The Hair Game

Ep. 419 • Pricing for Success: The Keys to Understanding Value Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

Salon business coach @ninatulio was $90K in debt when she realized that her lack of vision, mission, and branding had to change.

She discusses the challenges she faced, including financial struggles and personal growth, and how she turned her business around. Nina emphasizes the importance of pricing strategies, leadership, and creating a positive culture in the beauty industry.

This Weeks Topics:

Early Career and Transition to Salon Ownership
Turning Point: Overcoming Financial Struggles
The Importance of Self-Reflection and Accountability
Strategic Decisions for Business Growth
Embracing Fear and Taking Action
Building a Consulting Business: From Struggles to Success
The Shift in the Beauty Industry: Commission vs. Indie
Pricing Strategies: Understanding Value Over Worth
Leadership and Culture: The Heart of the Business

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 • Pricing for Success: The Keys to Understanding Value Oct 13, 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.

Salon business coach @ninatulio was $90K in debt when she realized that her lack of vision, mission, and branding had to change.

This Weeks Topics:

Early Career and Transition to Salon Ownership
Turning Point: Overcoming Financial Struggles
The Importance of Self-Reflection and Accountability
Strategic Decisions for Business Growth
Embracing Fear and Taking Action
Building a Consulting Business: From Struggles to Success
The Shift in the Beauty Industry: Commission vs. Indie
Pricing Strategies: Understanding Value Over Worth
Leadership and Culture: The Heart of the Business

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. 418 • How Personality & Connection Built a Following w/ Bailey Lavender Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

With a focus on relatability and humor, @thebaileylavender discusses how she built her clientele through education and personal connection, the impact of social media on her career, and the importance of mental health in the beauty industry. She also offers insights into navigating client relationships, monetizing content, and the challenges of being a public figure in the hairstyling world.

This Week's Topics:

The Impact of Humor in Content Creation
Transitioning to a New Location
Creating Engaging Content
The Role of Family in Career
Balancing Work and Personal Life
Editing Techniques and Tools
Content Creation Strategies
Navigating Controversial Topics
Monetization in Social Media
Client Acquisition and Relationships
Managing Online Comments and Criticism
Mental Health in the Beauty 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!

HIGHLIGHTS • How Personality & Connection Built a Following w/ Bailey Lavender Oct 06, 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.

This Week's Topics:

The Impact of Humor in Content Creation
Transitioning to a New Location
Creating Engaging Content
The Role of Family in Career
Balancing Work and Personal Life
Editing Techniques and Tools
Content Creation Strategies
Navigating Controversial Topics
Monetization in Social Media
Client Acquisition and Relationships
Managing Online Comments and Criticism
Mental Health in the Beauty 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!

Ep. 417 • The Essentials of Professionalism w/ Antonio Estrada Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

Antonio Estrada @antestradahair shares his journey from a small town in New Mexico to becoming a successful hairdresser. We discuss the significance of enhancing client experience, as well as the imortance of professionalism & setting boundaries with clients.

This Week's Topics:

Antonio's Journey to Hairdressing
Enhancing Client Experience at Cast Salon
Empathy in Service
Balancing Professionalism and Personal Relationships
Redefining the Hairdressing Profession
Navigating Emotional Boundaries with Clients
Setting Professional Boundaries in Conversations

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 • The Essentials of Professionalism w/ Antonio Estrada Sep 29, 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.

Antonio Estrada @antonioestradahair shares his journey from a small town in New Mexico to becoming a successful hairdresser and salon owner in Arizona. We discuss the significance of enhancing client experience, as well as the imortance of professionalism & setting boundaries with clients.

This Week's Topics:

Antonio's Journey to Hairdressing
Enhancing Client Experience at Cast Salon
Empathy in Service
Balancing Professionalism and Personal Relationships
Redefining the Hairdressing Profession
Navigating Emotional Boundaries with Clients
Setting Professional Boundaries in Conversations

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. 416 • A Family Legacy of Hairdressing w/ Denise Mahoney Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

As a third-generation hairdresser Denise Mahoney @colourauthority shares her family's legacy in the industry, her experiences living in Hawaii, and the evolution of her salon in Oregon. She reflects on the changes in client behavior post-COVID and the challenges faced in her neighborhood

We also delve into into her balayage techniques and the importance of education and mentorship in hairdressing.

This Week's Topics:

The Business of Hairdressing in Hawaii
Building a Clientele and Mentorship
Passion for Hairdressing and Family Influence
Balancing Multiple Roles in the Salon
Impact of COVID-19 on Salon Dynamics
Neighborhood Challenges and Community Support
Her Approach to Balayage
Thoughts on Bond Builders
Changing Landscape of Education
Branding and Social Media Strategies

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 • A Family Legacy of Hairdressing w/ Denise Mahoney Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

We also delve into into her balayage techniques and the importance of education and mentorship in hairdressing.

This Week's Topics:

The Business of Hairdressing in Hawaii
Building a Clientele and Mentorship
Passion for Hairdressing and Family Influence
Balancing Multiple Roles in the Salon
Impact of COVID-19 on Salon Dynamics
Neighborhood Challenges and Community Support
Her Approach to Balayage
Thoughts on Bond Builders
Changing Landscape of Education
Branding and Social Media Strategies

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. 415 • How Big & Beautiful Is the New Bill for Hairdressers? w/ Michelle Cook Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Michelle Cook @smallbusinessCPA, an accountant specializing in the beauty industry, discusses the implications of the recently passed Big Beautiful Bill. The conversation covers new tax law changes that will significantly impact hairstylists and salon owners.

This Weeks Topics:

Tips Deduction: A Game Changer for Beauty Professionals
Who Benefits from the Tips Deduction?
Cash Tips and Reporting Challenges
Organizing Finances: The Importance of a Good System
Best Platforms for Beauty Professionals
Payroll Tax Credits for Salon Owners
FICA Tip Credit: A Permanent Change for the Beauty Industry
Bonus Depreciation: A Game Changer for Business Owners
Qualified Business Income Deduction Explained
Changes to 1099 Reporting Requirements
Personal Tax Provisions for Beauty Professionals
New Tax Deductions and Credits for 2025

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!