The Hair Game

Latest Episodes:

HIGHLIGHTS • 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!

http://www.instagram.com/thehairgamepodcast

http://www.instagram.com/salonrepublic

http://www.instagram.com/loveerictaylor

Ep. 414 • Is Hustle Culture Necessary or Toxic? w/ Morgan Thomas Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Award-winning stylist & educator @jadebeautyco discusses her experiences from working in editorial to building a successful salon career. We dive deep into topics such as hustle culture, brand ambassadorship, pricing, and the evolution of beauty services. This Week's Topics: • Navigating the Hair Industry: Lessons from Experience • Building a Clientele: The Importance of Trust • From Editorial to Independent: A Career Transition • Finding Balance: Life as a Hairdresser and Educator • Advice for New Hairdressers: The Path to Success • Understanding Brand Ambassadorship • The Hustle Culture Debate • Navigating Client Relationships and Pricing • The Changing Landscape of Beauty Services • The Importance of Professionalism in Customer Service • Restoring Customer Service Standards

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

HIGHLIGHTS • Is Hustle Culture Necessary or Toxic? w/ Morgan Thomas Sep 08, 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. Award-winning stylist & educator @jadebeautyco discusses her experiences from working in editorial to building a successful salon career. We dive deep into topics such as hustle culture, brand ambassadorship, pricing, and the evolution of beauty services. This Week's Topics: • Navigating the Hair Industry: Lessons from Experience • Building a Clientele: The Importance of Trust • From Editorial to Independent: A Career Transition • Finding Balance: Life as a Hairdresser and Educator • Advice for New Hairdressers: The Path to Success • Understanding Brand Ambassadorship • The Hustle Culture Debate • Navigating Client Relationships and Pricing • The Changing Landscape of Beauty Services • The Importance of Professionalism in Customer Service • Restoring Customer Service Standards

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

Ep. 413 • How I Went from $10 Haircuts to $3000 Services w/ Taylor Perry Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

Successful scalp micropigmentation (SMP) artist @taylorperry was tired of the grind of $10 barber cuts and used his experience as a tattoo artist to transition to SMP. He shares how he built a new clientele and went from $10 hair services to $3000 SMP sessions. This Week's Topics: • Understanding Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) • The Artistry Behind SMP • The Journey to Discovering SMP • Technical Aspects of SMP Application • Location and Clientele • Cost Comparison: SMP vs. Hair Transplants • SMP as a Foundation: Complementing Other Treatments • Client Acquisition: Engaging with Potential Clients • The Power of Networking • Transitioning to Education

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

HIGHLIGHTS • How I Went from $10 Haircuts to $3000 Services w/ Taylor Perry Sep 01, 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. Successful scalp micropigmentation (SMP) artist @taylorperry was tired of the grind of $10 barber cuts and used his experience as a tattoo artist to transition to SMP. He shares how he built a new clientele and went from $10 hair services to $3000 SMP sessions. This Week's Topics: • Understanding Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) • The Artistry Behind SMP • The Journey to Discovering SMP • Technical Aspects of SMP Application • Location and Clientele • Cost Comparison: SMP vs. Hair Transplants • SMP as a Foundation: Complementing Other Treatments • Client Acquisition: Engaging with Potential Clients • The Power of Networking • Transitioning to Education

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

Ep. 412 • How to Effectively Manage Stress & Urges w/ Kristen Boss Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

High Performance Coach + Author @thekristenboss spent 15 years as a stylist BTC before transitioning to coaching. We dive deep into the aspects of stress, compulsion, and urges: why they happen, how they happen, and what to look for in the moment to manage them. She shares wonderful insight and advice to take better control of your life and business.

This Week's Topics:

• Transitioning from Hairstylist to Performance Coach • Understanding Stress Responses and Regulation Techniques • Understanding Compulsions and Urges • The Role of the Frontal Lobe in Decision Making • Identifying Unmet Needs Behind Purchases • The Psychological Triggers of Consumer Behavior • Exploring Relationships with Food and Eating Habits • Business Decisions and Personal Accountability • Taking Control of Your Life and 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!

http://www.instagram.com/thehairgamepodcast

http://www.instagram.com/salonrepublic

http://www.instagram.com/loveerictaylor

HIGHLIGHTS • How to Effectively Manage Stress & Urges w/ Kristen Boss Aug 25, 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.

High Performance Coach + Author @thekristenboss spent 15 years as a stylist BTC before transitioining to coaching. We dive deep into the aspects of stress, compulsion, and urges: why they happen, how they happen, and what to look for in the moment to manage them. She shares wonderful insight and advice to take better control of your life and business.

This Week's Topics:

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

Ep. 411 • Social Media is a Tool (Not a Solution) w/ Ketsia Colas-Leroy Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Beauty Marketing Expert @heyketsia shares why we need to refocus our thoughts on social media. We dive into the necessary actions to make social media more effective for your business, as well as the types of content needed to build your clientele. HINT: it's not all supposed to go viral!

This Week's Topics:

• Understanding the Beauty Professional's Profile • Marketing Strategies for Beauty Professionals • Building Comfort and Authenticity on Social Media • The Importance of Consistency in Content Creation • Understanding Different Types of Content for Engagement • Automating Communication and Building Relationships • Effective Customer Relationship Management Tools • Leveraging Giveaways for Client Acquisition • Building a Portfolio with Models • Positioning Your Content for Premium Services

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

HIGHLIGHTS • Social Media is a Tool (Not a Solution) w/ Ketsia Colas-Leroy Aug 18, 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:

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

Ep. 410 • What Are Men Willing to Pay for an Elevated Haircut? w/ Carlos Ramos Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Men's cutting specialist & educator @sugarskulls creates a bespoke experience for his clients; we discuss what it takes to build a clientele of men looking for custom, elevated haircuts. We also discuss the evolution and current states of men's hairstyles, as well as navigating difficult conversations such as hair loss.

This Week's Topics:

• Key Principles for Success • Crafting a Unique Experience • The Value of Education and Continuous Learning • Navigating the Men's Hair Industry • Building Client Relationships • The Evolution of Men's Hairstyles • Evolving Techniques and Styles • Navigating Conversations About Hair Loss • The Cost and Process of Hair Transplants

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