The Digital Chair Podcast by salonMonster

Building an Inclusive Salon That Fits the People Inside It

salonMonster — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 08:53:47 GMT

What happens when a salon stops asking people to fit the industry—and starts building the workplace around the people inside it?

Renee (she/her/they/them), co-owner of Shadow and Shear, shares how an unexpected move from a small micro-suite to a full salon became an opportunity to rethink salon culture from the ground up.

Instead of recreating a traditional high-end salon environment, Renee and business partner Sadie created a relaxed, inclusive space where clients and beauty professionals can drop the professional mask, receive the accommodations they need, and connect as themselves.

Renee talks honestly about the first year of salon ownership, including imposter syndrome, protecting personal time as a single mom, and making the difficult shift from thinking primarily as a hairstylist to thinking as a business owner.

The conversation explores:

✅Creating an inclusive and neurodiverse-friendly salon culture
✅Moving from a micro suite into a full salon
✅Setting boundaries around clients, work, and personal time
✅Chair rental, commission, assisting, and flexible career paths
✅Simple salon accommodations such as earplugs, fidget toys, blankets, and low-pressure activities
✅Using community outreach to connect with aligned clients
✅Why a locally focused social media presence can be more valuable than a large following
✅Bringing transferable skills from management, art, makeup, and previous careers into the beauty industry
✅Hiring hairstylists based on values, personality, attitude, and technical ability
✅Building a supportive salon team without relying on hustle, hierarchy, or workplace drama

Renee also explains why community events are not treated as marketing campaigns, even though they often introduce Shadow and Shear to new clients. By showing up for communities they genuinely care about, the salon attracts people who already connect with its values.

This conversation is for salon owners, hairstylists, barbers, beauty educators, and independent beauty professionals who want to create a sustainable salon business without forcing themselves—or their team—into a culture that no longer fits.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Meet Renee of Shadow and Shear
00:41 The First Year of Salon Ownership
03:41 Time Boundaries as a Single Mom and Business Owner
05:13 From a Micro Suite to a Full Salon
08:30 Chair Rental, Commission, and Flexible Career Paths
10:35 Inclusive Salon Accommodations
12:36 Community Outreach and Attracting Aligned Clients
15:15 Trusting the Skills You Bring From Outside Hair
16:55 Why Transferable Skills Matter in Beauty Careers
19:31 Why Shadow and Shear Chose salonMonster
20:41 The Story Behind Renee’s Mug
21:42 Hiring for Values, Personality, and Skill

CONNECT WITH RENEE AND SHADOW AND SHEAR

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chrysalis.hair
Website:
https://www.shadowandshear.com

MORE FROM SALONMONSTER

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Stop Memorizing Hair Formulas: Ashlee Norman on Real Hair Education

salonMonster — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:32:37 GMT

Real hair education isn’t about memorizing one formula, one pattern, or one perfect Instagram result. Ashlee Norman joins salonMonster to talk about what it actually takes to build skill behind the chair: mentorship, theory, repetition, hands-on practice, and learning how to think through hair instead of copying one technique at a time.

Ashlee is a hairstylist, independent educator, international brand artist, tool creator, online education founder, and mother of three. She shares how she went from beauty school and salon education to teaching across cities, working with major global brands, and building a career rooted in depth instead of hype.

This one’s for hairstylists, colorists, salon owners, apprentices, educators, and independent artists building a long-term career in beauty.

You’ll hear about:
✅Why beauty school is only the beginning of real salon education ✅The difference between memorizing techniques and understanding theory
✅How Ashlee built her education brand while raising three kids
✅Why word of mouth still matters in a social-media-driven industry ✅The difference between “width” and “depth” when building a personal brand

✅Why hands-on education beats watching demos online ✅How highlight theory helps colorists understand placement, separation, and technique choice
✅What new stylists should look for in mentorship and apprenticeship ✅Why great education should help you problem-solve in the salon the next day

Ashlee also talks about the reality behind platform work, trade shows, brand partnerships, motherhood, travel, finances, and what it means to build something sustainable instead of just chasing visibility.

