Send us a text The salon industry is changing fast. From how stylists learn, to how salons use technology, to what clients expect from their experience, there’s a major shift underway. In the first part of our 2026 Salon Predictions series, Todd and Jen break down the changes already happening in education, AI and salon tech, and client behavior, and why salons that move now will have a serious advantage. This episode isn’t about fear or hype; it’s about understanding the direction the ...

Send us a text Opening a salon can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming decisions in your career. It’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetic side of things: paint colors, décor, logos, and brand vibes. But the truth is, those are the least important decisions you’ll make. What determines whether your salon thrives or becomes a financial and emotional burden comes down to the foundations you build before you ever pick up a paintbrush. In this episode, we walk through a real planning p...

Send us a text Apprenticeships in the Modern Salon – How to Build Talent From Scratch In this episode, Todd flips the script and interviews Jen on a topic she knows better than most: apprenticeships in the modern salon industry. With cosmetology schools closing, rising education costs, and owners struggling to find talent, apprenticeship programs might be the most powerful (and misunderstood) solution salons have. Jen breaks down how apprenticeships work, why they matter, how to structure one...

Send us a text In this follow-up to "Why Suite and Booth Renters Struggle" [EP:214], Todd and Jen shift the focus to the other side of the industry—commission salons and their employees. They break down the common mistakes made by both owners and stylists, from leadership gaps and undefined standards to entitlement, lack of systems, and poor communication. This episode isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about building better businesses and careers. Whether you’re a salon owner or an employee, th...

Send us a text A year into renting and still struggling? You’re not alone. In this episode, Todd and Jen break down why so many booth renters and suite owners can’t seem to get ahead — and how to fix it. They’re not anti-rent or anti-suite (far from it). This is about clarity, accountability, and structure. Whether you’re a year in or just thinking about going solo, this episode gives you the tools to stabilize, grow, and actually profit. Key Takeaways We’re not anti-suite or anti-ren...

Send us a text Too many salon owners start with numbers such as rent prices or commission percentages when hiring and attracting talent. In this episode, Todd and Jen flip the script with a lesson inspired by Steve Jobs: start with the experience and then work backward. Whether you run a commission salon or a booth or suite rental space, you’ll learn how to design an environment where stylists and renters feel valued, supported, and inspired—and why that approach keeps people around longer. E...

Send us a text In this episode, Todd and Jen tackle one of the biggest challenges salon owners face: staff retention. Instead of relying on non-compete agreements or fear-based policies, they share practical, proven strategies for building a culture where stylists genuinely want to stay. From career growth opportunities to education, mentorship, and financial transparency, you’ll hear exactly what’s worked at Hello Hair Co.—and how you can apply it in your own salon. What you'll l...

Send us a text In this episode, Todd and Jen are joined by Hello Hair Co. stylists, Brooke and Tori, for a special Q&A session. Instead of the usual format, the team flips the script—Brooke and Tori bring questions gathered from fellow stylists, salon groups, and their own experiences. From dress codes and business cards to cancellation policies and side hustles. An honest conversation, some strong opinions, and practical advice for salon owners and stylists navigating today’s...

Send us a text In this episode, Todd and Jen dive into the two pillars of salon growth: retention (keeping clients coming back) and acquisition (bringing in new ones). Too many salon owners focus on just one—but long-term success requires mastering both. You’ll hear practical strategies, client experience tips, and marketing insights drawn straight from the Hello Hair Co. playbook, including how to create loyalty, inspire referrals, and consistently attract new faces without burning out...

Send us a text In this episode of the Hello Hair Pro Podcast, Todd and Jen tackle one of the most hot-button topics in the hair industry: booth and suite rental vs. commission salons. They break down the hidden costs of going out on your own, the predatory marketing tactics some rental salon owners use, and why many stylists actually make less money renting than they would in a well-run commission salon. You’ll also hear about Jen’s unique apprenticeship program, how demand and merit (not tim...

