guest for you. It’s a solo show with just me, the microphone and your company.

I felt the time was right to stop and take stock of everything thats happened to me and the ‘How To Cut It‘ podcast since I first launched and hosted the intro show back in March 2017. And thats exactly what I’m going to share with you all today. So come with me as we take a look to the past, now and future of the ‘How To Cut It‘ podcast. I’ve some exciting and exclusive news to reveal to you all, including a ticket give away to Wella Professionals brand new Colour Conversation events that I’ll be hosting in London, Manchester and Dublin. More on that shortly!

We kick off today’s episode with the past. Featuring an incredible array of industry icons, rising stars, digital influencers and those from the creative and fashion industries, I’m thrilled to have brought to you 53 episodes in 2019. But what was the most listened to episodes of this year? That I’m about to announce to you –– the Top 5 highest download episodes from 2019. Be sure to listen in to hear if your favourite interview has got into that Top 5.

Moving on to the now, I’m keen to share with you on how podcasting has been one of the best decision I’ve made in my hairdressing career. Thanks to podacsting it is giving me the amazing experiences of being invited to host and guest speak at leading industry events. I’ll be telling you of some my current gig bookings for the year ahead, that includes Inspirational Minds 2020, Colour Conversation and Business Hub 2020. I hope you can join me at one of these events!

Like all good ‘How To Cut It‘ episodes we will finish with the future. Let’s just say there is a few teasers in this podcast, where I’ll be touching upon both a brand new live stage show that I’ll be hosting throughout the UK during 2020, and the launch of another podcast show soon. Curious to know more, then keep tuned in.

Lastly, do stick around to the very end of this podcast. I’ll be telling how you can have the chance to WIN 1 of 5 tickets to Wella Professionals brand new Colour Conversation event in either London, Manchester and Dublin. Now thats what you need to know! Hit that play button!!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP136: Disrupting the Beauty Industry! Alexis and David Thurston’s Journey to Pulp Riot Feb 03, 2020

Back in Episode 126 of our Salon International 2019 Backstage Special, I had the delight to sit down for a short conversation with Alexis and David Thurston, the husband and wife duo and founders of the Pulp Riot hair colour line, Butterfly Loft salon in Los Angeles, and the Butterfly Circus traveling education team. In that episode they briefly touched upon the Pulp Riot tribe and brand. Well today I’ve invited them their back onto the show as I want to go much deeper into their early beginnings in hair, their relationship, Butterfly Loft Salon, education, and their journey to the success of founding the fastest growing colour line in the history of the beauty industry, Pulp Riot.

For the past decade Alexis and David have been industry disruptors and innovators. Changing how professional hair products are created and marketed, how stylists are educated, and how communities of artists are created. They have been at the forefront of the digital revolution in the beauty industry, which has resulted in Pulp Riot becoming the fastest growing colour line in the history of the beauty industry. Whilst fast growing, David says of their journey to Pulp Riot, “It wasn’t a straight line of success, it was a spiral staircase up.” This is something they will be sharing much more of with us all today.

This conversation with Alexis and David is great, packed full of insights into how they’ve gone about disrupting the beauty industry using yes, their mobile phones and social media. It blew my mind on what they have achieved in such a short space of time whilst maintaining a healthy family home life, too. I hope that listening in to this podcast today it will make you feel that you can achieve any goals you hunger for in the industry, but only if you have those magic ingredients of: desire, passion, drive and talent.

So what are we waiting for, lets get to this by hitting that play button. Enjoy!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Alexis and David Thurston for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP135: How Hunter and Walsh Came Back from the Edge of Ruins – with Vivienne Johns Jan 27, 2020

Vivienne Johns is the co-owner of a successful hair salon business in Cornwall, UK, Hunter and Walsh. But it’s not been a straightforward journey for the business since it first opened back in 2003. From the brink of financial ruins, Vivienne and her business partner Nadine Hunter, have had to dig deep by learning the valuable lessons from previous mistakes made in running a salon business. These mistakes have guided them to where their thriving salon business is now at in 2020. So for the everyday salon owner experiencing the anxieties of running a salon day to day, this is the podcast for you.

When Vivienne first reached out to me she said, “I want to share my story with the listeners because as an avid listener of your podcast I sometimes struggle to recognise myself in the stories that are told. The untold stories of the everyday hairdresser, the ones that are struggling.” Well today Vivienne has that opportunity, as she shares her story that will resonate with many of you who are currently facing the challenges of running a salon business, or for those of you looking to learn about the realities of what it really means to have your own salon of the future. Good and bad!

We dig deep into the start up of the Hunter and Walsh salon. Next, Vivienne takes you through the growth of the salon, and how it went to the edge of ruins. In the end, Vivienne explains how they learned from all of their past mistakes, which eventually led them to come bouncing back with a successful and well run business model. It’s an open, honest – and at times, emotional conversation that will give us all a masterclass to running a salon business through all of it’s highs and lows. We cover it all!

This podcast today has so many inspirational takeaways from Vivienne on running a salon business. No matter how tough things can get in business, you’ll be empowered to know that to get true success, you’ll learn best from your mistakes and that having a steely determination will one day reap you the rewards. Lets dive in!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Vivienne Walsh for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP134: Joe Mills – Creating Successful High Street Hair Brands Jan 20, 2020

Today’s guest Joe Mills has been grabbing my attention for sometime now. Why? Because not only is he a hugely respected men’s session stylist who’s work I love, but he’s gone about creating successful high street hair brands. With brands that includes The Lounge Soho, Jo and Co Barbershop, and his recently launched new brand, MILLS, in select Primark stores nationwide, Joe shares today his story on how he’s gone about building these high street brands – including the process of setting up the Mills concessions business within Primark stores.

Joe is a humble, honest and nice guy. His first-hand experience on what is takes to build and run a high street hair brand from scratch – warts and all – is rich in valuable knowledge for us all. It’s for these reasons why I’m psyched in having a conversation with Joe. Being in hair since he was 15, Joe moved to London in 1991, where he landed at the Fish in Soho. It was in 1998 that Joe took the leap into opening his first business, The Lounge Soho. The learning process to building and running a high street hair brand had begun. Something he’ll be explaining to us all today.

Don’t think building successful high street hair brands comes easy. As a parent juggling childcare alongside running his brands and working on the shop floor, Joe is a perfect example on what can be achieved through dedication, passion and talent. So ask yourself: have you got all that about you? If yes, then creating a successful high street hair brand could be in your locker too.

There are so many amazing nuggets of wisdom and insights that Joe shares in helping you achieving that dream of maybe running a successful high street hair brand, so listen in to the full episode and enjoy.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Joe Mills for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP133: Why You Need to be Collaborating in 2020 – with Sabrina Hill and Denise Walsh Jan 06, 2020

New Year, New Decade. Does this mean new goals for you?

Answered yes, then one of your goals for 2020 could possibly see you collaborating with likeminded hair stylists and salons to help you grow your skills, and likewise, you help to grow theirs too. This is what todays guests Sabrina Hill and Denise Walsh have gone about doing, and on the back of this in 2018 created together the Business of Hair – a hairdressing education company. If the idea of collaborating appeals to you, then you’re in for a treat as we’re about to explore with Sabrina and Denise on why you need to be collaborating in 2020.

Two successful salon owners, educators and social media industry influencers from Ireland, Sabrina owner of Kopper Hair Salon, Cork and Denise owner of Rustiq Salons, Kilkenny are separated by a 2 hour car journey. But this did not stop them from connecting and after a meeting up, coming together to initially creating a mutual collaboration of education between their salons. Bingo! With Denise’s salon business acumen and Sabrina’s award winning colour expertise, their salon businesses benefited from cross sharing education in the particular strengths. The perfect collaboration!

Collaborating is big news right now, and I love how the idea could help the future of the hair industry . A process of two or more people working together to complete a task or achieve a goal, you’ll hear how it could benefit you or your salon business, whilst also developing a support network for self-employed hairdressers.

From in-salon education and problem solving, there is so many top tips coming your way from Denise and Sabrina on why collaborating could be the right way forward for hair stylists and salon businesses. Like I said, I love the idea of collaborating and I’m sure this could be one of your goals for 2020 and onwards, so make sure to listen in.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Denise Walsh and Sabrina Hill for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP132: I Can, I Am, and I Will – with Louis Byrne Dec 30, 2019

I recently had the pleasure to connect at the British Hairdressing Awards 2019 with the celebrity, award winning and session hair stylist Louis Byrne. It was here where I first learned of his inspirational empowerment project, I Can, I Am, and I Will. I loved it so much, that I just had to bring him on to todays show.

Completing our 3 week instalment series dedicated to mental health and wellbeing awareness within the hairdressing industry, we are to learn today on how Louis’s life changing experiences led him through a process of understanding, acceptance, sobriety and self-care. It was during this big shift in his life that Louis says, “The positive mantras replayed over in my head with each beginning with I Can…, I Am… and I Will.”

Having 20 years of experience working at the top of his industry, Louis seemed to have it all. 4 years assisting Sam McKnight travelling the international fashion week circuit, styling editorials for the likes of Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and L’Officiel, working on campaigns from Net-a-Porter to Nike, been the tour stylist for Ellie Goulding, the man behind the ‘quaff’ for Emma Willis, and the go-to hair stylist for an impressive number of actresses, models and musicians. However, the journey to reaching these heights wasn’t always plain sailing!

Riding on a rollercoaster of working hard, playing hard and fast living to avoid facing his demons, culminated in a debilitating accident in 2018 when Louis broke his leg in 3 places. Forced to pause and take stock of his situation, Louis began a process of looking inwards. As Louis explains, “I had to face up to issues including the trauma and loss that had been plagued me since childhood, destructive behavioural traits and addiction that had affected me and those close to me deeply.”

Everyone of us has our own story to tell, including our own versions of the positive mantras beginning I Can, I Am and I Will. For Louis he focused his love for the art and expression of hair styling and considered the power of the connection between stylist and client. He realised the empowering and transformative effect this combination can have which goes beyond appearance alone, and this laid the foundation for the project that connects creativity to wellness, with a driving force of positivity.

An ongoing project, todays podcast finishes with how you can become involved by sharing your own version of ‘I Can, I Am and I Will’ using the hashtag #icaniamandiwill. So lets all do this together as we head off into a new decade and era of self-discovery. Happy and Healthy New Year to you all!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Louis Byrne for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP131: Mind, Body and Wellness in Hairdressing – with Eva Espinosa Dec 23, 2019

It’s that time of year for all of us hairdressers. Sore feet, aching calves, energy sapped, headspace full, and, yes, ready for a well earned festive break. So what could be a better time than now to recover your mind, body and wellness ready for a big new year ahead. To help us all with this recovery, we’re joined for the second of our 3 week instalment series dedicated to mental health and wellbeing awareness within the hairdressing industry by holistic hairdresser and coach, Eva Espinosa.

Originally from Spain, Eva settled her life in London and is now based at ‘Our little Secret’ – an independent hair salon with a unique holistic approach to hairdressing. Eva uses her practice in the field of yoga, her qualifications and studies in communication and the psychology of trauma with contemporary techniques for self-development enable her to offer a unique vision to educate, inspire and transform others in their personal journeys of obtaining great balance with their mind, body and wellness.

In this episode, I talk through with Eva on tips to creating an enjoyable client wellbeing salon experience through the rituals of holistic hairdressing. Most importantly, these services will allow us all to slow down and be present with ourselves and our clients. This matters greatly both to your own wellness and understanding clients with varying emotions. And be sure to stick around to the end of the podcast. Eva gives us some great advice to teaching practices in mind, body and wellness for ourselves to adapt into our busy lives, followed by a fun exercise to try along with me.

A truly enlightening podcast episode, Eva’s insights into ‘holistic hairdressing’ will open your eyes to a completely new take within hairdressing. So lets put our feet up, tune-in and recharge our batteries this festive holidays. You deserve it! Happy Christmas!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Eva Espinosa for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP130: Challenging Mental Health Within the Hairdressing Industry – with KT Williams Dec 16, 2019

Welcome to the first of a 3 week instalment series dedicated to mental health and wellbeing awareness within the hairdressing industry. A subject that is very close to me, I’m delighted to have kicking-off the series hairdresser and founder of #cutoutthestigma campaign, KT Williams. After years of battling with her own mental health, KT discovered the day she wanted to help others suffering mental health within the hair industry, when an apprentice suffered a panic attack at the salon she worked in on the apprentices first day of working. She was just 15, and super keen to be a hairdresser!

A smiley and hardworking apprentice, KT could see a lot of that apprentice in herself. Then she saw her panic! For KT it was history painfully repeating itself, so a realisation happened that she could help. As KT says, “Whatever I did on that day worked and to this day the then 15 year old apprentice had become more confident and strong knowing that she wasn’t alone.” It also dawned on KT that her niece wants to be a hairdresser when she grows up and this could one day be her. “If I could alter the industry, for them both, make it a safe place to talk, be themselves and most of all, inspire them to encourage others that its okay to open up, it could start a revolution within the next generation of hairdressers.” Inspired and empowered from all of this, KT established in March 2018 #cutoutthestigma campaign in 2018.

#Cutoutthestigma is a campaign challenging mental health awareness within the hairdressing industry. A simple format any salon can adapt, the campaign within salons nationally is looking to change the face of the industry by having a structured well being service integrated into it. We get to learn today how the campaign is built around providing a safe salon place for both clients and staff suffering with mental health. KT’s ambition is to link mental health awareness with the hairdressing industry through the qualification, something she explains in today’s episode. But KT makes clear by saying, “Cut Out The Stigma is not a diagnosis facility, or an added extra to our job. It is utilising the information we are given to suggest and direct to the correct organisations to help support our team and clients.”

According to the Mind Charity, approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problems each year. Theres no getting away from the fact that mental health is an epidemic. The hope of listening in to the inspirational Katie today is that it will empower us all to get behind the #cutoutthestigma campaign, so that we can teach the next generation about resilience, self care and finding their voice. You’ll take so much from the podcast, so go ahead and hit that play button.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Katie Williams for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP129: LIVE and UNCUT from the British Hairdressing Awards 2019 Dec 02, 2019

What more can I say other than this episode is special, very special!