Connect with Ashlee Norman:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleenormanhair/
Website: https://www.ashleenormanhair.com/
Education Platform: https://ashlee-norman.thinkific.com/ Connect with salonMonster: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/

More salonMonster podcast episodes: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts Start your 14-day trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 Meet Ashlee Norman
03:51 From beauty school to salon education

08:00 Why Ashlee started teaching

10:29 Rejection, redirection, and building a new path

18:15 Teaching while pregnant and growing an education brand

23:07 Learning to teach on bigger stages

25:40 Pandemic pivots, refunds, tools, and online education

29:50 Showing up as her own brand at trade shows

32:14 Depth vs. width in the hair industry
39:15 Motherhood, travel, and global education

42:10 Why memorized hair education falls short

44:11 Building theory into haircutting and color

45:39 The four methods of highlight separation

50:19 Where haircutting and color theory meet

52:26 Advice for new stylists

55:09 Choosing mentorship and hands-on education

58:03 Ashlee’s Vegas academy and what’s next

1:01:01 Closing thoughts

Tokyo Hair School to Vancouver Barbering with Mitsuhiro Ando

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:11:41 GMT

Hair culture changes from city to city, and Mitsuhiro Ando has seen that firsthand.

Mitsuhiro joins salonMonster to talk about his path from growing up in Tokyo and attending hair school in Japan, to discovering barbering in Melbourne, to building his work in Vancouver.

This short conversation touches on barbering, skin fades, Japanese hair culture, Vancouver’s diverse hair textures, and how inspiration can come from far beyond the salon.

You’ll hear about:

✅How Mitsuhiro got into hairdressing in Tokyo
✅Why he shifted from traditional hairstyling into barbering
✅What drew him to skin fade haircutting
The difference between Japanese hair culture and Vancouver hair culture
✅Why Vancouver’s diversity changes the way barbers think about fit, texture, and style
✅How travel, museums, architecture, and different cities inspire his work
✅What he would tell his younger self about building a barbering career

For hairstylists, barbers, salon owners, and independent beauty pros, this is a reminder that style is shaped by more than technique. It is shaped by place, culture, curiosity, and the people sitting in your chair.

Connect with Mitsuhiro Ando:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mits_ando/
Connect with salonMonster:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/
More salonMonster podcast episodes: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts
Start your 14-day trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 Opening
00:25 Meet Mitsuhiro Ando
00:56 Finding a barbershop in Vancouver
01:21 From Tokyo hair school to barbering in Melbourne
01:55 Getting curious about skin fades
02:34 Japanese hair culture vs. Vancouver hair culture
03:11 Working with diverse hair textures in Vancouver
03:37 Advice for his younger barber self
04:02 Finding inspiration through travel, museums, and architecture
05:15 Japanese hair training and North American barbering
06:28 Hair school and apprenticeship in Japan
07:22 Where to follow Mitsuhiro

Mastery Takes the Long Road: Joseph DiMaggio on Hair Education, Failure & Craft

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:05:53 GMT

What does real mastery look like in the hair industry?

In this conversation, Liam talks with Joseph DiMaggio about the long, messy, deeply human path from cutting hair on tour to working backstage at Fashion Week, building education systems, mentoring stylists, and creating tools with intention.

Joseph shares how his early background in engineering shaped the way he thinks about haircutting, finishing, education, and efficiency. Instead of chasing shortcuts, his approach centers on repetition, failure, mentorship, and understanding the “why” behind every choice.

This episode goes into the parts of the beauty industry that don’t always get glamorized: the pressure of backstage work, the emotional weight of teaching, the difference between customer service and true hospitality, and why technical skill alone is not always enough to build a successful salon career.

