In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown talk about the client every stylist knows, the one that makes you dread your schedule before the week even starts. If you have ever felt anxious leading up to an appointment because you already know the client will be unhappy, uncomfortable to be around, or impossible to please, this episode walks you through how to let them go in a way that is firm, professional, and as low drama as possible.
Hunter breaks down the real decision filter first, because not every uncomfortable moment means someone needs to be fired. But when a client is impacting your mental health, your confidence, or your ability to provide great service, keeping them is not kind to you or to them. You will learn how to stop people pleasing your way into resentment, how to frame the conversation so it feels like a service to the client, and how to protect your business if you are worried about backlash like angry messages or negative reviews.
Key Takeaways:
🧠 How to know when it is time
If you are thinking about the client all week, feeling nervous while you work, or noticing their energy affects your other appointments, that is your sign. When you cannot show up as your best self, you are not serving them well either.
🤝 A mindset shift for people pleasers
If guilt is the only thing keeping you from letting them go, Hunter offers a reframe: holding onto a client you cannot confidently serve is a disservice. Someone else can be a better fit, and you do not have to be the martyr.
✉️ Why non confrontational communication works
You are allowed to handle this through a text or email. It helps you say what you mean without shaking through the conversation, and it reduces the chances of the appointment turning into a live conflict.
🗣️ Make it about them, not about you
The core script is simple: you do not feel you can serve them at the level they deserve, and you believe someone else will be a better fit. This approach lowers defensiveness and helps the message land without turning them into the villain.
📍 How to reduce backlash and leave them supported
Offer referrals, point them to reputable salons, and let them know you are open to sharing notes with their next stylist if needed. The more “set up” they feel, the less likely they are to spiral into revenge mode.
⭐ What if they leave a bad review anyway
Hunter walks through a practical reality check. Even if the worst case happens, your business survives. Most of the time, when you lead with respect and clarity, clients respond better than you expect, and some even thank you.
Why You Should Listen:
If you are carrying stress because one client keeps draining your energy, this episode gives you the exact perspective and language you need to end the relationship cleanly. You will leave knowing how to decide when it is time, how to communicate it without making it personal, and how to move forward with a lighter schedule, a stronger sense of boundaries, and a business that actually feels good to run.
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