With a huge thank you to Hairdressers Journal Jayne Lewis Orr and LWPR for making it possible to brining you todays podcast episode recorded live from the British Hairdressing Awards 2019 on November 25th 2019 at Grosvenor House London. This hair industry first of recording a podcast live from the awards itself has to be a major highlight in my career to date. I was given unprecedented access to The Great Room and interview a selection of this years ‘British Hairdresser of the Year‘ 2019 nominees, as they went about their preparations and rehearsals for the evenings live element show to be seen later during the awards ceremony.

Joining me to share their thoughts on their nomination, the awards itself, how they prepare for the evenings live show, and what it would mean to be crowned British Hairdresser of the Year are: Angelo Seminara, Adam Reed, Eugene Souleiman, Sally Brooks, Robert Eaton, Darren Ambrose and Cos Sakkas. Industry royalty wouldn’t you agree? And if this wasn’t enough for you, I also go off and grab a few of the crowd members and category finalists as they head in to the ceremony, including a not-to-be-missed conversation with the parents of Robert Eaton, Russell and Karen Eaton.

If you want a true taste of the excitement and drama that the British hairdressing Awards can conjure up, then this episode is for you. I please ask that you share this podcast with the younger members of your salon team or college students, as they really need to know what the British Hairdressing Awards is all about, and hopefully will get them truly engaged in the hair industry – and who knows – maybe inspire them to one day become finalists like some of the incredible names we get to hear from in todays podcast. Now join me as we enter into the Grosvenor House London for the British Hairdressing Awards 2019 sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional. Enjoy this moment of hair history!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to everyone of our guests for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP128: Jody Taylor – One of the Worlds Most Sought After Editorial Mens Hairdressers Nov 25, 2019

Today we’re in the wonderful company of Jody Taylor – one of the worlds most highly rated and sought after editorial mens hairdressers.

With his signature style firmly set in British youth-culture trends, Jody’s sublime taste level of mens fashion cool has seen him attract some of the best in the industry becoming his biggest fans. Having him on the podcast today, we all have a prized seats to listening in to his rise and creative approach to becoming the leading editorial and session mens hairdresser he now is. Most importantly, you’ll get so inspired from the likeable Jody on what goals can be achieved in the fashion industry of mens hairdressing – if you really want it enough. So before you tune in, you’ll need to ask yourself: ‘How much do you want it’?

With Jody’s unique approach to his work, strong extensive knowledge of technical hairdressing, and love of traditional barbering, the former Mens British Hairdresser of the Year 2010/11 has built up a reputation for his forward-thinking men’s hairstyles. On the books of leading hair and make up agency, Premier Hair and Make Up, Jody works on many editorial shoots for the likes of Shortlist magazine, 7th Man, Drama, Boys by Girls, Ones to Watch, and The Independent magazine. And with his calm, cool approach, Jody has been part of London Fashion Week for over 10 seasons – both assisting and heading up teams backstage for the finest designers including Hackett, YMC, Hardy Aimes and Christopher Raeburn.

Like most of us in the industry, Jody’s career started out working as an apprentice. His story today will give us all his insights on how working at Toni & Guy London under the three year guidance of Anthony Mascolo is backbone proof on what can be achieved in the industry. But before you go to it Jody says “You need to know who you are by putting out the work you want to do”. With great advice like this and much more in this episode, it will help you get on your way to both standing out and getting noticed in the industry. It’s brilliantly inspirational!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Jody Taylor for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP127: Brooks & Brooks Hairdressing: Staying Ahead of the Competition with Jamie Brooks Nov 18, 2019

Developing and nurturing the talent of young up and coming hairdressers is at the heartbeat of the Brooks & Brooks Hairdressing philosophy. It’s been this approach that has been a key factor in why they consistently remain one the most successful names in British hairdressing. Today we are to be joined by one half of it’s owners, Jamie Brooks, who’s going to share his brilliant business acumen on how to stay ahead of the competition – something Brooks and Brooks Hairdressing have done for the last 18 years.

Three times winner of London Hairdresser of the Year, Jamie Brooks commands considerable respect on the British hairdressing circuit thanks to a host of awards, judging roles, high-profile editorial and celebrity clients. In this episode, we get to talk to Jamie about the early beginnings of Brooks and Brooks and how along with his business partner and current British Hairdresser of the Year, Sally Brooks, work closely with their team of young stylists, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and push their creativity. You can tell how much pride Jamie and Sally have in this and is a great lesson to us all in growing a strong salon business.

We also go in to detail on Jamie’s views on managing team expectations and why keeping the right balance on creative budgets – such as photoshoots and shows – has been essential for the longterm success of Brooks and Brooks Hairdressing. And be sure to check out the full episode as Jamie covers the biggest challenge for the high street. You won’t want to miss it!

So what are we waiting for, lets get to this brilliant interview with Jamie Brooks.

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Jamie Brooks for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP126: Salon International 2019 Backstage Special Nov 11, 2019

Ever since 1984 as a fourteen year old boy I’ve been attending Salon International yearly. With it’s buzzing atmosphere, educators on stages, seminars and exhibitors selling so many new and exciting products, it played a major part for me choosing a lifelong career in hairdressing. I’ll be for ever grateful to it! So for today’s podcast we took our pop-up studio backstage to the press room of Salon International 2019 and invited a selection of guests to join me to learn more on what the event meant to them for being there, too!

Dropping into the press room throughout Day 1 of the event, we had a brilliant array of industry guests to share some great conversations with us. First up we had the current Fellowship for British Hairdressing president, Ken Picton, closely followed by David and Alexis Thurston of Pulp Riot, owner of Tuckwell & Co, Simon Tuckwell, Chris Williams International Colour Director at Rush Hair, and Ceilia Matthews and Zoe Tanner of Concept Magazine.

Not only will todays podcast give you a true heads up on our guests experiences at Salon International, but you’ll also get lashings of their personal background stories and industry thoughts. I hope that their conversations will get you ramped up for hairdressing and attending future Salon Internationals –– just like me back in 1984. So what are we waiting for, let’s jump straight into it!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to all of our guests for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP125: Joseph DiMaggio – Live Your Life and Intentions to Mastering Your Craft Nov 04, 2019

Becoming a master of anything in life takes time and dedication. That means if you want to master your craft, you need to put in the hours. You need to put in hours and hours and hours of practice. But most of all, you need to live and do everything with intentions. And that’s what today’s guest ,Joseph DiMaggio, one of America’s most in-demand published editorial and session hairstylist has done in achieving his goal of becoming a Master Session Stylist.

To understand further on what is required to becoming a master, Joseph shares his journey from being a drummer in a North American rock band and how he entered into the hair industry, eventually leading him into the high-octane world of session styling. Joseph shares the question “are you willing to relocate, are you willing to dedicate two to three years of your life to make this work?” This is something you’re going to honestly need to answer yourself if you want to accomplish the master status on which ever route you want to take in your life.

For any of you looking to explore a journey into session styling and what you’ve got to do, then there’s so much Joseph explains for you today. As the founder of Shokunin Clik Education, we’ll also get to hear how has mastered the complete art of the blow drying technique and system, which teachings he is now sharing around the world and helping others to enter into the world editorial and session.

All recorded live at The Social, there is so much in this episode to getting you pumped up to mastering your craft. The real takeaway from this wonderful conversation today with Joseph is: the master takes the long road, not the short cut! It’s gold!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Joseph DiMaggio for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP124: Ky Wilson – We Adapt, As You Evolve Oct 28, 2019

I’m flying high for what’s coming your way today! Recorded live at The Social London for both todays podcast and ‘The Hair Show‘ on YouTube, we have Ky Wilson back with us again. One of of the industries most outstanding thinkers and in demand hair stylists, interviewing Ky on his home turf was a real treat for me. I last spoke to Ky on the show back in Episode 10 of 2017, and I was keen to learn how The Social had evolved since then, and hear more on his thoughts to the hair industry in 2019. And boy, you won’t be dissapointed!

If you don’t know of The Social, then you need to. The Social is at the forefront of changing how the hair industry thinks. Based in an industrial area of East London, it’s created a global lifestyle destination in a true collaborative fashion, where it encourages the flexible work ethos for the “freelancer” community. You’ll hear how the current studio began early in 2019 with an empty space & a dream to make it an inspiring place to share with other artists and photographers. It really is a special place.

Ky is totalling up many awards to his name, not to mention his award-winning salons, The Social. With so much industry vision and creativity, we’re charmed to have him share his out of the box thinking with us all in our conversation today. Much of what Ky shares include his personal views on an industry he’s become bored of seeing, freelancers freedom to working, and creating a new business model experience.

There’s so much packed into this episode, so be sure to listen (or view on The Hair Show for the first time ever) to the whole entirety of this interview and get inside the mind of the forward thinking brilliance, that is Ky Wilson!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Ky Wilson for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

**Branded Episode: NEU Hair 4 Men with Stuart Munday** Oct 09, 2019
*A branded episode sponsored by NEU Hair For Men. For more information visit: www.neuhair4men.co.uk*

Hair loss of any level can be deeply distressing. As hairdressers and barbers what options do we have at our disposal when it comes to offering a viable solution to clients suffering hair loss, and is not Non-Surgical Hair Replacement service or medications? Well today you’re about to learn how NEU Hair 4 Men replacement systems is that viable solution, as we talk to it’s founder Stuart Munday on the positive effects hair replacement systems can have on clients suffering hair loss.

NEU Hair 4 Men was founded by Salon Owner Stuart Mundy who discovered the desperate need for salons and stylists to help guys across the UK who are silently dealing with the effects of hair loss. Stuart quickly established that within 2 hours, skilled hairdressers and barbers really can completely transform the lives of many men of all ages and bring back their self-confidence.

Stuart has seen so many clients come to salons, desperate to find a solution to their hair loss. He explains ‘They have spent so much time researching on the internet and invested huge amounts of money hoping that vitamins, hair loss products such as shampoo’s, conditioners and medications will work. It can be soul destroying to watch when this solution have little or no benefit.’

You’ll also get to hear today how NEU Hair 4 Men gives hairdressers and barbers the opportunity to offer a quintessential in-salon Non-Surgical Hair Replacement Service that is completely undetectable, simple to maintain and affordable for the client.

NEU Hair 4 Men design bespoke systems that are tailored to each client to ensure the perfect fit, the systems are also available in various colours allowing design stylists to give any desired hair-style and look.

Stuart adds ‘It is an amazing feeling to know that already we have improved the lives of so many men with our life-changing, ultra-realistic, undetectable hair systems. This is one of the worlds fastest growing markets and we are now encouraging other salons across the UK the opportunity to diversify and introduce, new, profitable and exciting concepts into their salon menu.’

Now listen in to hear how NEU Hair 4 Men can be part of your armoury when it comes to offering a viable solution to your clients suffering hair loss.

*A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.*

**Thanks for Listening**

**To share your thoughts:**

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

**To help out the show:**

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Stuart Munday for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP123: Entering into the World of Hair Competitions – with John Keegan Oct 07, 2019

Today you’re in for a treat – we’re about to learn all about entering into the world of hair competitions and what it takes to be a winner. Joining me for this conversation is one of Ireland’s most awarded men’s hairdresser and barber, John Keegan. Today you’ll learn about the preparations and motivation John has for competition work which has seen him win over 60 industry awards (and counting).

Owner and co founder of the multi-award winning Irish barbershop brand The Academy Barber and salon brand the Academy Belle Hairdressing, John is an ace when it comes to entering hairdressing competitions. Not just an international competitor for Ireland, John’s outstanding pedigree for competition work has led him to judging for the Irish Hairdressing Federation of Ireland at the OMC Paris 2018 World Championship.

If you’re looking to, or are considering entering into competing, then John’s insane expertise, knowledge and success for hair competition work will help motivate you and your team to finding success. Theres so much takeaway points from this episode, not only in finding your way to competing in industry competitions, but also how to learn from defeat. As John says “It’s not about the win, it’s about the journey!!

I’m confident after listening in to this episode today, you’ll be wanting to come away from the comfort of standing behind your styling chair, and embark on a journey of entering into the exhilarating world of competing in hair competitions. It’s a whole load of fun! Just wait and hear!!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to John Keegan for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP122: A Dinner Date with Sophia Hilton Oct 02, 2019

For this episode today we’ve something very special for you all. We’re coming live from the East London home of hairdressing superstar and owner of the ‘Not Another’ brand, Sophia Hilton. I was so excited for Sophia to invite me into her family home for dinner and have her interview me. Over Sophia’s delicious homemade spagbol and glass of red wine you’re about to ears drop into a lovely social evening between myself and Sophia. It’s not to be missed!

Friend of the show and a previous guest in Episode 06 and 66, I bumped into Sophia at the judging day of the British Hairdressing Business Awards. Here she suggested turning the microphone round on to myself and have herself interviewing me about my hairdressing career, podcasting and an exclusive announcement I have on HairClubLive – something I’m incredibly honoured to share with you all for the first time today.

In the company of one of the most respected industry figures in the world and a Verified name on Instagram, I sat down to dinner with Sophia in her home to answer her brilliant questions. Asking me on why I set out on my journey in podcasting and the dreams I have for the show, this conversation with Sophia is to reveal so much about me, my hairdressing career and why I love bringing you all the ‘How To Cut It’ podcast show. But like all great hosts, Sophia was also out for an industry scoop, and you know what, she got one!!

Curious to know what this is, then you’ll need to keep tuned in. Sophia’s exquisite interviewing techniques got so much out of me that evening. This episode is not only a great insight into the podcast and myself, but for all you Sophia super-fans to hear her in a rare moment where she’s away from work and at home socialising.