You’ll hear about:

✅Joseph’s unexpected start cutting hair while touring in a band
✅What Fashion Week teaches stylists that salon work often doesn’t
✅Why failure is one of the most important parts of building confidence
✅The meaning behind Shokunin Click and mastering your craft to serve others
✅How hospitality can set a stylist or salon apart
✅Why consultation, environment, and nonverbal cues matter with difficult clients
✅Joseph’s approach to tools, ergonomics, education, and the Pomo PM1 dryer

For hairstylists, salon owners, educators, barbers, and beauty pros who care about craft, this one is a reminder: the best work is not built on shortcuts. It is built on intention, repetition, mentorship, and doing the work until the why becomes part of your hands.

Connect with Joseph DiMaggio:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fashionmeetspassion/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fashionmeetspassion
Education Platform: https://www.shokuninclikacademy.com/education
Follow salonMonster:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/
More podcast episodes: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts
Start your 14-day trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 Meet Joseph DiMaggio
02:09 Cutting hair on tour before cosmetology school
04:34 The haircut that changed Joseph’s path
06:02 From New York salons to Fashion Week
07:58 Why editorial success did not feel like enough
14:41 Moving deeper into hair education and mentorship
18:42 Building systems with an engineering brain
20:15 What backstage teaches salon stylists
23:42 Creating a trained, non-cutthroat Fashion Week team
29:43 How stylists train for Joseph’s backstage team
33:20 What “Shokunin Click” means
43:38 Taking the long road instead of shortcuts
47:06 Why educating is its own craft
51:17 Failure, confidence, and learning through mistakes
55:18 Joseph’s advice for new hairstylists
58:36 Why clients really come to the salon
1:05:09 Consultations, difficult clients, and earning trust
1:11:08 Why finding the right mentor matters
1:14:06 Joseph’s tool background and the Pomo PM1 dryer
1:27:56 Where to find Joseph

What Stylists Learn After Hair School: Rin Csinos on Growth, Fit & Education

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:55:29 GMT

Finding the right salon is not just about getting a chair. It is about finding a space where you can grow, be respected, and actually feel like you fit.

Rin Csinos joins salonMonster to talk about their path into hair, from cutting hair as a kid to going through hair school, apprenticing, working independently, and eventually finding a salon environment that felt right.

This conversation is especially useful for hairstylists, apprentices, independent beauty pros, and salon owners who care about culture, education, and making the day-to-day business side feel less overwhelming.

You’ll hear about:

✅How Rin got started in hair
✅Why salon fit matters so much for stylists
✅What they learned from apprenticeship and early salon environments
✅Why new stylists should invest in their own education
✅How online hairstylists and creators can be powerful learning resources
✅The value of watching other stylists work
✅Why salonMonster feels approachable and easy to use
✅How streamlined booking software can help independent hairstylists run their business with less friction

Rin also shares honest advice for stylists starting out: listen more, learn as much as you can, and don’t rely only on a salon to build your education for you.

Connect with Rin Csinos:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rinowyid_hair/?hl=en
Connect with salonMonster:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/
More salonMonster podcast episodes: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts
Start your 14-day trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 Meet Rin Csinos
00:34 How Rin got into hair
00:59 Hair school, apprenticeship, and early salon experiences
01:41 Finding a salon space that fits
02:28 Advice Rin would give their younger stylist self
03:25 Why stylists should invest in their own education
04:01 Where Rin finds hair inspiration online
04:34 Hairstylists and creators Rin recommends
05:12 How salonMonster helps day to day
05:48 Why salonMonster works for independent hairstylists
06:30 Couch upholstery, salon chaos, and keeping it human
07:04 Closing thoughts

Developing Your Eye as a Hairstylist | Bronwen Robinson

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:52:56 GMT

Great haircuts are not built on technique alone.

Bronwen Robinson joins Liam to talk about the deeper craft of hairdressing: developing your eye, learning how to read the client in front of you, and understanding why the feeling behind a haircut matters just as much as the shape.

