The Modern Hairstylist ™ Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Pre-Visit Experience Glow-Up: How to Attract High-Value Clients Before They Even Book Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

Register for the Client Experience Glow-Up Party here: https://hunterdonia.com/party
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia unpacks how independent hairstylists can transform their pre-visit experience to match the modern client’s expectations in 2025. If you’re struggling with last-minute cancellations, slow bookings, or clients hesitant about your pricing, this episode will show you how the real magic happens before a guest even steps into your chair.

Hunter is joined by Jodie Brown to explore why today’s clients crave fast responses, emotional connection, and personalized service from the first interaction—and how small tweaks to your pre-booking process can make a massive difference in building trust and getting clients excited to work with you.

Key Takeaways:

🧠 What Clients Really Expect in 2025: Understand the modern salon client's mindset and how to meet them where they are.

📋 The Power of a Streamlined Pre-Visit: Learn how digital forms, personalized consultations, and clear pricing build instant trust and increase bookings.

⚡ Speed + Personalization: Find out how to respond faster without living on your phone—and why automation doesn’t have to mean losing the human touch.

💬 How to Talk About Pricing: Discover why clarity upfront can be the difference between a client booking—or ghosting.

🚀 Set the Tone for a Luxe Experience: Create an elevated, high-end feeling from the very first click or conversation.

Why You Should Listen:

Feeling like your booking process might be holding you back? Clients today are making decisions before they ever sit in your chair—and if you’re not creating a next-level pre-visit experience, you’re missing out. Tune in to learn how to create a seamless, personalized, and profitable client journey from first impression to first appointment.

If you want to book dream clients consistently and make your services feel worth every penny, this episode is for you.

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Clients Aren’t Craving Your Amenities—They’re Craving You Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

With everything feeling heavy—from the world to the beauty industry to our own nervous systems—it’s easy to fall into hustle mode, clinging to surface-level strategies in hopes they’ll fix everything. But here’s the truth: your business doesn’t need another bougie amenity. It needs you.

In this heartfelt, truth-packed episode, I’m unpacking what really makes clients stick around, spend more, and rave about their appointments. And spoiler alert? It’s not your branded towels or your aesthetic Instagram feed. It’s your energy, your leadership, and the way you make people feel.

We’re diving into powerful client data, the emotional reality of business in 2025, and why showing up as a grounded, joyful human is the strategy you’ve been missing.

📚 What You’ll Learn

Why surface-level “value adds” are no longer enough to retain high-quality clients
The real reason your loyal clients are obsessed with you—and it’s not what you think
What hundreds of surveyed salon clients revealed as their top priority when booking
How fear-based business decisions might be sabotaging your growth
The difference between reacting from anxiety vs. leading from vision
Why joy, trust, and connection aren’t “nice to have”—they’re your edge

🧠 Why It Matters

In a world flooded with noise, uncertainty, and overwhelm, your clients are no longer looking for perfection. They’re looking for something real. Something safe. Something you. This episode reminds you that your most magnetic business strategy doesn’t come from a funnel or a viral reel—it comes from you showing up fully and intentionally.

This isn’t just about “good vibes.” It’s about creating a sustainable, referable, and unforgettable business by mastering the one thing no one else can duplicate: your presence.

🎯 Who This Is For

Hairstylists who feel stuck in hustle mode or like they’re constantly falling behind
Beauty pros who want to raise prices, retain better clients, and lead with clarity
Salon owners craving a grounded, human-first approach to business growth
Anyone feeling disconnected from their purpose and needing a reset
Neurodivergent babes who want joy, structure, and sustainability—not burnout

✨ Don’t Miss

I’m sharing real survey data from hundreds of salon clients across the U.S.—and what they said made an appointment unforgettable. You’ll be shook at how simple but powerful the top answers were (and how much potential you’ve been leaving on the table).

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Can You Grow a Clientele Without Social Media? Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia dives into the question so many independent hairstylists are asking in 2025: Do I really need social media to grow my clientele? If you’ve ever felt burnt out, overwhelmed, or just plain tired of posting to Instagram without seeing results, this episode is your reality check and your roadmap.