It was a wonderful evening spent with Sophia. I’d like to take this moment to say thank you for Sophia inviting me into her home and taking the time to interview myself! I hope you enjoy listening to this podcast, as much as I did being in her company. Now come and join our dinner date!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Sophia Hilton for inviting me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP121: How an Online Platform is Connecting Salons with Assistants and Educators – with Clive Allwright Sep 23, 2019

The hairdressing industry is currently facing it’s biggest challenge: a global shortage of apprentices. A major challenge for every salon, big and small, Piloroo.com is an online platform that has created an innovative solution to help finding a way to solving this challenge by placing assistants into salons. To tell us more about how this exciting concept works is it’s co-founder and good friend of mine, Clive Allwright.

Being at the forefront of hairdressing for over 30 years, Clive has played an instrumental part in my early hairdressing career. In the late 80’s I had the pleasure to not only work alongside Clive, but be trained by him, too. Fast track forward to 2019 and our paths have reconnected us again. Learning of the piloroom.com, I was excited to hear that Clive was part of this platform where salons can now book assistants online.

In late 2016 Clive Allwright and Kelly Grant co-founded piloroo.com. Proving itself as the ultimate online booking platform that enables salons to book assistants and educators on demand. Just like booking an Uber / hotel / airline ticket online, Piloroo.com was born out of understanding and identifying many of the challenges of operating hairdressing salons in Australia. Salons across Ausrtralia are now booking assistant’s online using piloroo.com.

Assisting salons with an extra pair of hands that helps salons increase their productivity and profitability, I love how piloroo.com is connecting salons with assistants at times when needed. With Piloroo.com looking to expand into other national and international markets in the near future, I believe we are witnessing the start of a game changing approach to finding assistants and educators for salons globally. Now hear why!

A podcast produced by Hairy Media Productions.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Clive Allwright for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP120: What it Means to be a Young Hairdresser in 2019 with Lizzie Williams Sep 16, 2019

The hair industry has changed so quickly in ways never witnessed before! So what does this mean to be a young hairdresser who’s part of this new hairdressing landscape in 2019? At 21 years of age, todays guest Lizzie Williams represents the new heartbeat of young hairdressers. With social media and digital platforms in the palm of their hands no matter where they go, it’s well documented how this has played a major part in the way they operate. Let’s find out how!

Following on from last weeks episode with Sean Dawson, we’ll be keeping on theme by discussing young hairdressers. Regularly coming out in many episodes is that we need to keep young hairdressers engaged. So when all asked “How?”, they nearly all reply with education and competitions. Well this is exactly what Lizzie suggests too when advising her fellow peers. Little wonder when you look at how Lizzie’s career is excelling so quickly.

A senior stylist at KH Hair Salons in Hinkley, Lizzie defines all what it is means to be an engaged young hairdresser and the rewards that this can bring. Part of the Wella Generation Now team 18/19, Lizzie was shortlisted as a ‘Rising Star’ 2019 finalist at Creative Head’s Most Wanted/It awards. But be aware that this podcast comes with a public warning that contains words that may offend some; hard work, continual development and commitment!

If you want to get into the mindset of what it means to be a young hairdresser in 2019, then you won’t be disappointed with today’s episode. There’s bucket loads of this from a well balanced young hairdresser who’s going places. And if you’re a young hairdresser yourself, then take on board what Lizzie shares – she a voice of wise words way above her tender years. Now time to get to it by hitting that play button!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Lizzie Williams for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP119: Why We Need to Give Young Hairdressers a Break! – with Sean Dawson Sep 09, 2019

You’ve heard it all before. Young hairdressers, they’re not passionate! They can’t be bothered! They don’t work the hours we used too! Maybe you agree with these statements, but it so happens that todays guest certainly doesn’t. Joining me to discuss this contentious topic is one of our most respected British hairdressers, Sean Dawson. Today we’ll be learning from Sean on why he believes we need to give young hairdressers a break!

I have long admired Sean Dawson. Continually producing stunning hair work over the last 3 decades, I also love how he never shy’s away from being open and honest in discussing and debating controversial topics. Most certainly young people and how they want to do things different to the generation before it never fails to deliver some heated conversations.

Having worked within the hairdressing industry for over 33 years, Sean is a multi-award winning session stylist and educator. With a true passion for educating, he has nurtured and developed many young people to go on to become great hairdressers themselves. This has led him to see that young people are willing to work hard and are committed to what they do – if we get them engaged and inspired. Moaning how they can’t be bothered is simply not good enough or acceptable! As Sean says: “It’s our responsibility and duty to develop young people!”.

Having the same old approach to how we used to work for young hairdressers is outdated thinking. Instead you need to individually tap into what motivates them and then tailor a dynamic plan to fuel their ambitions. Sean has some great ideas to this, along with a new approach to apprenticeships. All of this and more in today’s podcast, so be sure to listen in.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Sean Dawson for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP118: Alcohol, Drugs and Suicide Attempt! Niall Colgan’s Incredible Comeback Story Sep 02, 2019

Be prepared for a podcast blockbuster! I’m joined by Niall Colgan and what you’re about to hear is one of the most powerful, emotional and hard hitting stories that we have ever brought you to date! An incredible comeback story, you’ll hear how Niall seemed to have it all. Enjoying great success, before the cracks began to show, I guarantee that you’ll all be hanging on every last word Niall shares with us today!

In 2009 Niall opened Niall Colgan Hairdressing, and in his very own words said: “I was flying by the seat of my pants, and with no clue on how to be a leader!”. With this pressure he ended up having a total breakdown in October 2013 and a suicide attempt, when it appeared that he had lost both his business and young family.

Hitting rock bottom was the turning point for Niall to rebuild his life. With Six years of sobriety later and with his partner of ten years, Melie, by his side and his two young sons, they have gone from strength to strength.

Niall is a truly inspirational being. Listen in to hear his words on recovery from the depths of being rock bottom, and how he’s rebuilt both his life and thriving salon business out of a hard working ethic and huge passion for hair. Now at 50 years of age, Niall has only just begun!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Niall Colgan for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP117: Being at the Forefront of Men’s Hairdressing – with Charlie Gray of Menspire Aug 26, 2019

If being at the forefront of the industry is important to you, then tune in to todays episode.

I’m really excited to bring Charlie Gray, International Creative Director of the world renowned Menspire Art Team, onto the show. Right now Charlie and the Menspire Art Team are one of the hottest properties in the men’s hair industry internationally. Today we’re going to learn how together they’ve grown into an industry powerhouse – and how their Menspire Education could help you smash your goals in men’s hair work.

With a wealth of experience showcasing in the biggest shows worldwide such as Salon International, Cosmoprof and Hair Expo, Charlie has become an infamous and well respected educator amongst students and educators in many countries. Featuring on the biggest and some of the most highly respected online platforms such as hairbrained official and hairtribe TV it is no surprise why Charlie has hit over millions of views on social media.

Ever since I first introduced Charlie and the Menspire boys onto HairClubLive’s #OpenChairNight stage in 2015, I’ve been in utter awe of everything they do in mens hair. With their cool urban edge style, faultless technical foundations and mash-up vibes, I knew right then I was witnessing the birth of new industry superstars! And how they’ve proved me right!

I feel proud to have gotten to know the boys really well since that moment, and after listening in to today’s episode, you too, will know a whole lot more about Charlie, Menspire and all the incredible education work they offer! It’s a listen perfect for any moment in your day, so enjoy!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Charlie Gray for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP116: Andrew Collinge – The Story of an Iconic British Hair Idol Aug 19, 2019

If learning about British hairdressings heritage and being inspired by all of it’s icons matters to you, then I know you’re going to love this episode. Joining me today is Andrew Collinge, one of the most celebrated and iconic names to come out of British hairdressing in the last 35 years.

Chairman and Creative Director of the fourth generation Collinge Hairdressing, this successful North West of England established salon group employees over 120 people. With Andrew formerly crowned twice British Hairdresser of the Year, and along with his wife Liz Collinge was the original make-over team on the new daytime show This Morning, it’s awe-inspiring on all that he has achieved in the industry. If you’re wondering, “How has Andrew achieved all this and more in his illustrious career?”, stick around – Andrew is about to share with you his amazing story behind it.

Andrew’s company is steeped in history, dating back to 1910 when Andrew’s grandfather, Wilfred, began his career as a trainee barber and his father, the legendary Peter Collinge, opening the first salon in Liverpool in 1975. In this listen today, we will also get to learn about Andrews early beginnings to his career, and how the heady days of the 80’s and 90’s saw him and other leading hairdressers of the time become major national celebrities, in this vintage period of British hairdressing!

Now focusing much of his time overseeing the growth of his salon groups and developing and training the next generation of hairdressers through the Collinge Graduate salons, Andrew says, “Hairdressing is a great gift which we recognise and share.” – something that he continues to do in large amounts!

Andrew’s story is an amazing insight into one one of British hairdressings most iconic and loved names to come out of our industry in the last 35 years. It’s a back catalogue to the heritage of our craft, and one that we all owe to ourselves to listen in to. You won’t regret it!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Andrew Collinge for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

EP115: Getting Ahead in Mens Hair Fashion Work – with Charlie Cullen Aug 12, 2019

These days the popularity of being a mens hairdresser is huge. There are fewer industries in the UK that have grown to the same extent as barbering. This means you’ve to be seriously talented and equipped with all the right technical skills in mens hair fashion work to rise above the competition in this barber explosion era. That’s why I’m excited to have on the show today leading mens hair specialist, Charlie Cullen, to share his invaluable advice on how you can smash it in mens hair fashion work.

With no signs of the male grooming market slowing down, there is a cultural shift beginning to take place in mens hair. Fashion guys are beginning to outgrow their hair again and they will be expecting us all to deliver them the looks they desire. For the bloodline of the barbering industry to stay cool and relevant to these fashionistas, it’s critical that it adapts to their demands. We are going to learn on how to do all of this from Charlie, so that we are all technically prepared for this trend shift in mens hair that is evolving fast. If not, we could get left behind!

We are spoilt in having on the podcast someone of Charlie’s standing within the industry. A men’s hair specialist and International Educator who is famed for his longer hair work. As the former International Artistic Director and Head of Mens Education for Toni & Guy, he has worked backstage at various Fashion Weeks for the last 12 seasons – regularly heading up teams at London Fashion Week Mens – you get the sense of standing Charlie has in mens hair fashion work.

One of the big takeaways from Charlie today is no matter what direction mens hair fashions takes, you will need to be competent in all forms of mens hair cutting and styling. From messy or military, to cuts that favour texture and grunge-style long hair, the barber landscape is changing. Now tune in and get buzzed on getting ahead in mens hair fashion work. Enjoy it, I certainly did!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Charlie Cullen for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

EP114: Belonging to a Global Community of Craft Hairdressers – with Gerard Scarpaci of Hairbrained Aug 05, 2019

On this episode, I talk to Gerard Scarpaci, co-founder of Hairbrained.me. If you’ve yet to be part of or know of this community for passionate hairdressers and colourists, then I guarantee by the end of this episode you’ll be hitting them up. Supporting each other in elevating our craft, you’ll hear how belonging to this global community of craft hairdressers you can share your work and knowledge, while gaining inspiration and insights from your peers. Get in!

Gerard is a veteran craft hairdresser who draws over 28 years of experience in the salon, in classrooms and on stages around the world. One of the industry’s most respected educators, Gerard co-founded Hairbrained.me, a global community of craft hairdressers and colourists with over 1,000,000 members, fans, and followers worldwide.

As humans we are wired to be part of a group who all share similar values and passions. Today we will learn why the Hairbrained community is offering this sense of belonging, and how it’s grown up to offer so much more than it’s original platform of forums and sharing photos between it’s early members. Since the communities launch in 2008, it has gone on to launch the Hairbrained.pro Shop, produced the now iconic “Hb Teach-In” master jam events, introduced the inspiring Hairbrained Video Awards, and created Hb LIVE Academy –– the start of a revolution in online craft hairdressing education.

Whether you need a belonging to a community, or you’re feeling isolated from other likeminded hairdressers, then today’s conversation with Gerard will give you that push you need to surrounding yourself with other hairdressers and colourists from around the world. Everybody needs to be part of some community, so pick it wisely! Now lets get to it with Gerard!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Gerard Scarpaci for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

**EP113: Become a Hair Extensions Expert with Michelle Griffin** Jul 29, 2019
If like me you’re not offering hair extensions as part of your hairdressing business, then we are all potentially missing out on some seriously good revenue opportunities. At worst we may even be loosing some of our most loyal customers to rival businesses who do offer hair extensions as part of their hairdressing services.
For some the image of doing hair extensions can seem daunting. Long service hours, choosing the right method of application, extensions damaging the hair, extensions falling out. Fear no more, because I’m joined by one of the most influential hair extensionists in the world, Michelle Griffin of Griffins Salons. Today she’ll be debunking all the myths, latest techniques and benefits to what you really need to know when it comes to offering quality hair extensions as part of your hairdressing services.

Michelle has trained and worked with hairpieces and wigs from the age of 16 years. After 30 years of working with added hair and running a salon, Michelle has now developed her own line of luxury hair extensions called LoxBox. LoxBox provides all methods of hair extensions, coupled with training courses, which are taught throughout the UK and Internationally.

Renowned for her passion and enthusiasm towards hair extensions, you’ll be confident to know that you’re going to be getting an audio masterclass on hair extensions from this multi-award winning hairdresser. You’ll learn everything you need to know on hair extensions from selecting the right method of application, how to book the correct appointment time, and a complete step by step guide to getting you set up in using hair extensions.

This episode is great if you’ve been sitting on the fence to whether or not you should be offering hair extensions as part of your business. I’m confident that after listening in to this brilliant conversation with Michelle you’ll be chomping at the bit to get going and maybe one day, becoming a hair extensions expert yourself. Now all you need to get going with your journey in hair extensions is hit that play button. Enjoy!

**Thanks for Listening**

**To share your thoughts:**

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

**To help out the show:**

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Michelle Griffin for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

**Show Sponsor – Akito Scissors**

EP108: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone – with Jean-Baptise Mazella of M&P (formerly Mazella and Palmer) Jun 24, 2019

To make the best of our potential we need to get out of our comfort zone. As hairdressers with talent and knowledge it’s very easy to sit on what we know, and more dangerously, to stop learning! This can lead us to complacency and eventually becoming bored in all what we do. Don’t you agree we all owe it to both ourselves and our clients to keep our continual development growing by learning new skills and ideas?