Bronwen shares her path from being drawn to fashion, to early education with Tony & Guy, to starting over as an apprentice at Bumble and Bumble in New York. She reflects on the impact of razor cutting, the Bumble education legacy, and what it means to move beyond copying collections into making choices that actually fit the person in the chair.

This conversation is especially valuable for hairstylists, barbers, salon owners, and beauty educators who care about craft, consultation, and building a long-term career behind the chair.

You’ll hear about:

✅Why some stylists learn visually while others learn technically
✅How to develop your eye as a hairdresser
✅The role of emotion, references, and intuition in haircutting
✅Why clients give information, but stylists still need to interpret it
✅How honesty in consultation can build more trust
✅What razor cutting education can teach beyond the tool itself
✅Why teaching from fear does not help stylists grow
✅Bronwen’s time at Bumble and Bumble and the legacy of that education
✅Building a career that still feels creative after decades in the industry

For any beauty pro who has ever thought, “I know the technique, but something still feels missing,” this one will hit.

Connect with Bronwen Robinson:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bronwenrobins/
Website: https://www.robinsnestbybronwen.com/
Education: https://www.robinsnestbybronwen.com/pro-education
Follow salonMonster:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/
YouTube Podcast Channel: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts
Try salonMonster free for 14 days: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 - How Bronwen found her way into hair
03:31 - Early education, Tony & Guy, and learning to teach
05:38 - Moving to New York to connect hair with fashion
08:19 - Starting over at Bumble and the roots of razor cutting
13:40 - Visual vs. technical learning in hairdressing
16:16 - Developing the eye, feeling, and using references
20:05 - Reading between the lines in consultation
22:22 - Why clients guide the cut but do not dictate it
24:06 - Honest experimentation and building trust
27:09 - Curiosity, students, and the puzzle of education
30:23 - Bumble mentors, fashion, and industry legacy
36:14 - Life after Bumble and earning choice
41:16 - Freelance education, look-and-learns, and workshops
47:38 - Teaching from safety instead of fear
56:21 - Custom classes and how Bronwen teaches now
58:45 - How to book Bronwen for education

How to Build a Salon Team That Actually Stays | Samuel Bligh

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:48:37 GMT

What makes a salon team stay?

Samuel Bligh, owner of Proper Hair Salon in Vancouver, joins salonMonster to talk about the long, real path from stylist to salon owner, and what he has learned about building a salon where people feel supported, clients feel connected, and growth does not come at the cost of culture.

Samuel shares how he got started in the Vancouver hair industry, the moment he decided to open his own salon, and what it actually took to take over an existing space, renovate fast, keep the team steady, and slowly build something that felt like his own.

This conversation goes beyond the usual salon ownership story. Samuel talks openly about the hard parts of managing people, the difference a strong salon manager can make, and why giving your team a clean, professional space is not always enough. For him, the real work is connection: making stylists feel appreciated, giving them support, and creating a place where their career can grow.

You’ll hear about:

✅Samuel’s start in the Vancouver hair industry
✅Taking over and renovating his first salon space
✅The shift from stylist to salon owner
✅Why managing people became one of the biggest learning curves
✅How bringing in a salon manager changed the business
✅Building a hybrid salon with commission, chair rental, and contract work
✅Growing from 7 chairs to 15 chairs without losing the team culture
✅Why education still matters after 10, 15, or 20 years behind the chair
✅Staying creative with an established clientele
✅The role of community in building Proper Hair Salon
✅Why salon software choice became part of the bigger brand conversation

For hairstylists, salon owners, barbers, nail artists, lash techs, independent beauty pros, and educators, this episode is a grounded look at what it takes to build a salon that is not just busy, but healthy, consistent, and built around people.