Send us a text In this episode of the Hello Hair Pro Podcast, Todd and Jen unpack the Evolution Trap — the danger salon and barbershop owners face when they stop evolving their business. Complacency might feel comfortable, but in reality, it leads to shrinking profits, bored staff, and clients who notice when nothing changes. Drawing from their own salon experience and mentoring work, Todd and Jen share practical strategies for staying adaptable, auditing systems, and keeping your busin...

Send us a text Are discounts really the best way to grow your salon? Spoiler: they’re not. In this episode, Todd and Jen break down why discounting hurts your business long-term and share proven, real-world strategies to fill your books without ever lowering your prices. From rebooking systems and referrals to solving client problems and improving your marketing, this conversation gives you practical steps to attract and retain loyal clients—while keeping your profits intact. If you’ve ...

Send us a text In this episode, Todd and Jen break down one of the most misunderstood topics in the salon business — price increases. Forget the blanket $5 rule or the “just raise 3%” advice you’ve seen floating around. Those outdated approaches are costing salons profit, stressing out owners, and undervaluing high-ticket services. What's covered: Why flat-rate or micro-percentage increases don’t make sense for every service.The “technician-to-owner” gap and how it sabotages pricing dec...

Send us a text Owning a salon isn’t just about doing great hair—it’s about leading a team, solving problems, and staying steady when chaos strikes. In this episode, Todd and Jen pull back the curtain on a whirlwind week of running Hello Hair Co. From dealing with a busted dryer, a tough staffing decision, and a convincing scam attempt, to unpacking why so many salon owners fall into the “keep all the money” trap, this conversation is packed with hard-earned lessons. They dive deep into:...

Send us a text What makes someone want to stay at your salon? This episode answers that question—straight from the people who matter most. Todd and Jen read real, unfiltered responses from their team about why they choose to stay at Hello Hair Co. These messages are full of honesty, emotion, and insights that speak to what stylists value in a work environment. From mentorship and leadership to laughter and lizards (yes, really), this is an episode that gets to the heart of retenti...

Send us a text Hiring a stylist is hard. Retaining one is harder. Training them from scratch? That’s where most salon owners throw in the towel. Todd and Jen believe that’s exactly where the opportunity lies. In this episode, they break down their education funnel—the system they’ve built to train new hires (especially those straight out of cosmetology school) into fully booked, confident, high-performing stylists. From blow-dry assessments to client-ready test-outs, you’ll hear e...

Send us a text Real Talk on Hiring, Culture, and Why People Stay. After a technical hiccup on Monday’s episode (sorry if you caught the glitchy one!), Todd and Jen are back with a full redo—and it might be even better than the original. This episode covers team retention, leadership, and how to build a salon culture that people don’t want to leave. They cover everything from how to attract new talent straight out of school, why “luxury” means nothing if your client experience doesn’t ba...

Send us a text In this final episode of our commission salon business mini-series, Todd and Jen break down how their roles as salon owners have evolved over time—and what it really takes to build a sustainable commission-based business. From systems and structure to trust, delegation, and team culture, this episode is packed with real-world insight and hard-won lessons. Whether you're just starting or scaling up, this is a must-listen. 🔹 Timestamps + Topics [00:00] - Welcome back & what w...

Send us a text In this milestone 200th episode, Todd and Jen continue their in-depth exploration of what it takes not only to build a successful commission salon but also to sustain one. From emotional intelligence behind the chair to their refined hiring process, leadership growth, team retention strategies, and handling conflict like pros—this episode is loaded with actionable insights for salon owners and hair professionals alike. 🕒 Timestamps & Topics: [00:00] – Opening Takes [0...

Send us a text Is running a commission salon even worth it anymore? Should you go solo, rent a suite, or bring it back to commission? In this episode, Todd and Jen dig deep into what it actually takes to run a successful salon in 2025—from ditching discounts to building strong foundations, leading new generations of hair pros, and why most salon owners burn out. You’ll hear why leadership is everything, how to market with intention, and how to avoid the trap of working harder instead of...