Jean Baptise Mazella (JB), our guest this week, is one of the worlds leading hairdressing educators, and knows why it’s so important to keep on developing as a hairdresser. Many will know JB better as one half of the Mazella and Palmer education company, but recently took a rebranding build to become M&P – something that you’ll hear about later in todays interview. Having taught and worked alongside the leading hairdressers throughout the world, M&P’s technical and creative direction helps stylists globally to keep excited and engaged.

JB believes in giving fully to whatever you do, and as a result the success of this will come to all those that do. We will hear how by enhancing your creative potential through education will not only develop you by taking you outside of your comfort zone, but will also help increase your salon revenue, too.

At the end of the day, everyone needs to step out of their comfort zone, and our continual development is of course massively important to our future success. As hairdressers, we need to comitt ourselves to this path. We need to find our want, and go for it, and as JB says, “when you want to start something you have to give yourself one hundred percent.” That commitment is what makes you a great hairdresser, what stands you above your competitor, and what excites your clients. JB is so inspiring, and I hope you get as much from this episode as I did.

Thanks for Listening!

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Jean Baptise Mazella for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP107: Working as a Self-Employed Hairdresser – with Freya Haines Jun 17, 2019

There’s no doubt that working as a self-employed hairdresser has never been so popular. Whether you for it or against it, it’s here to stay! But what does it take to become a self-employed hairdresser, and what could you expect?? Thats why today I’m in conversation with a leading independent hairdresser, Freya Haines, who’ll be answering these questions and more on working as a self-employed hairdresser.

Getting disillusioned with hairdressing, Freya felt ready for a new direction in her hairdressing career. Leaving her safe employed job with a leading salon name, she stepped into the world of being a self-employed hairdresser. Based at the Hunter Collective – a unique co-working salon space for leading independent hairdressers, she has found a new creative freedom and way of working that suits her lifestyle.

In a really insightful interview, our talk with Freya reveals how life as an independent self-employed hairstylist should look in 2019. No back street murky salon, with black money passing hands between self employed hairdresser and salon owner, Freya and Hunter Collective is the perfect model to show how both can work together professionally, transparently, and harmoniously. And to make sure we give fair balance to being self-employed and employed, then we’ve got that covered for you, too!

There’s lots of great information from Freya packed into this episode, so if you’re sat on the fence on whether being a self-employed hairdresser is the right move for you then this is your must go to podcast listen. Let’s get into it!

Thanks for Listening!

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Freya Haines for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP106: How a Unique Business Model is Expanding a Salon Group ‘FAST’ – with Jeff Letter Jun 10, 2019

Hands up who wants to expand their salon business, ‘FAST’? If this sounds like you then you’re in for a treat today.

Joining me is Jeff Letter, an award-winning businessman and Managing Director of The PENNEYS group. A name that you may not all be familiar with just yet, but I’m seriously charged to share with you all how Jeff has flipped on it’s head the common salon business model, and created something so unique that it’s seeing his salon group expanding ‘fast’! And it’s a unique business model that could work for your salon business, too!

This episode could be really special for your salon business. In fact this unique business model Jeff has created is so inspirational, it could make you completely reinvent how you’re running it! In an industry battling to both recruit and hold on to team members, it’s critical that we find new inventive ways to provide staff with both an exciting career pathway of opportunities and with good earning potentials. Agree?

We will hear today how The PENNEYS group are embarking on an exciting period of fast growth under it’s you unique business model. As well as a distribution business, a group of salons, and a property investment company PENNEYS is also a hair salon franchise. Team members and salon owners within PENNEYS can take advantage of the career opportunities to become trainers and mentors as well as the investment opportunities within the property company. Yep, property company!

Jeff has designed an unique business model that allows for fast expansion and a very cost effective way for people including existing salon owners to join the PENNEYS brand. The PENNEYS group are embarking on an exciting period of fast growth, and I can’t wait to serve you a piece of this cake today. It could be your game changing moment!

Thanks for Listening!

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Jeff Letter for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP105: Visionary, Pioneer, Innovator – Vivienne Mackinder and Her Inspirational Story Jun 03, 2019

Many of our guests have achieved true iconic status in the hair industry, and I love having them come on to the podcast to share their stories with us. And today I’ve a legendary icon, because joining us is Vivienne Mackinder – one of the most iconic names to ever come out of international hairdressing. A visionary, pioneer and innovator, Vivienne’s heritage as the former Artistic Director at Vidal Sassoon and Creative Director for international icon Trevor Sorbie is a story of hairdressing tales that we need to hear and appreciate.

Driven by a mission to continually hone her own artistry and creativity, multi-award winning Vivienne shares her early beginnings and trailblazing within the hair industry. Leveraging technology with online hair education we will hear how in an era long before Social Media and hair video uploads to YouTube, Vivienne launched HairdesignerTV.com (HDTV) in 2000. Truly Pioneering!

Move forward to 2019 HDTV currently hosts over 900 videos in cut, colour, styling, Train the trainer, Inspiration, mentoring and leadership. Vivienne believes when you “learn more you earn more”, and she continues to teach others how to “feed their heart and pocket.”

Don’t be fooled in to thinking that Vivienne is now sitting on all her amazing achievements in hairdressing just yet. With her futuristic strengths finder personality and a continuing passion for producing beauty in hair, Vivienne is still very much in demand as featured guest artist and educator for events worldwide. She divides her time between, teaching and presenting on and off camera, editorial shoots. We will also learn about her forthcoming UK appearance at The Fantastic Hairdresser ‘Inspirational Minds 2019’ event. There’s loads to go at here, so make sure not to miss Vivienne’s inspirational story!

Thanks for Listening!

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Vivienne Mackinder for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP104: Revolutionising the Traditional Hair Salon with Ricky Walters of Salon64 May 27, 2019

I’m big time pumped up for today’s podcast, because joining me for this episode is Ricky Walters, the creator and owner of Salon64 – a salon concept that is revolutionising the traditional hair salon.

Top London hairstylist Ricky developed the unique Salon64 concept whilst walking around London and was bored of seeing all hair salons looking the same. Seeing a gap in the market, he went about asking himself: what a salon is and what a salon does?? The final push Ricky needed to creating Salon64 came when managing a salon within a five star hotel and regularly been asked by clients: Do you have a phone charger and can I stay afterwards to do my make-up and get myself ready for a night out with my friends?? Being in five star hotel he would always say yes, but deep down he thought; no you can’t, thats my chair, I’ve got clients waiting, and now I’ve got to move someone around to accommodate this.

In 2017 Ricky took the leap to opening Salon64 in London’s Soho. He took the salons inspiration from the original French salon and brought into the modern age, by changing the hair & beauty experience for the future. A social hub where patrons can meet, retreat, work and enjoy a host of styling and pampering services, we’re about to learn about this revolutionary concept and the design that inspires the art of conversation through it’s transformative spaces such as The Fire Pits, The Style Bar and The Bar.

As salon owners we often play it safe and follow the same old traditional salon business model and concept. But if you’re becoming tired of this model and in need of some seriously inspirational out-of-the-box thinking to the salon of the future, then this episode with Ricky is required listening for you. So common, tune-in, listen and enjoy!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Ricky Walters for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP103: Why Spring Became the UK’s First Dedicated Curly Hair Salon – with Matthew Surplice May 20, 2019

I’m being honest, if you were to have told me sometime back that a salon business dedicated purley to curly hair could be successful, I would have been doubtful! How wrong could I be! I’m psyched to talk to this weeks guest, Matthew Surplice, the founder and owner of Spring – the UK’s first dedicated curly hair salon, and today he’ll be sharing how he found success by niching down to specialise in curly hair only.

As many of you know, I’m a huge fan of niching down. But why? Having a niche is important because if you try to cater to everyone your overall marketing and message won’t actually speak to anyone. Being all things to all people can give your business a less competitive advantage, to those who ‘find their niche‘. With Spring finding it’s niche specialising in curly hair, we’ll hear why meeting the needs of a very specific group of people has been a far better alternative for it’s salon business.

There’s so much to learn about Spring’s point of difference to that of any other salon in the UK, and how they are cutting, styling and colouring curly hair only using their trademarked Curl by Curl techniques. We talk so many great things here in this episode today, that includes hearing why Matthew started his journey into the arena of specialising in curly hair, and how you should be cutting and styling curly hair. It’s a valuable lesson for us all!

I know you’ll get a lot from my conversation with Matthew, and how educated you’ll be in both curly hair and niching down to find your point of difference in hairdressing. Let’s jump to it and spread the curly love!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Matthew Surplice for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

(Bonus Episode): Be Green in ’19 – with Rob Cooper of Scrummi Towels May 15, 2019

I’m going to shout this one out aloud: we need our industry to become better at being green and sustainable. Helping create a sustainable earth is one the most important issues facing each and every person on the planet. But how can our industry play it’s part in achieving this? Well, this is why I have Rob Cooper Founder of Scrummi on this Bonus Episode podcast with me today to share his mission to creating a more greener and sustainable landscape for our industry. Let’s get into it!

Rob Cooper is a 4th generation environmentally focused textile entrepreneur. He wanted to use his background and knowledge in disposable textiles to make a global difference. A chance conversation with a Scottish salon owner in 2008 brought his attention to the environmental damage caused by laundering towels and highlighted the need for a credible, sustainable alternative to cotton towels. This was a product that Rob knew he could create.

With a clear goal of reducing the environmental damage of the hairdressing business, Rob set about creating Scrummi. Rob’s goal was to produce a sustainable and biodegradable towel that would work better than a washable salon towel. It was important that the manufacture and supply of these towels were considered throughout the process to ensure that the entire environmental life cycle impact was minimal.

It’s big news at the moment! Plastics, chemically contaminated water, hidden plastics and microfibres are all taking their toll. And we’re burning through the planets non renewable energy supplies very quickly! Change is needed!

As a collection of hairdressers, colourists & stylists it is important that we are all aware of the effects that our industry can have on the environment. With over 42,000 hairdressing and barbering businesses in the UK, it’s vital we all make at least one small change to help protect the environment for our future generations. I ask that this interview today with Rob will be the spark we all need to making our industry become a more sustainable and greener place. Hit play and soak it all in! It really does matter!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Rob Cooper for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP102: How Young Hairdressers Can Find Industry Success – with Gianluca Caruso May 13, 2019

This weeks guest has some great advice for all young hairdressers who are looking to find industry success. We’re joined today by current British Newcomer of the Year 2018 and educator at the Toni & Guy Academy, Gianluca Caruso. He will be offering all of you new into your hairdressing journey, bucket loads of tips on what can be achieved within it.

Having 24 year old Gianluca on the show today, makes for the ideal role model when it comes to sharing advise to young hairdressers on what it takes to find industry success. Moving from his native Italy to London in 2015 to train with the highly talented team at the Toni & Guy London Academy, his time in London combined with his drive and passion for hairdressing has seen him win several gongs at the Italian Hairdressing Awards, and, in 2018 win Newcomer of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards.

Now wannabe future hair stars! Before you dive into this wonderful interview with Gianluca, lets get realistic!

The early beginnings in hairdressing can be testing. Expect to regularly be working long hours outside the nine to five norm, maintaining the smooth day to day running of a busy salon, consistently delivering superb client care, and all whilst committing to an intense 2 to 3 year training plan before you’ve even qualified. That’s why keeping engaged on all that the creative side of the industry has to offer, such as entering competitions and having the ambition to one day win a major industry award is so important to helping you maintain enthusiasm for a happy and longterm career in hairdressing.

If this excites you then this episode is for you, so take a listen and be inspired on how young hairdressers can find industry success. It’ll be time well spent – enjoy!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Gianluca Caruso for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP101: Become the ‘Brand Artist’ You Want to Be – with Jo Robertson May 06, 2019

Have you noticed a shift in the hair industry? Salons are now looking for technique driven education rather than brand – something which today’s guest Jo Robertson has both identified and gone about creating.

Mostly known for working at ghd as global head of education we spoke to Jo about this role back in Episode 25. Fast track forward to late 2018 she decided to step away from GHD to set up ‘The Jo Robertson Hair Agency’, and today we’re diving deep in to how she is changing the way education is available by creating a brand-neutral space where artists can showcase their work and offer services to salons.

Starting her journey in hairdressing as a Saturday girl, Jo’s worked at every level that has seen her stand behind the chair for 25 years as both a stylist and salon owner before moving into education. Jo is now bringing all her wealth of valuable experience to help coach and develop hair professionals and salon owners by inspiring them to get back in charge of their businesses, and design the brand they always wanted.

Jo says you need to become a brand. A brand will give you longevity, it will give you the systems and processes that will help you to grow your brand and give you the lifestyle you desire to travel to that amazing beach in the Maldives or to purchase the Channel handbag that you have lusted over for so long.

So whether you’re yearning for a place in hairdressing as a hair educator, getting to grips with social media or having a business that allows you to live the lifestyle you want, then Jo’s about to help you achieve this and more by becoming the ‘Brand Artist‘ you want to be. Let’s go to it!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Jo Robertson for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP100: Meet Hairdressings Everyday Foot Soldiers (and our Listeners!) – Celebrating 100 Episodes Apr 29, 2019

I can’t believe we’re here: Episode 100! This is off the scale!

In March of 2017, my first episode of the ‘How Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry’ podcast went live. Just me, the microphone and you, I officially announced the launch of the show. Boy, I was apprehensive but equally excited to this new journey and all the weekly guests I was going interview to share their incredible insights, inspirations and information with us all.

After my first interview with the brilliant and mega talented Tom Connell was published, I could’ve never imagined the response that this episode would get. The positive feedback I got from you all was more than I could have ever imagined. I knew then that this was something that you all wanted. Or was is it?

There was a time though when I did think whether podcasting was a format that the hair industry was really ready for. Still relatively unknown in the hair industry back in 2017, I found myself regularly explaining to many what a podcast was and how it works (including those to which our show has since inspired them to start their own podcast show, which I’m delighted about). And with endless hours of me individually putting together just one episode every week, I did question if I could commit to it. But you know what? I did, and I’m so glad – it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!