Connect with Samuel Bligh:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuel_properhairsalon/?hl=en
Follow salonMonster:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/
More salonMonster podcast episodes: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts
Start a 14-day trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters
00:00 Meet Samuel Bligh of Proper Hair Salon
00:12 Starting in the Vancouver hair industry
01:32 Early salon experience, AXIS, and Davines
02:41 Going independent after 10 years behind the chair
03:41 The story of buying his first salon
06:00 Taking over the Dunsmuir salon space
06:04 Renovating the salon in nine days
08:41 The hardest part of becoming a salon owner
09:44 Finding Lisa and bringing in a salon manager
11:19 Why front-of-house support changed the business
13:38 The lesson Samuel would tell his younger owner self
16:12 Why ongoing education still matters
18:30 Moving Proper Hair Salon into a larger space
21:38 Building a hybrid salon model
22:59 Growing from 7 chairs to 15 chairs
24:36 Helping stylists take initiative with education
27:29 Staying creative with long-term clients
28:59 Mentors and staying excited after 22 years
31:03 Why community matters at Proper Hair Salon
32:07 Why Proper Hair Salon chose salonMonster
34:07 Closing thoughts

How to Build a Salon People Actually Feel Comfortable In

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:44:44 GMT

What does it actually take to build a salon where people feel comfortable walking through the door?

Michelle joins salonMonster to talk about her path from hair school in Victoria to opening Vamp, stepping into salon ownership, and slowly building a space rooted in trust, communication, education, and community.

This conversation is for hairstylists, salon owners, independent beauty pros, and educators who care about more than just the technical side of the work. Michelle shares what helped her grow behind the chair, why confidence often means doing the thing that feels awkward, and how creating a welcoming salon culture can shape the entire client and team experience.

You’ll hear about:

✅Michelle’s early path into hairdressing
✅What she learned from mentorship and ongoing education
✅Opening a salon with a friend, then becoming the sole owner
✅Creating an inclusive salon space where people feel comfortable
✅Building clientele through walk-ins, referrals, and simply showing up
✅Why clear communication matters when leading a team
✅The difference between chair rental, employees, and hybrid salon models
✅How education changes once you become a salon owner
✅Why slow steps can build a stronger foundation for ownership
✅The importance of leaning on community instead of doing everything alone
✅Michelle also talks about salonMonster, simple tools that make the day run smoother, and why small efficiencies can make a real difference behind the chair.

Connect with Michelle:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairbymichelleprive/?hl=en
Follow salonMonster:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/
YouTube Podcast Channel: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts
Try salonMonster free for 14 days: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 - Meet Michelle
01:06 - Hair school, mentorship, and early education
02:12 - Opening Vamp and becoming a salon owner
03:02 - Creating a space for “weird, awkward” people
03:21 - Building an inclusive salon culture
04:27 - Confidence advice for younger stylists
05:20 - COVID, adaptability, and compassion
06:03 - Products, tools, and simple efficiencies
07:23 - Michelle’s favorite salonMonster feature
07:43 - Growing a clientele through referrals and walk-ins
08:48 - What Michelle would tell herself on day one
09:29 - Chair rental, employees, and a hybrid salon model
10:37 - Why salonMonster feels easy to use
10:51 - Finding inspiration in vintage magazines
12:04 - Building team culture with clear communication
12:30 - Education, ownership, and staying curious
14:22 - Avoiding burnout by changing roles
15:16 - Slow steps and the foundation of ownership
15:43 - Why salon ownership takes a village
16:11 - Final thoughts

Old-School Barbering Still Works | Ivan Zoot on Clients, Retention & Community

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:39:50 GMT

Can old-school barbering still build a strong book in 2026?

Ivan Zoot thinks so. Known to many as Clipper Guy, he joins Liam to talk barbering, client retention, and why the fundamentals of good service have not changed much at all.

After 40 years in the business, Ivan is heading back into the barbershop part-time with a simple hypothesis: despite social media, online booking, AI, and everything else that has changed, cutting hair for money still runs on the same human basics.

