The Hair Game

HIGHLIGHTS • Helping Clients Express Their Authentic Self w/ Jules Heron Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

These are clips highlighting some of the topics discussed in the full episode! Check it out if you want a bite-sized version of the full episode.

We also discuss the importance of consultations in understanding client needs and the emotional connections formed during hair transformations.

This Week's Topics:

Jules' Journey to Hairdressing
The Impact of Somatic Therapy
Transformational Haircuts and Client Relationships
Understanding Client Needs and Technical Expertise
The Importance of Consultations
Emotional Connections in Hairdressing
Learning from Mistakes in the Hair Industry

Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist.

Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes!

Here's what you do:

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)!

- Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most!

Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success.

Thanks in advance!

A Look Back at 2025 w/ Eric Taylor Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

Eric shares his thoughts on what's happened over the past year in our industry. We hope your year has been successful - and here's to even more success in the new year!

Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist.

Android users, you can leave us a rating on Spotify. You can find the rating option underneath the podcast's description. Apple users can leave a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes!

Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance!

Ep. 429 • Crazy Client Confessions: Salon Republic Holiday Party 2025 at Academy LA Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

Donovan tracked down partygoers willing to share their craziest client stories! Have any of these ever happened to you?

Thanks to the following peeps for sharing their story:

@creepycolour

@shannonsrs

@_vanessasimone_

@hairbyjaque

@livisstyles

@holistichairlosstreatmentla

@jtouch

@mrlrc1

@joywilliamsbeauty

Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist.

Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes!

Here's what you do:

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)!

- Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most!

Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance!

http://www.instagram.com/thehairgamepodcast

http://www.instagram.com/salonrepublic

http://www.instagram.com/loveerictaylor

A Holiday Message from Eric Taylor Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Eric shares a heartwarming message to all of our loyal listeners for the holiday season.

A huge thanks to all of our Hair Gamers that continue to listen each week!

Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist.

Android users, you can leave us a rating on Spotify. You can find the rating option underneath the podcast's description. Apple users can leave a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes!

Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance!

Ep. 428 • From BTC to CEO: What You Need to Know w/ Jennifer Alvarez Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Salon Business Coach & Speaker @jenniferjadealvarez shares her journey from BTC to becoming a successful business owner. She discusses her early experiences in the beauty industry, the challenges she faced, and the mentors who guided her.

She highlights common mistakes made by beauty professionals and offers insights into financial planning, marketing, and business growth.

Get her free Freedom Calculator here and find out how to retire from BTC!

https://jenniferjadealvarez.myflodesk.com/freedom-calculator

This Week's Topics:

Overcoming Adversity and Finding Strength
Mentorship and Professional Growth
Transitioning to Salon Ownership
Coaching and Business Strategies
Financial Planning for Beauty Professionals
Common Mistakes in the Beauty Industry
The Importance of Client Engagement
Marketing Strategies for Independent Professionals
Choosing the Right Booking Software

Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist.

Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes!

Here's what you do:

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)!

- Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most!

Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success.

Thanks in advance!

HIGHLIGHTS • From BTC to CEO: What You Need to Know w/ Jennifer Alvarez Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

These are clips highlighting some of the topics discussed in the full episode! Check it out if you want a bite-sized version of the full episode.

She highlights common mistakes made by beauty professionals and offers insights into financial planning, marketing, and business growth.

Get her free Freedom Calculator here and find out how to retire from BTC!

https://jenniferjadealvarez.myflodesk.com/freedom-calculator

This Week's Topics:

Overcoming Adversity and Finding Strength
Mentorship and Professional Growth
Transitioning to Salon Ownership
Coaching and Business Strategies
Financial Planning for Beauty Professionals
Common Mistakes in the Beauty Industry
The Importance of Client Engagement
Marketing Strategies for Independent Professionals
Choosing the Right Booking Software

Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist.

Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes!

Here's what you do:

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)!

- Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most!

Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success.

Thanks in advance!

Ep. 427 • Helping Hairdressers Succeed: The Evolution of Salon Republic Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

The conversation with our host @loveerictaylor continues, as Eric shares what's changed since the first Salon Republic 25 years ago, where he sees the industry going, and the keys to success for indie hairdressers.

This Week's Topics:

Early Success and Growing Pains
Evolution of Salon Republic
The Future of the Hair Industry
The Key to Success for Independent Hairdressers
Understanding the Client Experience
Pushing Beyond Comfort Zones for Growth

Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist.

Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes!

Here's what you do:

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)!

- Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most!

Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success.

Thanks in advance!

Ep. 426 • Building Salon Republic: Eric Taylor's Story Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

In celebration of Salon Republic's 25th anniversary, Donovan turns the table and brings our host Eric Taylor on as a guest! Eric shares his journey from Texas to California, detailing his experiences in sports, education, and the eventual pivot to entrepreneurship in the salon industry. He discusses the challenges faced while building his first salon, the importance of mentorship, and the lessons learned along the way. This Week's Topics:

Eric Taylor's Early Life and Background
Lessons from Family: Work Ethic and Resilience
College Years: Sports, Business, and Finding Passion
Exploring Business Ideas Before Salon Republic
The Birth of Salon Republic: Inspiration and Vision
Choosing the First Location: Strategy and Insights
The Challenges of Opening a Salon
Early Success and Growing Pains

Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist.

Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes!

Here's what you do:

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)!

- Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most!

Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success.

Thanks in advance!

Ep. 425 • People Skills vs Technical Skills: Which Are More Important? w/ Benji Pow Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

Salon Sales & Wellness Educator @BenjiPow helps salon owners with their communication skills and sales confidence. We discuss the importance of technical skills vs. people skills, various aspects of salon management, and the difference between coaching and mentoring. Benji also shares insights on overcoming limiting beliefs and the importance of aligning values within a salon team to foster a positive work environment.

This Week's Topics:

The Importance of People Skills in Retention
Building Relationships with Clients
Understanding Client Retention Metrics
The Balance of Technical and People Skills
Navigating Difficult Conversations
Self-Reflection and Accountability
The Role of Humility in Client Relationships
The Role of Coaching vs. Mentorship
The Impact of Negativity
Managing a Salon Team
Value Alignment in Hiring
Avoiding the Peter Principle
Salonwell: Coaching and Training

Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist.

Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes!

Here's what you do:

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)!

- Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most!

Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success.

Thanks in advance!