Now with over 10,000 downloads per month and with many of the biggest names from the industry been interviewed for it, I’m delighted for it to be the UK’s No.1 podcast for the hair and barbering industry.

Today isn’t an interview with big name from the industry, because being 100 episodes old I wanted to bring you something special to me: hairdressings everyday foot soldiers. Joining me for this are 5 listeners of the show and hairdressers, Danielle Kennedy, Emma Marcey, Kim Goodger, Amanda Linehan and Stacey Orrow. Each will be sharing their own experiences of being on the front line of the hair industry, as I believe it’s good for us all to identify with where we come from and represent.

Lastly, before we dive in to the 100th Episode I want the opportunity to say that without you, the listener, the guests, this show wouldn’t have ever reached episode 100! I owe you so much, and it’s exactly why I’m extremely excited for the next 100 episodes of this podcast. Your support means the world to me, and I appreciate each and every one of you!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Danielle Lloyd, Emma Marcey, Kim Goodger, Amanda Linehan and Stacey Orrow for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP099: Becoming a High-End Barber & Grooming Expert – with Dan Gregory Apr 22, 2019

This weeks guest Dan Gregory is one of the most sought after barbers and grooming experts in the industry today. Named as ”One of London’s Best Gentlemen’s Hairdressers” by ES Magazine, winner of London’s Best Wet Shaver and has an impressive list of loyal clients ranging from City Executives to Hollywood stars, Dan brings his wealth of knowledge to share with you today on how you can bring high-end services and prices to your men’s hair & grooming menu, no matter where you’re based.

Dan’s lifelong experiences in the male and grooming industry are a valuable lesson to us all today. It starts with him sharing his early time working at a barbershop in his hometown of Liverpool, and leads us through to owning and selling his Man Made barber business in Marleybone, London, to focus on being a freelance men’s hair & grooming expert based at the Hunter Collective, London. Sprinkled in between this episode we also hear about his Global Grooming Ambassador role for Braun, the barber explosion, barbering versus men’s hairdressing – and for good measures too, men’s facial hair trends!

Whether you’re looking to niching down to become a freelance expert within the industry, or you’re in the game of men’s hair & grooming, but struggling to charge the prices your expertise deserves, then I know you’re going to be influenced and inspired on all that Dan shares with you.

There’s so much in this episode, so take a listen and hear more about becoming a high-end barber & grooming expert.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Dan Gregory for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP098: How Mitch Chalmers Pursued his Dream of Becoming a Hairdresser After a Life Changing Accident Apr 15, 2019

Today I’m in the company of a very very special hairdresser, Mitch Chalmers! Mitch was left paralysed from the chest down following a motocross accident in 2014 at the age of just 22. In an incredibly moving, touching and inspirational interview we’re going to learn how through sheer determination Mitch has since retrained and pursued his dream of becoming a hairdresser.

From 6 years of age, Mitch’s passion was in motocross bike racing that saw him race all over the country. But all this came to an abrupt and devastating end after a life changing accident. Entering into extremely dark place, Mitch found it hard adjusting to life not being able to walk, in pain and in a wheelchair! Deciding it was time to turn his life around, Mitch wanted to retrain in something he would both enjoy and be good at – working full-time as a professional hairdresser!

Now for the next part of Mitch’s journey is receiving revolutionary Epidural Stimulation treatment, the most advance treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries available. Costing £56,000 to receive the treatment, Mitch is on mission – with help from Akito Scissors, to raise funds for this revolutionary treatment to help him learn to walk again. And today we’re going to find out how we can all play our part in helping Mitch raise the funds he needs with his #LetsGetMitchWalking Go Fund Me Campaign.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Mitch Chalmers for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

The Eugene Souleiman Story: Podcast Special (Bonus Episode) Apr 10, 2019

Today, I’m in the company of none other than Eugene Souleiman! One of the most influential hair stylists in the world, Eugene joins me for this Podcast Special to share his magnificent career story in hairdressing. It really is a very special listen from a very special hairdresser!

A true visionary who inspires and sets the trends that other stylists follow. His sense of humour and unique way of looking at hair permeates every avant-garde style he creates. He especially thrives to push boundaries, taking risks with both colour and length and this is most prevalent in his hair sculptures. His endless stream of ideas and constant experimentation means he is continuously evolving and creating.

Ever since launching the How To Cut It Podcast two years ago, Eugene has always topped my list as the one guest I’ve most wanted to interview. So to have him on the show today is off the charts of mega-ness for me, and hopefully for you, too!! I’ll be asking Eugene all my burning questions about his journey in hairdressing, his out of the box thinking, and, of course, life as one of the worlds most famous session stylists of all time.

This interview with Eugene will give us all a very rare insight in to the mind and life of a hairdressing genius. And be sure to stick around to the end interview, as we’ll learn how we can watch Eugene’s live online event with Hairdressing Live. Like this interview today, it’s going to be an event spectacular that you really won’t want to miss either!

So what are we waiting for – let’s jump to it, our Podcast Special with Eugene Souleiman!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Eugene Souleiman for joining me for today’s Podcast Special.

Until Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye

EP097: Made in England – The Story of Hooker & Young Apr 08, 2019

Hooker and Young are regarded as one of the most respected, successful and loved hair duos to come out of British hairdressing.

Rightly proud of their North East of England heritage, Gary Hooker and Michael Young have taken their national success and replicated it creatively on a global scale. So how did the Hooker & Young duo become one the most in demand global hairdressers over the last 28 years together ? Thats the story I want to find out about today, and I’ve the two boys here to share that with us.

Gary and Michael are both the brains and beauty behind the luxurious hairdressing brand Hooker & Young. Dedicated to the industry and with 5 salons in the North East of England the Hooker & Young brand is a synonymous name in the hair industry. Countless British Hairdressing Awards, Gary and Michael are part of an elite group of hairdressers to be nominated for British Hairdresser of the Year. The trophy cabinet does not stop there. A host of industry and international awards back up the creative vision and bespoke talent Gary Hooker and Michael Young bring out in each other. These showmen are just as at home on stage presenting to thousands of hairdressers, working on editorial campaigns and catwalk shows as they are with clients in their salons.

Today we’ll talk about the origins of how Gary and Michael came to work together, the success of the Hooker and Young brand, what life is like working alongside each other as a couple, and what exciting new projects lie ahead for the likeable and inspirational Gary Hooker and Michael Young. Hit play and lets discover the story of the Hooker and Young duo.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Gary Hooker and Michael Young for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP096: Why You Need to ‘Brand it Like Bruce’ – with Bruce Masefield Apr 01, 2019

Today I’m speaking with an icon name from our industry and the former Sassoon UK Creative Director – Bruce Masefield. I was thrilled when Bruce reached out to me about coming on to the show to speak about his incredible time at Sassoon UK, and why he left this prestigious role to have the creative freedom to running his own salon branded business, Bruce Masefield Hair.

Bruce is a hairstylist with an international reputation of the highest level, who is admired for having a contemporary, chic and luxurious taste level – something that runs right the way through his salons brand aesthetic and ethos in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre. With his beautiful salon quickly establishing itself as one of Scotland’s leading premier hair destinations, Bruce is very clear on knowing who and what his salons brand story is. And today he will help and reveal why it’s important for you to find your brand aesthetic too.

With a passion, dedication and commitment to his craft, Bruce has kept at the forefront of the hairdressing industry for three decades. He’s helped educate hairdressers in many shows and seminars he has undertaken globally, along with coaching and teaching the next generation of the UK, something that you’ll hear today he’s incredibly passionate about!

This interview with Bruce is a colossal listen that will bring you some valuable insights to branding your salon business, and how we should all be continually learning new ideas and passing them on to the next generation. It’s an episode I guarantee that like me, you’ll get goosebumps listening to what Bruce has to say – let’s get started!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Bruce Masefield for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP095: How a Small Town Hairdresser is Making a ‘BIG’ Buzz in the Industry – with Georgia Bell Mar 25, 2019

In this digital age it’s never been a better time than now to get your hair talent out there and noticed, helping you to make a name for yourself in the industry – no matter if you’re based in a remote village or small town miles away from the major fashion capitals of the world.

This is what today’s guest Georgia Bell has gone about doing very successfully. I’m sitting down to talk with Georgia and learn how her adventure has made her become one of the most talked about UK hairstylists, and all based from her Twisted Scissors salon in the small ex-mining town of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK.

Georgia’s South Yorkshire roots gives her a bubbly down to earth persona that we all love. It is these strong characteristics and hard working ethic that relates her to the everyday working hairdresser. She has become a real hair hero to many of us.

In this episode we’re going to hear how Georgia’s hairdressing adventure only really got going two years ago when she reached out to voluteer her time self-funded to assist the legendary Sophia Hilton of Not Another Salon. Embarking on a one day a week round trip from Rotherham to London and back again to assist at Not Another Salon, it’s clear to see how much enthusiasm for hair Georgia has. And with this level of commitment and passion has catapulted her centre stage of the hair industry, and following this are hair brands now queuing up to colloborate with her.

With her never stop learning attitude and investing as much of her own time into education and development, she is an inspiration to all of us on what you can achieve in the hair industry.

If you feel that your localised location is holding you back to getting noticed in the industry, then think again! Georgia’s about to share with you how you can do it too – so lets get started!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Georgia Bell for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP094: How Paul Stafford Built – and Rebuilt ‘AGAIN’ – the Stafford Hair Brand and Business Mar 18, 2019

Today we’re going to get an incredibly honest and sobering story on how a 1.3 million salon business successfully grew and then crashed out in the global financial recession of 2008. Joining me to share this must-listen to saga is Northern Ireland’s leading hairdresser and industry icon, Paul Stafford of Stafford Hair. Like any true Hollywood Blockbuster this is a dramatic real life story of Paul’s career high’s and lows with an uplifting ending. It’s an interview that you all need to hear!

In 1983 Paul’s magnificent hairdressing career started after a somewhat unexpectedly ill fated collision with some hair bleach and an abrupt exit from school. He was just 15. Ten years later he had become Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year, going on to win three times and entering the BHA Hall of Fame. Within this golden 90’s and early 2000’s decade Paul found himself as a resident hairdresser on national tv, travelling the world for many hair brands and opened up his own Stafford Salon business in Belfast City Centre with his wife. It looked to be that Paul had the world at his feet!

By 2003 Stafford Concept Salon was were employing nearly 50 staff and this huge success led to a 1.3 million expansion plan which unfortunately coincided with the global financial crash of 2008. Paul was 40 years of age and in 2012 we succumbed to bankruptcy. Dark days followed!

When your blessed with incredible hair talents, resilience, strong family network and the support of industry friends, the amazing comeback was only a matter of time away. In 2016 Stafford Hair was back and Paul is making big noises again in the industry… and man, I could not be happier for him!

Today we’re all going to be extremely privileged to hear Paul’s open and honest story to how he built – and then patiently rebuilt again – the Stafford brand and business. It’s a perfect lesson in no matter how spectacular a crash you may have, by having a strong resilience like Paul, you too can bounce back from whatever lifes challenges can throw at you!

Now hit play, and lets get this hairdressing blockbuster started!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Paul Stafford for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP093: A Journey From Salon Work Experience to Global Brand Ambassador – with Jonathan Andrew Mar 11, 2019

When Jonathan first took his gentle steps into hairdressing by doing work experience in his uncles salon, he could never have imagined what a journey in hair could lead to. Years later, it has led him to his dream role – becoming a Global Brand Ambassador for a leading haircare company. This episode today with Jonathan is going to motivate you to dream big no matter what stage you’re at in your hair career.

Jonathan exemplifies a new generation of British hairdressing. His outlook to pushing himself in the industry is proof that it can bring it’s rewards. Working with some of London’s leading salon names – including at his brother-in-laws salon, celebrity hairdresser Jamie Stevens, he has worked with a host of celebrities and on major red-carpet events including the BAFTAs, The BRIT Awards and the National Television Awards.

With all this glam, showbiz and working alongside one of British hairdressings biggest names many of us would stick on what we’ve got. Not Jonathan! Becoming a new dad one year ago changed all that for him. It was this pivot point moment that triggered a new chapter in his story, seeing him take a new direction as a freelance hairstylist which opened up the door of opportunity for him landing his new dream role.

Never a straightforward journey, he’s here today to talk us through the ups, the downs and the ups again that he’s experienced on his way to becoming a Global Brand Ambassador. I know that by listening in to his brilliant story will motivate you to keep going in your journey, and who knows: one day landing your dream role in hair, too!

Go ahead and hit play, and let’s go on that journey!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Jonathan Andrew for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP092: How Jo Irving Found Business Success in Creating ‘Undone Styles’ for Brides and Brands Mar 04, 2019

When Jo Irving of Love Hair first found her wedding style niche of cool ‘undone styles’ for brides, she could have never imagined the exciting opportunities it would carve open for her. But don’t think it’s been an easy ride for her! Jo’s here today to share why you need to have creative skills, determination and being prepared to pivot your career in a completely new direction if you’re wanting to find your successful place in the world of hair.

A creative bridal hair stylist, entrepreneur and educator, Jo has had several successful hair business, including being a bridal hair stylist and running one of the largest hair & make-up agencies in the UK. However it was her love of not ‘wedding hair’ but creating ‘undone hairstyles’ (unstructured updos and beachy waves) that pivoted Jo’s career to teaching these cool looks of todays generation.

With a true entrepreneurial spirit and talent Jo has a passion for looking that ‘gap in the market’. This year saw Jo launched The Lovehair Business Club – a monthly subscription for stylists and salons looking for help in reaching their goals and growing their brand. Running alongside this is her Lovehair Tribe; a stylist support network for past students, where the stylists have made genuine friendships and been able to grow their businesses organically. BOOSH… how mega!

Whether it’s educating from her studio, travelling the world to styling her brides, or running this year her first ‘hair retreat’ In Ibiza, Jo is the perfect female role model to all what can be achieved in the hair industry. So if you’re looking for inspiration to help find your place in the world of hair, then this is going to be a brilliant episode for you.