With special guest Jodie Brown, Hunter breaks down what it actually takes to grow a thriving hair business without relying on reels, likes, and hashtags. From local marketing strategies to passive visibility tools, they explore how stylists can still get new clients—without spending all day on their phones.

Key Takeaways:

📉 The Truth About Stepping Back: Learn what really happens when you stop posting, and how to know if your business can handle it.

📍 Marketing Beyond Instagram: Explore proven offline and non-social strategies—like website optimization, review platforms, and lead capture funnels.

🧠 Know Your Ideal Client: Discover how client behavior has changed in 2025 and why blindly ditching Instagram may not align with your dream clientele.

💬 The Referral Trap: Are word-of-mouth bookings enough in today’s market? Hunter shares why stylists still need a consistent, strategic marketing plan—even if they’re fully booked.

💡 Reframe Your Funnel: If you don’t want to post daily, learn how to repurpose social as a nurture tool instead of a discovery platform.

Why You Should Listen:

Ready to delete Instagram—or just post a little less? You’re not alone. But before you ghost your followers, you need a plan. This episode gives you the clarity to build a modern marketing strategy that matches your strengths, speaks to your dream clients, and works even when you’re not online 24/7.

If you’re craving a smarter way to grow your business—one that doesn’t burn you out—tune in to find out what really works (and what’s just noise).

Check out the episode referenced on today's episode: Maximizing, Managing and Preparing for Busier Times In Your Business

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The Underrated Passive Income Stream Most Hairstylists Are Sleeping On Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia shares why retail sales and service add-ons aren’t just extra income—they’re critical tools for independent hairstylists looking to grow sustainably in 2025. If you’ve ever felt “salesy” recommending products or you’re unsure if retail is worth your time, this episode is a must-listen.

Joined by marketing expert Jodie Brown, Hunter breaks down why retail and add-ons are part of your client experience—not separate from it. From increasing your new client retention to creating a client experience that sells for you, Hunter shares how this often-overlooked income stream can create more consistency, less burnout, and better boundaries behind the chair.

Key Takeaways:

💡 Redefine “Selling”: Learn how offering retail isn’t being pushy—it’s completing your service and helping your client get the result they came for.

💸 Boost Retention Through Retail: Discover how retail recommendations extend your client experience beyond the chair and keep your name in their routine.

📦 Affiliate Links vs. Stocking Products: Hunter shares a modern strategy for mixing both without turning your salon into a shipping center.

🚿 Add-Ons That Actually Add Up: Learn how offering strategic service enhancements increases your average ticket while solving real client problems.

📈 The Secret to Sustainable Growth: Understand why this income stream helps you avoid burnout and create more freedom—even as you grow.

Why You Should Listen:

Are you missing out on a stream of income that doesn’t require more time behind the chair? In 2025, smart hairstylists are rethinking how they earn—and retail might be the most underrated tool in your business. Whether you stock products, use affiliate links, or both, this episode will show you how to make passive(ish) income without being salesy.

Tune in and learn how to turn your client experience into a revenue-generating machine that works with you—not just when you're behind the chair.

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Are Hairstylist’s Boundaries Leading To Poor Client Service? Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown unpack a hot topic in the beauty industry: Are your salon policies actually hurting your client experience? If you’ve ever struggled with enforcing cancellation fees, setting boundaries around no-shows, or wondering whether your policies are driving clients away—this conversation is for you.

Hunter dives into the delicate balance between protecting your time as a business owner and providing a client experience that builds trust and long-term loyalty. You’ll hear real talk about how boundaries and policies can either elevate or damage your reputation—and what modern, sustainable solutions actually work for independent hairstylists in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

🧠 Healthy Boundaries vs. Bad Business: Why strict cancellation policies might be costing you more in long-term growth than they’re saving you in lost income.

📉 How to Reduce No-Shows Without the Backlash: Smart, system-based strategies to reduce last-minute cancellations without alienating your dream clients.

💳 When to Enforce Your Policies (and When Not To): How to assess whether charging a fee is worth the risk to your client relationship—and the surprising truth about ghosting.