It gets into the real stuff: building clientele, why word of mouth still matters, what keeps a client long-term, and why being 100% booked is not always the goal. Ivan's clearest advice for new barbers and stylists is to show up, be present, and do the work. That means connecting with people in person, not just through a phone screen.

You'll hear about:

Ivan's return to the barbershop after the pandemic

Why old-school barbering fundamentals still matter

The "three haircut" approach to client retention

Why 80% booked may actually be fully booked

Barber shop community and connecting with other pros

What new barbers and stylists need to know about building a career

Why social media helps, but should not replace real relationships

Being an interesting human outside of work

Lessons from education, stage work, and staying in the game

For barbers, stylists, salon owners, and educators building something steady and sustainable behind the chair.

Connect with Ivan Zoot:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivanzoot/

Website: https://www.ivanzoot.com

Education Platform: https://www.ivanzoot.com/usd100k-haircutter

Follow salonMonster:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/

More podcast episodes: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts

Start a 14-day trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 Meet Ivan Zoot

00:14 Ivan's intro: Clipper Guy and 40 years in the business

01:44 Returning behind the chair after the pandemic

03:04 Ivan's old-school barbering hypothesis

05:45 Why people have not changed as fast as technology

08:55 "It's not like it used to be"

12:10 The three-haircut rule for client retention

17:34 Why 80% booked is fully booked

20:13 Barber shop community and the barber breakfast idea

24:01 Why the shop across the street is not your enemy

25:37 Barber unions, licensing, and industry standards

30:17 Being licensed does not always mean

What Hair School Doesn’t Teach Enough: Reps, Discipline, and Real Confidence

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:50:12 GMT

What builds confidence behind the chair?

For Ricardo Vacas, the answer is simple: repetition, discipline, humility, and real practice on real people.

Ricardo talks with Liam from salonMonster about how he went from cutting his own hair as a teenager in Spain to becoming a Vancouver barber, shop owner, and educator. He is honest about the parts people skip over: early-career ego, the moments that humble you, and the gap between knowing the theory and having enough reps to trust your hands.

For beginner barbers, stylists, salon owners, and educators, it is a reminder that skill is built through practice and feedback, not shortcuts.

In this episode, Liam and Ricardo talk about:

Why hair schools need more hands-on practice

Doing more real haircuts early on

How repetition builds confidence behind the chair

Why scissor-over-comb is still a foundation skill

The difference between knowing something and teaching it

How education brought Ricardo's passion back

Why advanced education is an investment, not an expense

Staying humble after decades in the industry

Building a barbering career, a shop, and an education path in Vancouver

Connect with Ricardo Vacas:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerpbarber/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerpbarber

Education Platform: https://www.instagram.com/kerpeducation/

Connect with salonMonster:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/

More podcast episodes: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts

Start a 14-day trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 Intro to Ricardo Vacas, aka Kerp Barber

00:54 From Spain to Vancouver and finding barber education again

03:59 Fine Edge, Rodney, and building a barber education network

05:19 How Ricardo started cutting hair as a teenager

07:15 Going to hair school and starting as an apprentice

09:20 What Ricardo would tell new barbers and stylists today

10:31 Why hair school needs more real hands-on practice

11:50 Cutting 1,500 people before working professionally

13:46 Why one haircut a day is not enough

14:47 Why experience is still the best teacher

17:40 What hair schools should change: practice, discipline, foundations

19:36 Why scissor-over-comb is still a foundation skill

20:56 Fixing bad scissor habits and building muscle memory

29:02 Early-career confidence, ego, and getting humbled

31:00 The haircut correction Ricardo never forgot

34:38 Beginner's mind and staying humble in your craft

36:47 How teaching barbering happened by accident

39:24 Learning haircut terminology in English

41:04 Why Ricardo keeps investing in advanced education

42:35 How online education changed access for barbers and stylists

43:36 Taking one-to-one education with DJ Muldoon

44:37 How one class changed Ricardo's approach to hair

45:55 The big takeaway: reps, education, and humility

46:47 What's next for Ricardo, Kerp Barber, and education

49:31 Stepping back from the chair to focus more on teaching

50:06 Where to find Ricardo online

Hair Education, Fashion Week & Industry Hype | Charlie Price

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:40:47 GMT

A long hair career does not happen by accident.