Let’s do it!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Jo Irving for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP091: Ten Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Next (and WIN a) Photoshoot – with Chris Bulezuik Feb 25, 2019

Today we have a career changing episode for you. I’m joined by the highly acclaimed hair and beauty photographer, Chris Bulezuik and he’s giving you the chance to win an amazing professional photoshoot package worth over £8,000 with an A-Team of industry figures, and all in aid of a great cause. But before we get to it, Chris is going to share ten ways to get the most out of your next photoshoot. RESULT!!

From landing your images in the world’s trade press to winning industry awards, capturing a great set of photographic images of your work has the power to propel you hairdressing career to a new heights. With this in mind, Chris will be offering all his experience of being behind the lens, by breaking down some top tips so you can maximise your next photoshoots full potential and investment.

Through his work, Chris strives to capture a subject’s essence and individuality while retaining an organic aesthetic. People are his inspiration. With this approach to his photographic work has seen Chris achieve big successes for many of his clients photographed work – including one of hairdressing most shared and popular images of 2017 that he shot for John Spanton (more on that during the interview).

If you want to have the opportunity to learn the essentials to capturing great images of your work, todays interview with Chris will not disappoint. And, if you’re also looking for a once-in-a-lifetime prize by working with two of British hairdressing’s creative leaders, Darren Ambrose and Clayde Baumann at the multi award winning D & J Ambrose, then take note of whats up for offer in an incredible competition that Chris has organised in aid of blood cancer charity Bloodwise, with 100% of proceeds going to the charity. It’s all here in our conversation with Chris. You really won’t want to miss out!

Now hit the play button!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Chris Bulezuik for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP090: Being the Great Showman of Hairdressing’s Live Stage – with Simon Shaw Feb 18, 2019

Global Artistic Director of Wahl (UK), Simon Shaw is a huge attraction at major exhibitions with his success extending beyond the UK, as demand for his unique showmanship has seen him undertake successful tours in over 20 countries. But who is this showman away from hairdressings live stage? Simon’s here today to share an open and frank interview with us all, giving a rare insight into his life, influential role at Wahl (UK), and the story that’s seen him rise to become one of the most popular & highly regarded hairdressers & barbers within the industry.

It all started for Simon far away from the bright lights of the global hair stages. Launching his hairdressing career on the Youth Training Scheme (today’s equivilant of an Apprenticeship) in his hometown of Barnsley, England, his natural leadership qualities combined with a passionate and committed approach to hairdressing education, Simon’s talents stood him out as the perfect frontman of the stage… something the Wahl (UK) quickly identified in him.

Today leading his Wahl Artistic team at exhibitions, seminars and courses around the globe, this cheeky say-it-as-you-see-it Northern lad has come a long way from those early YTS days. Charged with producing the Wahl hairdressing stages to be the most fun and exciting hairdressing stages, Simon is undoubtedly a leading star in hairdressing. So don’t just take our word for it – let’s get in to learning how it all unfolded for Simon by hitting that play button.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Simon Shaw for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP089: How Rainbow Room International Grew into Scotland’s Largest Salon Group with Alan and Linda Stewart Feb 11, 2019

Rainbow Room International has grown into Scotland’s largest salon groups. But how have they gone about achieving this? Well, this exactly what we going to learn in todays episode. I’m to be joined by it’s founders and owners, Alan and Linda Stewart. This husband and wife duo know how to take a salon business and grow into a successful group and they’re going to pass on to you today their story and strategies to inspire you to do similar.

Alan and Linda Stewart are two of the leading names, not only within the UK industry, but within the global hairdressing industry. For over thirty years they have provided members of their team with a secure future along with a structured career path and have created a salon concept that is quite unique.

Today, thirty years later Rainbow Room International have grown to become one of the most respected names both creatively and on a business level within the global hairdressing industry. They have developed to become an award winning twelve strong salon group with their own Educational Academy, Finishing School, Fame Academy, they have two beauty and day spa salons, a property company and a team of over 350 highly trained and dedicated employees, servicing over 100,000 client visits and a turnover in excess of nine million pounds. Wowser!

Back in Episode 86 we discussed how to start a small salon business from scratch with Patrick Marrow. Well, in todays episode will make for perfect listening for anyone who’s goal is to take their small salon business to the next level by becoming a successful salon group of companies. Through having a visionary concept (thinking outside the box) and offering their team with rewards that includes a franchising model, is just a taster to some of the mega stuff you’re about to learn about today. So what are we waiting for, lets get started!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Alan and Linda Stewart for joining me today.

Until next Monday, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP088: The Hidden Intelligence of a Hairdresser with Gianni Scumaci Feb 04, 2019

You are a hairdresser and you should be proud!

If you or others undervalue your worth as a hairstylist then listen in to today’s episode. I’ve the honour to bring you one of the the most powerful and impactful interviews you’ll ever get to hear on why being a hairdresser has such worth and value. Joining me for this conversation is one of Europes most highly respected hair artists, Gianni Scumaci. It’s a thought provoking interview from an incredible mind and great communicator.

Gianni is passionate about raising the value of hairdressing and founded GS Education spending the last few years traveling the world educating hairdressers, awakening them to their worth and hidden intelligence. More recently he was invited to speak at global brands Apple and Nike to share his philosophy on the teachings of this subject and his creative process. Today his going to share this with you, along with his story on how his carved out a unique and successful career in the worlds of salon, editorial and education.

Gianni is well qualified to share his philosophy the world over. Cutting hair by the age of 11 and by 14 he had toured in the UK performing hair seminars on stage. He became the youngest ever creative director at Sassoon, and created the iconic haircut ‘The Fanni’ which dictated the looks for many fashion houses including Gucci and Jill Sander. He’s collaborated with numerous iconic fashion photographers (including long standing relationships with Tim Walker and David Bailey) and his haircuts have featured on the cover of British Vogue and in editorials for Vogue Italia, Nippon and L’uomo Vogue.

This episode is a reminder on why what we all do as hairdressers and barbers is so meaningful. It will reconnect you back to why you came in to the industry, your worth, and why it puts you on an equal level with other highly respected professionals. I promise you that our conversation with Gianni will have a profound effect on you. Hit play and lets go deep!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Follow on Spotify.
Subscribe by Email.

Special thanks to Gianni Scumaci for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP087: How Tracey Devine Smith Became One of Hairdressings Most Inspirational Female Role Models Jan 28, 2019

If you’re looking for some inspirational female role models in the hair industry, then I’ve a treat for you today!

Joining me on the show is Tracey Devine Smith, an award-winning hairdresser and successful business woman who has accomplished so much in the industry. Tracey’s steely grit, determination and a strong competitive streak has seen her triumph over many of the industries leading males, inspiring a new generation of women do similar, and she’s about to share that story with you today!

Tracey began her career in 1985 with her first hairdressing job at the age of 15, and boy, how she was a natural. From the moment she picked up her first pair of scissors, it was just nine months later where she was running a full column. With such a naturalness for hair it was only a matter of time before big successes came her way. Scottish Hairdresser of The Year (2006, 2007 and 2009), being crowned Fellowship Hairdresser of the Year, and in tandem with these titles and more, Tracey meticulously developed her entrepreneurial skills and turned her salons, Angels, into the most respected and successful destination salons in Scotland.

Today I want to learn about how Tracey became one of hairdressings most inspirational female role models! We’re going to kick things off with her start in hairdressing and how this led her to opening the first Angels salon. She’ll then walk us through her journey in hairdressing, bringing us right up to speed on her current varied roles. No matter who or where you’re at in your hairdressing career, you can only be motivated be hearing Tracey’s story. Press play, and let’s go to it!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Tracy Devine Smith for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

#AskForWella Ep 3: How Colour Technology is Changing the Hair Industry – with Meiju Thornley (Promoted Series) Jan 23, 2019

Welcome back to the final episode of our 3 part series: #AskForWella Podcast. A specially promoted series where we get inside the minds of Wella Professionals leading colour experts, sharing their top tips, hair hacks and future visions to help you smash-it in todays competitive hair colouring world.

Finishing off whats been a fantastic first series, I’m delighted to have joining me Wella Professionals Global Education Design Manager, Meiju Thornley. Today you’re about to learn how Wella’s colour technology is game changing the hair industry, and how this advancement will help salon businesses around the globe. With a pedigree for the science of hair and an infectious passion for colour, Meiju provides hair colourists and salons with a wonderful insight into the Kolestone Perfect heritage and all the benefits it brings to the hair with it’s new ground breaking ME+ and Pure Balance technology.

In this episode we cover why the pioneering technology behind the Wella Professionals Kolestone Perfect ME+ and Pure Balance is helping to shape the future of hair colour, and why hair colourists need this technology. And to top it all off, Meiju’s to give us her finest tips and techniques on how the products discussed can help give your clients the great results that they will love. It’s a treat of a conversation with one of Wella Professionals leading ladies, so hit play and get ready to take notes – it won’t disappoint!

If you want to hear the episodes from our other #AskForWella Podcast series with Zoe Irwin and Robert Eaton, you’ll find them here:

Understanding UK Colour Trends with Zoe Irwin

Colour World Tips & Hacks for Today’s Salon Business – with Robert Eaton

Thanks For Listening:

Special thanks to Meiju Thornley for joining me today.

Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Until then, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

JOIN THE #WELLAHAIR FAMILY!

Follow Wella Professionals on Instagram @wellahairuk and tag your best creations using #wellahair and @wellahairuk to get the chance to be featured across their digital channels!

EP086: Starting a New Salon Business from Scratch with Patrick Marrow of HiveMCR Jan 21, 2019

Want to start you’re own new salon business from scratch, but unsure how to go about it? If this sounds like you, then todays episode is simply unmissable. I’m in conversation with Patrick Marrow, a hairstylist who decided to take the plunge into doing exactly that – becoming a new salon owner of HiveMCR in Manchester’s City Centre. Today he’ll explain how he got started it, offering his insights and experiences he went through from start to finish. It’s a cracker!

Having worked at one of Manchester’s most established salons for ten years, Patrick’s learned from some of the best hairdressers along the way; before deciding to make the jump from management to ownership. And it’s a decision he’s never looked back on with regret. From spotting a restaurant that he’d long wanted to be the location for his first hair salon business becoming available, Patrick set the wheels in motion to starting a new salon business from scratch.

Being a new salon owner can be a daunting prospect. Finding suitable premises, negotiating leases, having the right finances in place, bringing together your team and making sure that you’ve crunched them numbers correctly are just some of the things you need to think out when creating that business plan. Eek, business plan! Fear not! Patrick’s tread the water on all of this for you, so feel reassured that you’re going to have some great guidance today.

Now, is starting a new salon business from scratch for everyone? Not necessarily, but don’t rule it out either, at least not without tuning in to this interview. Patrick’s going to give you an insider’s look at his journey, and a lot more, so get comfortable and press play!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Patrick Marrow for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

#AskForWella Ep 2: Colour World Tips & Hacks for Today’s Salon Business – with Robert Eaton (Promoted Series) Jan 16, 2019

Welcome back to the second episode of our 3 part series: #AskForWella Podcast. A specially promoted series where we get inside the minds of Wella Professionals Leading Colour Experts, sharing their top tips, hair hacks and future visions to help you smash-it in todays competitive hair colouring world.

I’m excited to have joining me today, Creative Director at Russell Eaton and the muti-award winning stylist linked to Wella Professionals as their Technical UK and Ireland Director, Robert Eaton. If you’re looking for the colour world tips and hacks from a true colour expert which you can adapt to real salon life, then our conversation with Robert has bucket loads of them for you. I know that after hearing this episode that you’re going to be so inspired to take action by what Robert shares with you today!

You can expect to hear lots of juicy stuff from Robert, such as meeting clients colour expectations, how to manage your salon column, colour hair hacks and tips, and how to adapt colour trends to your salon life and clients – It’s of epic proportion! Having this quality conversation coming directly into your ears, you are going to be fired to action thats going to help take you’re salon colour business to new dimensions. Let’s dive in to it!

If you want to hear the episodes from our other #AskForWella Podcast series with Zoe Irwin and Meiju Thornley, you’ll find it here:

Understanding UK Colour Trends with Zoe Irwin

How Colour Technology is Changing the Hair Industry – with Meiju Thornley

Thanks For Listening:

Special thanks to Robert Eaton for joining me today.

Be sure to join us for next Wednesday’s #AskForWella final Podcast Series 1 with Global Education Director for Wella Professionals, Meiju Thornley.

Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Until then, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

JOIN THE #WELLAHAIR FAMILY!

Follow Wella Professionals on Instagram @wellahairuk and tag your best creations using #wellahair and @wellahairuk to get the chance to be featured across their digital channels!

EP085: How to Build a Highly Profitable Salon Business and Team with Kym Krey Jan 14, 2019

Are you exhausted, working crazy hours, yet not making the money you need? Are you determined to take your business to the next level but you’re unsure how to approach it? If you’ve just answered yes to either or both of these questions, then todays episode could be one of the most important listens you have in 2019! We’re about to get a salon business masterclass with leading Salon Strategist, Speaker and Mentor, Kym Krey. Be sure to load and lock-in!

More often not, we start out on our salon owners life dreaming of a highly profitable business. But with the best intentions in the world to succeed, certain circumstance can take our business off track, plateau or loose direction to where we’re going with it. Today thats going to change, because Kym is about to get you back on track again. She’s going to share with us some very valuable lessons that will help get you re-focused and re-energised in getting back control of your business direction, helping to take your salon business and team back to where it should be. Highly Profitable!

If you need to transform the profitability of your service business, ignite and inspire your team, perfect your client service experience, be guided through a difficult business situation or be advised on the viability of a potential new site, Kym Krey’s your go-to girl. She’s a proven service industry business specialist, helping owners and managers to significantly increase profit, maximise results and develop strong teams that kick butt!