✨ Creating a Can’t-Miss Client Experience: How making your appointments feel more like a “win” than a chore can protect your time better than any policy ever could.

🧭 The Real Risk? Damaging Client Trust: Hunter explains the hidden cost of going public with policy frustrations—and how to keep your operations department from bleeding into your marketing strategy.

Why You Should Listen:

As an independent hairstylist, setting boundaries is essential—but are your policies building connection or pushing clients away? If you’re navigating burnout, inconsistent bookings, or rising no-show rates, it’s time to rethink how your systems and client experience actually work together. Tune in to learn how to protect your peace without compromising your professionalism or profitability.

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The 4 Systems Every Hairstylist Needs To Scale in 2025 Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and special guest Jodie Brown break down the four essential systems that every independent hairstylist needs in place to scale sustainably in 2025. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the hats you wear as a beauty business owner—marketing, client care, admin, and more—this episode will help you get clarity on where to focus your energy so your business can grow without burning you out.

Hunter shares the exact four “departments” that every stylist needs to build out in their business, how to identify which one is currently holding you back, and how to use your data to make smart, strategic decisions. If you want to work smarter—not harder—in 2025, this is your roadmap.

Key Takeaways:

💡 The Four Key Departments: Learn how to break your business into foundational systems—Marketing, Client Experience & Sales, Operations, and Strategy—and why each one matters.

📊 How to Diagnose What’s Not Working: Use real numbers and client behavior to pinpoint where your energy actually needs to go (it might not be where you think).

🧠 The Most Overlooked Growth Opportunity: Why “outside the chair” client experience is the secret weapon to standing out and staying booked in a competitive market.

🌀 From Chaos to Clarity: How systematizing your business allows you to stop running in circles and start seeing long-term results.

🧱 The Real Reason You’re Burnt Out: Why hustling across every department at once keeps you stuck—and how to shift into focused, intentional growth instead.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re a stylist who’s working nonstop but still not seeing the growth you want—this episode is for you. Whether you're just getting started or already fully booked, Hunter gives you the tools to think like a CEO and build a beauty business that thrives in 2025’s fast-changing industry landscape. It’s time to focus your energy where it actually moves the needle, and finally scale with confidence.

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How To Raise Your Prices The Right Way, Without Fear Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown dives into one of the most emotionally charged topics for independent hairstylists: raising your prices. If you’ve ever felt guilty, nervous, or totally unsure about how to raise your rates—especially in uncertain times—this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to increase your pricing the right way.

Hunter breaks down how to navigate the emotional side of price increases, how to communicate with clients (without confrontation), and how to align your pricing with the value you already provide—without apologizing for it.

Whether you’re fully booked and overwhelmed or just beginning to build demand, this conversation is your permission slip to charge what you're worth without fear.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 The Real Reason Price Increases Feel So Personal: Understand why it's harder for hairstylists to raise prices compared to other industries—and how to shift your mindset.

🔹 How to Know You’re Ready: Hunter explains the two types of price increases and how your business numbers (not your emotions) should guide your decision.

🔹 Non-Confrontational Communication Tips: Learn exactly how to roll out a price change without guilt, awkwardness, or assuming your clients will leave.

🔹 Mistakes to Avoid: From posting increases on social media to over-explaining—here’s what not to do when raising your prices.

🔹 Client Retention Through Value: How to reinforce your pricing by reminding clients of the premium, personalized experience they already love.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to raise your prices—or if fear has kept you stuck—this episode will walk you through the mindset, math, and messaging needed to do it with confidence. Whether you're charging your worth for the first time or rethinking your entire pricing structure, this episode will help you make empowered, sustainable decisions for your business in 2025 and beyond.

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How I Built A Fully Booked Business in 3 Months Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia shares the full process of how he built a fully booked salon suite in just three months, even after relocating to a completely new area with no existing clientele. If you’re an independent hairstylist looking to fill your books fast—without burnout—this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you do just that.