Charlie Price has been in the industry since the 1980s, and his path has touched every corner of hairdressing: salon ownership, Aveda education, Revlon Professional, New York and Milan Fashion Week, editorial work, competitions, and underground magazines.

Liam and Charlie talk about what keeps hairdressers inspired over time: strong education, real fundamentals, creative risk, mentors, and salon culture. Charlie also gets honest about awards, social media, influencer-style education, and why the basics still matter no matter what the trend is called this month.

One for stylists, salon owners, educators, barbers, and colorists building a long-term career.

You'll hear about:

Charlie's early days in Denver and his start in beauty school

The Aveda years, advanced education, and working with major industry names

What Fashion Week taught him about creative hair

Why awards helped his career, and why he eventually stepped back

The difference between real education and attention-driven hair content

Why hairdressers need credentials, confidence, and proper pricing

Editorial hair, underground magazines, zines, and staying creatively connected

What still excites Charlie about hair after decades in the industry

Connect with Charlie Price

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charliepricehair/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlie.price.16

Connect with salonMonster

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/

YouTube Podcast Channel: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts

Start a 14-day trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 Meet Charlie Price

00:15 From Denver hairdresser to Aveda, Revlon & Fashion Week

03:39 Beauty school, Aveda roots & Sassoon-influenced training

05:47 Falling in love with the salon environment

06:21 Knowing he wanted the creative side of hair

07:25 First fashion shows and learning every hair texture

08:34 Competitions, NAHA, and the pull of awards

10:16 When awards started to feel political

13:09 Why awards once mattered for educators and clients

16:29 Career advice for new hairdressers

18:10 Making money, committing to growth, and charging properly

21:21 The gap in educator training

21:57 Influencers, educators, and scattered hair education

24:44 Why creative teams and hair shows felt different before social media

27:45 Global salon culture and how hairdressing is valued differently

30:14 Editorial work, print magazines, and underground zines

32:15 Retirement, photo shoots, and keeping the creative itch alive

37:43 Shooting on iPhone and editing by hand

40:05 Travel, hair show circuits, and the reality behind the stage

43:40 Health

Hair Color, AI & the Truth Clients Need to Hear | Sonya Dove

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:35:00 GMT

Hairdressers face more inspiration photos, faster trends, bigger expectations, and now AI-generated "hair" that isn't always possible on a real human head.

Liam sits down with Sonya Dove to talk about real longevity in the hair industry: patience, mentorship, honest education, creative growth, and telling clients the truth when their dream hair needs more time than social media suggests. Sonya shares stories from her 45 years in hairdressing, including her early competition days, her long relationship with Wella, her move from England to the US, and the lessons that shaped her as an educator and mentor.

They also discuss how education has changed since digital learning emerged, why face-to-face connection still matters, and how AI images, edited competition photos, and unrealistic celebrity transformations make honesty in hair color more important than ever.