I know how much this interview will motivate you to transform the way you run your salon business. It’s jam packed with rich content and take-away action points from one of the hair industries leading salon mentors. Having Kym by your side today will help accelerate your salon business back up in to the fast lane. Lets get set and amped up for the year ahead!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Kym Krey for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

#AskForWella Ep 1: Understanding UK Colour Trends – with Zoe Irwin (Promoted Series) Jan 09, 2019

I’m really excited to be sharing with you the very first episode of our 3 part series: #AskForWella Podcast. A specially promoted series, we’ll be getting inside the minds of Wella Professionals Leading Colour Experts, sharing their top tips, hair hacks and future visions to help you smash-it in todays competitive hair colouring world.

Kicking off the series, I’m thrilled to have joining us today the UK’s Consumer Colour Trends Expert linked to Wella Professionals, Zoe Irwin. We’re going to be discussing with Zoe the UK Colour Trends, and learning how to understand these so that you can adapt them to both your clients and salon business. Zoe prides herself on spotting youth trends first, and she’s about to share this privileged information with us all today… GET IN!!!

You’re going to hear first-hand from Zoe on the story from where the Wella Professionals Amber Slate, Futuristic Tones and Colour Texture Embrace SS19 colour trends came from, her top tips to help you create these colour trend looks, and the products that are linked to them. I’m confident that after hearing todays interview, you’ll be so in-tune for taking the very latest hair colour trends to your clients and business – helping you stand-out as a colour trends expert. Lets get to it!

If you want to hear the episodes from our other #AskForWella Podcast series with Robert Eaton and Meiju Thornley, you’ll find them here:

Colour World Tips & Hacks for Today’s Salon Business – with Robert Eaton

How Colour Technology is Changing the Hair Industry – with Meiju Thornley

Thanks For Listening:

Special thanks to Zoe Irwin for joining me today.

Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Until then, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

JOIN THE #WELLAHAIR FAMILY!

Follow Wella Professionals on Instagram @wellahairuk and tag your best creations using #wellahair and @wellahairuk to get the chance to be featured across their digital channels!

EP084: An Interview with The Queen of British Hairdressing, Beverly C MBE (Formerly Beverly Cobella) Jan 07, 2019

We’re going to kick-off 2019 with a very special guest: Beverley C MBE (formerly Beverley Cobella). She’s one of the UK’s most prolific female hairdressers, where she was both the first female hairdresser to win British Hairdresser of the Year and receive the honour of a MBE at Buckingham Palace by the Queen.

She’s been a big inspiration to so many hairdressers over the last 28 years, and who continues to this day to inspire and excite hairdressers on a global level. I asked Beverly on the show today, not just to hear about her incredibly successful career in the hair industry, but to understand more about her as a person, and how she’s looking to the future of mentoring and educating a new generation of hairdressers. Plus we’re going to learn about Beverly recently re-joining her company Cobella and is working closely with her daughter (and former guest of the show) Jordanna Cobella to expand the company to new heights.

Beverly has collated numerous awards for her inspirational work on a global level for – Shows – Seminars – Photographic work – TV work, and her exceptional skills in Education. As a highly reputable and most respected figure in the industry, her flair for the most eloquent and professional education is widely recognized. Beverly’s moto of “ Knowledge is a gift – a gift that should be shared” shines through her effortless flair for teaching, inspiring, and raising standards.

Besides inspirational and humorous tales of Beverley’s wonderful career in hairdressing, this episode is a rare insight into a hairdressing icon, where we go deep into how she’s navigated through big changes in her life, and one that will give you a real understanding on what it takes to get to the top of the ladder in the hairdressing industry – something that many of you may aspire to!

I’m so honoured that Beverly could join us for the first episode of 2019! Let us know what you thought of the show or what most inspired you from this interview —ping us on Instagram @HowToCutIt and @BeverlyC_Hair.

Press the play button and lets get cracking on with 2019!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Beverly C for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye
.

Show Sponsor

EP083: Looking Back at 2018, and What’s Coming in 2019 – the How To Cut It Podcast Dec 31, 2018

With over 50 amazing guests coming on to the show and download monthly numbers hitting 10,000 during 2018, it’s fair to say it’s been an epic year here on the How To Cut It Podcast. Today I want to recap on some of the interviews I had the pleasure to bring you during the year and give you a sneak preview of what’s coming up in 2019 for the HTCI Podcast. It’s going to be a very exciting year, and I can’t wait to share this with you!

First up: We’re going to revisit a small selection of so many incredible interviews I’ve brought you in 2018. These snippets will include my first interview of 2018 with Skyler McDonald, current British Hairdresser of the Year, Sally Brooks, the most innovative hairstylists of our generation, Angelo Seminara, and the shows most downloaded guest to date, Sophia Hilton. These are just small pickings of so many incredible conversations I had. In truth I could bring you a snippet from each each guest I had the honour to interview as they all shared so much of their personal career stories and insights to help take your hairdressing and barbering career to the next level. Thank you to each one of them, they’re all amazing!

I’ll also be sharing with you my plans for 2019. It’s a preview of what to look forward to, to give you an idea of why I’m doing the things I’m doing, and why I’m doing the adjustments I’m making to the show. With the shows popularity going from to strength to strength and with loads more top guests lined up for you in 2019, next year is going to be incredibly exciting.

Before you hit the play button, I want to personally say to how much I value and appreciate you guys and girls for tuning in to the show, along with the many amazing messages and reviews I get regarding the show. It’s this reason that gets me pumped up to creating these weekly podcasts for you all. I’m really looking forward to sharing my 2019 plan with you today – enjoy!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Happy New Year!

EP082: Monaé Everett – Teaching How to Style for Editorials, Celebrities and all Textures of Hair Dec 24, 2018

I want you all to meet Monaé Everett. She’s launched “The Monaé Life” online academy specifically for hairstylists, teaching how to style for editorials, celebrities and styling for all hair textures. Today she’s here to share with you how she works on-set in editorial shoots and with celebrities, and how this has transferred into her creating an online academy.

A US hairstylist based in New York, Monaé’s work can be seen across Americas media and leading fashion publications. Along with this she has worked with many celebs ranging from Taraji P Henson to the Williams sisters to Daniella Perkins for networks including Nickelodeon and Disney.

In this episode you’ll hear how Monaé success has been carved out by her both finding and knowing her niche – something that I believe we all need to find – as a hairstylist who works on all hair textures. Using this all-round hair talent and embracing digital media, she initially started her grounding to online education by uploading her videos to YouTube. She soon expanded this by creating her online academy – something that may inspire you to do similar.

I’m really impressed by Monaé’s story – how she saw an opportunity to use her experience to start an online academy, grabbed it, and turned in to a valuable source of teaching on how to style hair for editorials, celebrities and all hair textures. No matter your hairdressing passion, it’s an inspiring example for anyone curious about doing an online academy in a unique niche in hairdressing. Listen and enjoy!

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Monaé Everett for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Happy Christmas!

EP081: Frazer Wallace – Revisiting the Young Guns of Hair… 1 Year On! Dec 17, 2018

To be British Hairdressings Newcomer of the Year 2017, teaching at the L’Oreal Academy and being part of The Fellowship for British Hairdressings FAME Team. These were the 3 goals that Frazer Wallace set himself for the year ahead when I brought him on to the show in November 2017 for the very first episode of Showcasing the Young Guns of Hair (Edition 1).

A series dedicated to putting the spotlight on todays rising stars of the hair industry, we follow a group of young up and coming British hairstylists and barbers. Documenting their hairdressing journeys we bring each one of our Young Guns of Hair guests back on to the show over a period of 5 years to update us on their progress within their personal hairdressing careers, and learn whether or not they are hitting the goals that they set themselves since their previous interviews. No pressure, eh!

Just over 1 year has passed since that last interview I had with Frazer. Expect some twists and turns since that conversation, as we’re going to learn whats changed in Frazer’s career, and hows them goals that hit set himself back in 2017 worked out? We’re also going to hear what does he want to achieve in the next 2 year when we next bring him back onto the show. No time to wait, let’s get to it!

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Frazer Wallace for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP080: Karoliina Saunders (KSHD) – Why a Salon Owner is Employing and ‘NOT’ Renting Chair Space Dec 10, 2018

This week we’re talking about hair salons employing versus renting chair space for self employed hairstylists. Joining me today for this hot – and sometimes controversial – topic is Karoliina Saunders, owner of Karoliina Saunders Hair Design in the market town of Highworth on the edge of the Cotswolds, UK.

Like so many of my guests, I first got to know Karoliina when she rocked up to perform at a HairClubLive #OpenChairNight in 2015. I now regard her as a good industry friend and someone that I greatly admire for all that she stands for in hairdressing. Karoliina prides herself on her education program and is constantly developing her team and encouraging them to involve themselves within the industry. But could she do this if she had a self-employed team of rent -a-chair hairstylists?

Today Karoliina is here to share her experiences on why her salon is employing and not renting chair-space. You’ll hear how she originally had the visions of creating her salon to be a collaborative space for self-employed hairstylists started to crack when the team ethic was not shared by everyone. If you’re weighing up the pros and cons on employing over self-employed for your salon, then this episode has bucket loads of unmissable information for you. Let’s jump to it!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Ben Brown for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP079: Ben Brown (Bbeducation) – How Ben Created a Niche as an Independent Hair Educator Dec 03, 2018

Ben Brown is a successful independent hair educator. In just one year Ben has gone from being a salon owner to becoming a full-time and in-demand hair educator, with him delivering his Bbeducation to salons around the UK and overseas. Today he’ll explain how he got started as an educator and the many exciting opportunities that is now coming his way.

I hear many people say to me that they want to be a hair educator, but how many really understands what it takes? Do they understand the commitment and dedication that is required? How will they cope with the weeks or even months when there are no bookings? What special technical qualities do they have to be in the privileged position to educate others in the art and craft of hairdressing? These are many of the attributes Ben has, and if you want to do similar, you’ll need to be honest in your assessment of whether you have them, too!

As Ben says: “Above all else I love learning, and I believe educators should be students that teach, we learn to share, we grow to make others grow”. If you feel you have what it takes to be a hair educator, or even if you want to take a peek behind the scenes of an educators life, this episode is for you!

Now before you get comfortable and hit that play button, be sure to take note in today’s episode on how you can WIN a pair of Bb Blade scissors worth £250.00 courtesy of my friends at Akito Scissors and Ben – it’s well worth entering. Now hit that play button!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Ben Brown for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP078: Philip Bell (Ishoka Hair) – The Story to Becoming a Salon Owner & Hall of Fame Hairstylist Nov 26, 2018

My guest today is Philip Bell, a Hall of Fame hairstylist and founding member to one of Scotlands most respected hair salons, Ishoka Hair and Beauty in Aberdeen. Today Philip is going to share his wealth of experience to being a successful salon co-owner – the story behind his multi-awards and top tips to help you achieve success, too. Lets dive in!

Ever since Philip first won the Scottish Hairdresser of the Year title in 1998, I’ve been a big fan of Philip and the Ishoka brand. With exceptional salon standards and Philips creative talent it’s easy to see why I’m such a fan. I’m so grateful to AJC93 PR for setting up my interview with Philip today, and I’m thrilled to introduce you to him today so you can be inspired from his insights.

Throughout Ishoka’s thirty years as Aberdeen’s leading salon, awards and accolades have been bestowed upon Ishoka, with Philip being awarded Hall of Fame status at the British Hairdressing Awards after winning Scottish Hairdresser of the Year and Afro Hairdresser of the Year three times each respectively. Along with creative awards the Ishoka team have also been awarded international and UK business awards for their customer service. Of course, it hasn’t always been plain sailing, and he’s going to share a little bit of that, too. Even if you’re not looking to becoming, or not, a salon owner, then there’ still bags of great takeaways here about entering the British Hairdressing Awards and what a BHA judge looks for during the judging process of it. Let’s get started!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Philip Bell for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP077: Sally Brooks – What It Means to be the Current British Hairdresser of the Year Nov 19, 2018

Today you’re in for a treat – we’re about to know what it means to be the current British Hairdresser of the Year.

I’m joined by one of the most exciting hairdressers of our generation and the 2017 British Hairdresser of the Year, Sally Brooks. Today you’ll learn all about the story of how Sally’s dedication and commitment to her profession has led her to the ultimate accolade in hairdressing, and what this massive responsibility now means to her.

With more than 25 years’ experience, Sally is the co-founder of award-winning London salon, Brooks & Brooks, with partner Jamie Brooks. If you’re someone who is serious about the hair industry, you should know of Sally and the impact she is having on British hairdressing. She and Jamie pride themselves on finding, seeing and developing up-and-coming hairdressers. And now as British Hairdresser of the Year, Sally is taking this prestigious title and responsibility seriously by promoting the hair industry in the positive light that it should be and all the many opportunities that it can offer.

Sally’s conversation is one that I highly recommend that you all take note of. It’s the perfect story to how a local village girl has risen to the top of the hair industry, working alongside some of the best on the way, and widely credited with Jamie Brooks on producing hairdressings new stars such as Darcie Harvey, Grace Dalglish and one of hairdressings biggest names, Sophia Hilton.

With the British Hairdressing Awards 2018 just one week away and Sally up for nomination again, I’m confident to know that if she is to win the title again, it will be in very good hands for another year. So let’s get to it and tune-in to todays fantastic episode.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Sally Brooks for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP076: Tom Chapman – From Salon Owner to an Educator, Platform Artist, Public Speaker and Author Nov 12, 2018

You don’t have to be a salon owner! Yep, that’s right because I’m joined today by previous guest of the HTCI Podcast, Tom Chapman, The Lions Barber Collective founder and the now award winning barber, author, public speaker, global ambassador and international educator who has come away from being a salon owner since we last spoke back in Episode 20. With new doors of opportunity opening themselves to Tom, he is social proof that if you don’t strive to being a salon owner then there are many other exciting options out there in the hair industry.

When he isn’t educating as a platform artist around the globe for top hair brands, he is regularly being featured in international TV and press appearances on raising the awareness of suicide prevention and mental health within young men through The Lions Barber Collective. On the back of this fantastic work that he is doing, Tom was invited to deliver a TED Talk. And most recently Tom became the author of his first published book The Barber Boom, with his second book BarberTalk becoming available in 2019.