From niching down the right way to creating a client experience that fuels referrals, Hunter breaks down exactly what worked, what didn’t, and how you can replicate his success in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Why Client Experience Comes First: Learn why retention is just as important as attracting new clients—and how an unforgettable experience can grow your business faster than social media alone.

🔹 The Power of Specialization: How choosing a niche (without boxing yourself in) can help you stand out and attract high-quality, loyal clients—even in a small town.

🔹 Marketing That Works Fast: The proven strategies Hunter used to consistently attract 5+ new client requests per week—and how you can apply them to your business.

🔹 The Overwhelm Factor: The unexpected challenges of rapid growth, why burnout almost derailed everything, and how Hunter streamlined his systems to create a sustainable, profitable business.

🔹 Implementing Boundaries & Systems: How to confidently raise your prices, set up online booking, and stop working six-day weeks—without losing clients.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever wondered how long it really takes to build a booked-out business as an independent hairstylist, this episode is your blueprint. Whether you're starting from scratch or need to scale without burnout, Hunter’s firsthand experience will help you work smarter, not harder—so you can grow a business that supports your life (instead of taking over your life).

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How Hairstylists Can Stand Out And Charge High Prices in 2025 Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia is joined by marketing expert Jodie Brown to break down exactly how independent hairstylists can position themselves to stand out in a saturated market — and confidently charge premium prices in 2025.

With client expectations evolving and competition fiercer than ever, offering great hair isn’t enough. Hunter shares the strategies that elevate your client experience, increase your perceived value, and create a luxury feel that keeps clients loyal — even when your prices are higher than the salon down the street.

If you want to know how to build a high-end experience that clients can’t stop talking about (and are happy to pay top dollar for), this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Personalization Pays Off: Learn why clients are willing to spend more when their experience feels custom-built just for them — and how to implement personalized touches that actually matter.

🔹 Beyond Great Hair: Discover why beautiful balayage or perfect blonding isn’t enough to justify premium prices — and what truly sets top-earning stylists apart.

🔹 Systematizing Luxury: How to create a consistent, high-end client experience (even on your busiest days) by using simple systems that ensure every guest feels valued.

🔹 The Secret to Retention: Uncover the surprising reasons clients leave — and how a small communication shift can massively boost client loyalty and referrals.

🔹 Luxury Without Burnout: Hunter shares how to deliver a premium experience without overextending yourself, so you can protect your energy while still exceeding client expectations.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re ready to charge what you’re worth without the fear of losing clients — and want to feel confident that every client who sits in your chair understands the value you bring — this episode will show you exactly how to blend personalization, smart systems, and next-level service into a sustainable, high-end salon experience.

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Should Independent Hairstylists Go Back To Commission? Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and marketing expert Jodie Brown tackle a hot topic in the hairstylist community—should independent hairstylists consider returning to commission salons? With rising burnout, increasing client expectations, and the ever-growing responsibilities of running a business, some stylists are wondering if the structure and support of a commission salon might be the better path.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure of being both the stylist and the CEO of your business, or if you’ve questioned whether the freedom of independence is worth the hustle, this conversation is for you.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 The Realities of Independence: Learn why so many stylists flocked to independent spaces post-pandemic—and why some are now second-guessing that choice.

🔹 What Makes Commission Salons Work (or Not): Uncover the leadership gaps and common struggles that gave commission salons a bad reputation—and how some modern salons are changing the game.

🔹 Should You Go Back? Discover the key questions every independent stylist should ask themselves before deciding to return to a commission salon.

🔹 Is It Burnout or a Broken System? Hunter shares how smart systems, automation, and better boundaries can transform your independent business—and why going back to commission might not be the quick fix you think it is.

🔹 Choosing Your Hard: Every path in the beauty industry comes with challenges—find out how to decide which “hard” is worth it for you.

Why You Should Listen:

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant juggle of running your business behind the chair? Wondering if you’d be happier (or more profitable) back in a commission salon? Before you make any big decisions, tune in to this episode for an honest, no-fluff breakdown of the pros, cons, and what it really takes to thrive as an independent hairstylist—or as a commission stylist in 2025.

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