The Messy Hairstylist

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**The Messy Hairstylist**

Whether you are a mess literally OR figuratively we are here to help you take imperfect action to find your success as a hairstylist. Each week we deep dive in to tough topics to address the struggles we face in our industry. We push the boundaries, break the stereotypes and go hard against the “norms” that make us feel inferior.

Latest Episodes:

Warmth Wins: Rethinking Hair Trends Nov 20, 2025

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Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

Do You Tone to Fix or to Finish? Nov 07, 2025

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Bright hair doesn’t happen by accident; it happens when you choose your toner with purpose. We unpack a simple system that turns toning from confusing to clear: identify the true lift after the rinse, read the remaining pigment, then decide whether you’re neutralizing, refining, or enhancing. Along the way, we call out common traps—like overtone-as-habit—and share why letting a little warmth live can make blondes look shinier, cleaner, and more expensive.
We dig into brand literacy with real-world examples, including how a “neutral brown blonde” can pull mahogany because of hidden red-violet undertones. You’ll hear how we study manufacturer maps, spot dominant vs secondary tones, and document formulas to avoid surprises. We also talk through timing and application that actually work behind the chair: five to ten minutes on damp hair for most clients, rapid five-minute cancels, three-minute root taps to blur lines, and leaving the face frame for the final seconds to protect brightness.
If you’ve felt chained to ash or stuck glossing every highlight, this conversation opens the door to cleaner lifts, smarter zone toning, and finishes that reflect light instead of swallowing it. Expect practical takeaways you can use today: level-by-level pigment cues, when a violet shampoo beats a gloss, and how to sequence application so the warmest zones process first. Ready to shift from guesswork to craft? Follow the show, share this with a stylist who overtone-spirals, and leave a quick review to tell us your favorite toning win.

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

The Hidden Cost of Success Oct 02, 2025

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We’re pulling back the curtain on what it really costs to “make it” in the salon industry. From decision fatigue and imposter syndrome to mom guilt, comparison traps, and the physical toll of staying booked and busy—we’re talking about it all. Plus, a peek into our NYC trip, a standout class in New Jersey, and how we’re redefining success in a way that actually feels good.

P.S. Want The Blonde Catalyst at your salon next year? Text us with your email—we’re booking now!

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

What Your Color Bowl Says About You Sep 11, 2025

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This week, we’re calling out color bowl personalities—because @domyhairdrew nailed it and we had to weigh in. If you've ever felt seen (or personally attacked) by your styling tools, this one’s for you. 🎨💀
Watch the Reel we're talking about 👉 @domyhairdrew’s post

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

Back-to-School, Blonding & a Summer Reset Sep 04, 2025

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Kelsey and Abby are back from summer break with fresh energy and big updates. From their new partnership with Sunlights to the back-to-school rush that’s busier than the holidays, they share real talk on balancing life, salon chaos, and smarter marketing. This one’s packed with relatable stories and tips to keep your chair full—without running discounts.🎟️ Don’t miss your chance to learn The Blonde Catalyst in Garwood, NJ on September 29th! Tickets are available now, but sales close September 14th.
👉 Grab your spot here

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

The Education Evolution: Finding Classes in a Changing Industry May 15, 2025

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Ever feel like quality hairstyling education has become impossible to find? You're not alone. After a brief podcast hiatus (our sincere apologies!), we're tackling the dramatically changed landscape of professional education while sharing our excitement about teaching at the Orlando Premiere Show.
The education ecosystem has transformed over the past five years. What once felt abundant and accessible now requires more effort to discover. Through our social media research, we found stylists primarily taking classes at local distributors, bringing educators to their salons, or attending hair shows. Yet alongside these findings came frustrating comments like "classes suck" or "they're too expensive" – reflecting a broader industry challenge.
We dive deep into the realities of modern education options, from distributor classes (often under $100) to salon-hosted sessions (many product companies offer these for free if you carry their line), to the renaissance of hair shows. While some lament that shows aren't what they used to be, we challenge stylists to look beyond nostalgia and recognize the incredible learning opportunities still available at both major events like Orlando and smaller regional shows. The key difference? Today's education requires more proactive pursuit.

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

Your Hairstylist Season: Which One Are You In? Apr 17, 2025

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Every stylist goes through seasons—times of rapid growth, total burnout, quiet rebuilding, or big, bold change. In this episode, we’re breaking down the four phases of a stylist’s career (spring, summer, fall, and winter) and what each one can teach you. Whether you're just starting out or feeling the urge to pivot, you’ll walk away with clarity, encouragement, and ideas for how to grow through whatever season you're in.

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

Dear Messy, Help! I'm Opening a Salon and No One's Applying. Apr 10, 2025

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In this “Dear Messy” episode, Abby and Kelsey team up to answer a message from a nail tech who’s opening a full salon — but struggling to find the right team.

Together, they unpack practical, creative, and realistic ways to approach hiring in 2025, including:

How to brand your salon to attract stylists who fit
Why building relationships is more effective than cold job posts
The power of reaching out in your local community (yes, old-school works!)
Creative ideas beyond Indeed: school visits, open house, and meet & greets
Strategies for the short game and long-term growth

If you’re building a team or dreaming of opening your own salon one day, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to start strong.

Got a “Dear Messy” question you want answered on the pod? Text us with the link above — we might feature you next!

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

How One Simple Strategy Helped Me (and My Protégé) Book 11 New Clients Apr 03, 2025

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I booked 6 new clients in 2 weeks. My Protégé Stylist booked 5.
And the best part? We didn’t spend a dime on ads.

In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the super simple email + social media strategy I’ve been using since December that’s finally paying off—and how using the same exact strategy helped Cede, a brand-new stylist, fill her books too.

I’ll walk you through:

Why email should be your #1 marketing tool
How to repurpose your emails into consistent social content
Why repeating yourself is not annoying—it’s smart
The importance of making booking ridiculously easy

If you’re stuck in a marketing rut or trying to help a new stylist grow, this is the episode to tune into.

Want the insider scoop on my emails? You can subscribe to my salon email list HERE and gain inspiration every week.

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

How to Actually Find a Mentor (Even If You Don’t Have One Yet) Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!

It’s just Abby on the mic today while Kelsey is enjoying spring break with her kids—and we’re diving into a super real question from a listener: “How do I find a mentor?”

Abby’s sharing how she went over 10 years in her career before finding her first true mentor and how mentorship doesn’t always look the way you expect.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What a mentor really is (and isn’t)
• Different ways to find one—even without a formal relationship
• Why mentors can come from podcasts, classes, and programs
• How to get the most out of the guidance you already have access to

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow in new ways, this episode will help you see mentorship from a whole new perspective.

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

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