But please take note to the above! If you think a few posts on social media will make all of this happen, then think again! It has taken Tom bags of time, dedication, passion, ambition, hard work, and most of all, being prepared to make big life changes to making all this happen. If this sounds like something that you’re prepared to do, then take note of what Tom is about to share. It may just set you off on a new career pathway that you never knew existed when you first started out in the hair industry.

Now, before we tune in to Tom’s brilliant conversation, I’ve to say that you must stick around to the very end of this episode today, because I’ll be telling you how you can win one of 2 signed copies of The Barber Boom book. So listen in, the answer is in the interview! Enjoy!

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Tom Chapman for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP075: Cos Sakkas – An Interview with TONI&GUY’s International Artistic Director Nov 05, 2018

Throughout my hairdressing career the TONI&GUY artistic team has been my number one go-to when it comes to the latest hair trends and inspiration. That’s why I’m seriously excited to have an interview with their International Artistic Director and Head of Education, Cos Sakkas. Recently receiving his first nomination for British Hairdresser of the Year 2018, I’ve so much I want to talk to Cos about today, and I know you’re going to love hearing this, too!

Cos’s story in hairdressing is a great one. It was his visits to his local barber with his dad that inspired Cos into the hair industry, leading him to a fantastic and successful career with TONI&GUY. He is a regular at events, shows and seminars around the world, including London Fashion Week . His passion for all things hairdressing shine through as he educates up-and-coming stylists, works with beauty editors around the world and inspires his clients.

A multi-award winning hairdresser Cos’s titles have included Newcomer of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards in 1999, along with winning London Hairdresser of the Year three times. And now with his first nomination for a British Hairdresser of the Year 2018, we’re honoured to have him share with us on what this nomination means to him.

Todays interview with Cos is a fantastic insight in to his journey and life of being the International Artistic Director and Head of Education for one of hairdressings most famous global hair names, TONI&GUY! Whether you harbour big goals or not in hair, this is a great conversation with a great bloke. So pour yourself your favourite brew, sit back and relax!

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Cos Sakkas for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP074: Dale Herne & Angelo Vallillo – How DNA Artspace is Creating a New Movement in Hair Oct 29, 2018

I love talking to those who are challenging hairdressing convention with a fresh approach. And that is exactly what I’ll be doing in todays episode. We’re talking to Dale Herne and Angelo Vallillo – two top hairdressers who’ve paired together to create a new movement in hair: DNA Artspace.

The multi-award winning Dale and Angelo have a fantastic pedigree in the hair industry. Teaching all over the world, along with working on many high profile shoots, these good friends took the plunge to become a business partners. Now sharing a united dream, the super cool boys are spreading the DNA culture of a alternative vision for the salon of today. Something I’m seriously excited about sharing with you all today.

In this episode we’re to hear how the DNA Artspace is a multi-functioning creative hub thats so much more than a generic hair salon. A collaboration of arts under one space, a DNA market space and live dj’s, it’s clear to see that this duo are creating a new movement in hairdressing. Angelo says: “For me and Dale it’s very much about creating DNA Artspace to create an environment thats inspiring as soon as you walk in for any person.”

I know theres so much in this episode that will help get you inspired about your salon space too. So hit that play button and let’s get this social gathering started!

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Dale Herne and Angelo Vallillo for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP073: Ben Russell – Why a Successful UK Hairstylist Made the Move to Work in Australia Oct 22, 2018

If you have ever, or are considering taking your hairdressing career to a completely new country, then todays episode is a must listen.I’m joined by Ben Russell, a successful London based hairstylist, who one day decided to pack he’s bags and travel off to Australia to work with one of it’s leading hairdressers, Frank Apostolopoulos.

On winning the London L’Oreal Colour Trophy 2015 and becoming a British Hairdressing Awards finalist, Ben’s industry profile within British hairdressing was going off big time! So at the height of all of this success, what did he decide to do? Take a completely new direction and travelled to the other side off the world. But why I hear you say! Well, that’s exactly the conversation we’re about to have with Ben today.

When I had the pleasure to first meet and introduce Ben to the stage at the launch of #OpenChairNight in a packed boozer in London’s Kings Cross in 2014, I knew right then that Ben had that something special to see him go right to the top. Since that night I’ve watched on as his career has grown. Now in Australia this charismatic lad from the South West of England is tearing it up there, with him becoming part of the Australian FAME 2018 team – something he will tell you about today, along with how he creating lists of goals to attract the things he want’s to get out of his life. EPIC!

If you’re still unsure on whether traveling to a new country to work as hairstylist is a good idea or not, then I highly recommend you listen in on Ben’s incredibly inspiring words for such a young fella. I’m ultra confident that he will help you take that push towards that special step and travel to a new country to work.

So passengers, put your headphones on, fasten your seatbelts, and lets take off to a new destination with the brilliant, Ben Russell.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Ben Russell for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP072: Emma Bavin – How the Hair Industry is Looking to Attract More Young people Oct 08, 2018

Right now the hair industry has a crisis on it’s hands. We’re not attracting enough young people into it! A problem that effects all of us involved within it, what are we all doing to help address this crisis? That’s why I’ve got Emma Bavin with me today, who’s gone about challenging excatly this crisis by creating the amazing Choose Hair initiative.

A specialist in recruitment services for the hair industry, Emma launched the Choose Hair initiative in 2017 as a not-for-profit campaign to inspire and encourage young people into a career within the hair industry. Curious to learn more on this initiative we’re going to hear today how Emma is urging us all to get involved by going into our local schools to shout out about hairdressing.

With less young people coming into hairdressing will stop the growth for salon businesses, which in turn will have a dramatic knock on effect the could diminish the hair industry. So like never before it’s never been more critical that we all take note and go about promoting this fun, creative and flexible career as an attractive option to the next generation of hairdressers.

With the industries media, manufactures and salons now putting their weight behind the Choose Hair initiative, we should all be incredibly thankful and supportive on what Emma is doing. And most recently with the Choose Hair campaign spreading the message by attending some of the industry’s most prestigious events, it’s the perfect time to now join the movement and shout loud and proud on the fabulous benefits of a career in hairdressing.

Hit that play button and lets do this!!

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Emma Bavin for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP071: Andrew Barton – Creating Inspirational, Motivational and Empowering Training (ABLE) Oct 01, 2018

The quality of training a student receives is crucial for them having a successful and fulfilling career in the hair industry. That’s why I’ve invited Andrew Barton back on to the show today. We’re about to dive into the ABLE (Andrew Barton London Education) training programme thats been created by Andrew, and which is all about being inspirational, motivational and empowering for both students and training providers alike.

One of the UK’s most celebrated hairdressing names, Andrew is committed to hair education. He works tirelessly to promote its export, success and cares passionately about the industry and nurturing the next generation of hairdressers. That’s why the next chapter in Andrews hairdressing story would naturally see him move further towards enhancing the training that Further Education colleges gives to it’s students.

Andrew is to share on the show today why he’s created the ABLE programme, and how it’s providing a series of support tools that is equipping the student with extended learning and broadens their skills set with industry inspired standards and practices. And since our last interview with Andrew – back in Episode 3, we’ll also be learning about his move as Creative Director at Urban Retreat to now heading up this role for the highly acclaimed Headmasters salon group.

Never one to stand still, Andrew is a hairdressing figurehead who has – and continues – to give so much to the hair industry. Now with improving the standard of training in the hair industry at the forefront of his future plans, we can feel confident that he will be elevating hairdressing training standards. This episode is crucial listening for those of you who want to join his crusade, too. That should include you, let’s dive in!

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Andrew Barton for joining me today.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Smiles all the way… Goodbye!

EP070: Robert Eaton – What it Takes to Become One of the UK’s Most Respected Hair Stylists Sep 24, 2018

If you know anything about British hairdressing, then you’ll know that Robert Eaton has become one of it’s most respected hair stylists. So how has Robert rapidly risen to gain this status, and by doing so outside the hairdressing capital of London?? That’s the story I’ve got for you today, and I’ve got Robert on the show to tell us all about it.

Robert’s career started in 1996 when he joined his father, Russell Eaton, in the family’s Barnsley salon as an apprentice and he’s never looked back since. Now the Creative Director of the Russell Eaton Leeds and Barnsley salons, Robert is a multi-award winning stylist with accolades that includes three times North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year and two times L’Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy winner and many more. As a British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame member and Wella Professionals Global Educator, it is no surprise that Robert’s name is held in such high regard within the hair industry.

Robert is first-hand proof that by having the right skills and dedication can reward you with the fruits of your labours. As Robert says: “I do believe that no matter how much you think you know, there is always room for improvement. I love learning and am keen to always challenge myself, keeping my skills up to date and being one step ahead of the competition.”

In this episode we’ll be talking all about Roberts rapid rise in the industry, his family hair heritage and what it taken for him to become one of the UK’s most respected hair stylists. Hit that play button and lets discover that story to Robert Eaton.

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Robert Eaton for joining me today. Until next time!

EP069: Edoardo Paludo – The Life of a Experimental Hair Colourist Sep 17, 2018

Today’s special guest is internationally recognised experimental colourist Edoardo Paludo.In this episode we’re going to be talking about his journey from his time as Creative Technical Director at Trevor Sorbie, and how a move from London to South America led him to collaborate with a leading hair brand in creating a colour range for it.

Never one to stand still, Edoardo is continually challenging himself as a hair colourist. This can be seen with his latest Wonderful Confusion collection. The looks to this collection shows a forward progression of techniques that todays most experimental hair colourist are now championing. And he’s about to share with you his thought process behind it – something I know that will inspire many of you who are keen to take your colour work to the next level!

To Edoardo, colouring hair is another language that he feels privileged to speak. Every day he is learning a new word that helps deepen his understanding and love of the art and he is constantly pushing forward to make it more colourful. So be prepared to get an incredible insight into the life of a experimental hair colourist. He’s here today today to share it all with you. Lets jump straight in!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Eduardo Paludo for joining me today. Until next time!

EP068: Alan Austin-Smith – How to be a Fantastic Hairdresser Sep 10, 2018

My guest today is one of the most motivational coaches and speakers you’ll ever come across in the hair industry. I’m sitting down for a conversation with Alan Austin-Smith, who is the co-founder of The Fantastic Hairdresser – an educational programme that offers a unique range of courses, business coaching and programmes for the hair industry.

Alan’s philosophy is – “50% of what makes someone ‘fantastic’ at their job – has nothing to do with their job. It’s the other stuff that makes the difference – communication skills, confidence, self motivation, customer delight etc…”

In todays episode, Alan is going to share this philosophy that has helped thousands of hairdressers, barbers and salon owners change the way they work. Showing you how focusing on ‘the other stuff’ will lead to more success, profit and financial freedom.

I’ll guarantee that after you’ve listened in to Alan’s story and motivational words today, that you’ll be more pumped up and inspired about hairdressing than you were before you first tuned! It’s an uplifting listen from a hair industry legend!

As Alan say’s: “If you want change, change something!”. So what are you waiting for! Hit that play button and get started to your new steps of becoming a Fantastic Hairdresser!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Alan Austin-Smith for joining me today. Until next time!

EP067: Dr Sharon Wong – How to Get Ahead of Hair Loss Sep 03, 2018

Hair loss from any cause is deeply traumatising for many people. Coping with hair loss is made even more challenging by confusing terminology, misleading information and a general lack of empathy towards its psychological impact. That’s why I’m really pleased to be joined by Dr Sharon Wong, a leading Consultant Dermatologist who’s going to get us ahead with hair loss.

She’s going to be sharing her expertise on hair loss, what’s the best way for hairdressers to deal with clients suffering hair loss, and how her new Get Ahead of Hair Loss charity event will be offering all the latest updates in hair loss and its treatments directly from leading UK experts in hair science, dermatology, trichology, hairdressing, cosmetic camouflage and psychology.

Dr Sharon Wong is an authoritative voice when it comes to hair loss and scalp disorders, and has this reputation for good reason. She has presented extensively at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. She is also a spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation (BSF) and is a medical advisor for the Cicatricial Alopecia Research Foundation.

Dr Sharon Wong has so much to offer on today’s show when it comes to hair loss. Hair loss of any kind is a truly traumatic time for anyone and that’s why as hairdressers we need a much better understanding of it. So be sure to listen in to this episode today – you owe it both to yourself and your clients that are suffering the stresses of hair loss. So what are you waiting for! Hit that play button!!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Dr Sharon Wong for joining me today. Until next time!

EP066: Sophia Hilton – An Interview with a Hairdressing Superstar Aug 27, 2018

Today I have a very special guest: Sophia Hilton owner of Not Another Salon, Not Another Academy, and Not Another Social!

An originator, influencer, creator, entrepreneur, giver, and a huge global following of superfans has turned Sophia into a hairdressing superstar. And in today’s episode I’m super-buzzed and honoured to be bringing this very special lady back on to the show to hear whats been going down in her world since we last spoke back in Episode 006. Believe me, you really won’t to miss this one!

At just 30 years of age, Sophia has achieved so much in her career already and shows no signs of letting up. In only two and half years she has opened the Not Another Salon, delivers over 65 courses a year with the Not Another Academy, and most recently launched Not Another Social. And to top all this off, she’s recently became a mum to her bay son, Hendrix. Not much, eh!?

Today we’re going to be talking all about the growth of her Not Another brands, becoming a new mum and some juicy exclusives into her new, never been done before, affordable social media consultancy for the hair industry.

This episode is packed full, and at times, touched with genuine emotion from Sophia. I feel extremely privileged to have her share with us all so many areas of her business and personal life. This is an interview that will give you very rare and better understanding of who the real Sophia Hilton is… something that Instagram can never do! So sit back, relax, and enjoy – this is Not Another Podcast!

Thanks for Listening

To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below.
Ask a question by emailing me HERE
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

To help out the show:

Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes.
Subscribe by Email

Special thanks to Sophia Hilton for joining me today. Until next time!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening

Thanks for Listening