In this episode:

Why success takes longer than social media makes it look
How mentorship helps stylists find their lane
Why color work is getting more complex
The danger of AI-generated hair inspiration
Why honest consultations protect client and stylist

Connect with Sonya Dove:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesonyadove/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonya.dove.7

Start a 14-day trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 Meet Sonya Dove
00:50 42 years with Wella and the start of her career
01:31 Entering hair competitions and learning patience
02:29 From Devonshire salon owner to Wella educator
03:26 The move from England to the United States
06:35 Why the grass is not always greener with another brand
07:52 How hair education changed from in-person to digital
10:28 Teaching through a screen during COVID
15:03 Sonya's advice for young hairdressers seeking mentorship
16:01 Film hair, Game of Thrones, and finding your lane
18:26 How specialization changed the industry
19:25 Why color is getting harder
21:13 Why great artists do not always make great teachers
24:42 Why students need to speak up when they do not understand
26:18 Why real success can take 15 years
27:12 Salon suites, team salons, and learning by osmosis
30:37 Finding people who will tell you the truth
32:14 Sonya's role as Artistic Director for Intercoiffure
33:43 Knowing where your energy belongs
35:32 When things happen too quickly in the industry
36:30 AI, competitions, and edited hair images
40:07 Unrealistic celebrity hair transformations
41:34 The Sophie Turner blonde story
43:00 Why hairdressers need more truth on social media
43:27 Butterfly cuts, wolf cuts, and trend names
44:23 Why AI hair inspiration can mislead clients
46:38 What Sonya is working on now
48:00 Dance, fear, and doing something outside of hair
51:11 Where to find Sonya Dove

Textured Hair Education: Why Clients Still Feel Unseen in Salons

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:22:32 GMT

A lot of clients with textured or natural pattern hair are not asking for perfection. They are asking to feel seen.

In this conversation, Kia Donovan breaks down what natural pattern education really looks like behind the chair, why so many guests still leave salons feeling unseen, and how better salon experiences start long before the service begins. If you are a hairstylist, salon owner, barber, beauty educator, or beauty pro trying to build more trust with clients, this episode is full of practical perspective.

Kia shares her path from beauty school frustration to building an independent career, why she focuses on one guest at a time, and what the industry still gets wrong about textured hair, cultural competence, and inclusive service. She also talks about guest experience, boundaries, booking systems, and why intake matters more than most stylists think.

You will also hear Kia’s take on product overload, fragrance-free routines, brand trust, education that actually serves professionals, and why helping clients understand their own hair can build deeper loyalty than selling more products.

Topics covered include:
- natural pattern hair education
- inclusive salon experience
- textured hair and client trust
- salon intake and booking systems
- product overload in curly hair routines
- cultural competence in beauty education
- independent salon ownership and guest care

Follow Kia Donovan:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiathecurlconsultant/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoMhwWcS6u8qkCZ2VbIfGGQ
Education Platform: https://www.thecurlconsultant.com/stylisteducation

More from salonMonster:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/
Podcast Channel: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts
14-day Trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 Intro
02:16 What natural pattern education actually means
03:41 Beauty school gaps and underserved textured-hair clients
07:13 Guest experience and making people feel welcome
11:16 Why many clients still feel unseen in salons
19:08 Going independent and rejecting harmful salon structures
29:48 Why systems, boundaries, and process matter behind the chair
32:27 Why Kia works with one guest at a time
42:24 Product overload and simplifying curly hair routines
44:14 Intake, prep, and building trust before the appointment
48:26 Stepping back from Instagram and rejecting performative industry culture
51:55 The state of textured-hair education now
56:21 How Kia built her education platform
1:01:26 Where to find Kia and what she’s building next

How Hairdressers Build Boundaries, Trust, and Client Value

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:15:23 GMT

Sally Lemmo has lived through nearly every version of a beauty career: barbering, salon ownership, brand education, independent education, business setbacks, social media growth, and a life-changing health scare. In this conversation, she gets honest about what actually changed for hairdressers after COVID, why client expectations feel different now, and why stronger boundaries do not have to come at the expense of connection.

She shares the barber-school color disaster that pushed her toward education, how she grew her platform by serving her audience instead of performing for it, and why so many stylists still underestimate the value of real human communication. Sally also talks about the shift from saying yes to everything, to protecting your time, your health, and the experience you create behind the chair.

You’ll also hear Sally’s take on post-COVID salon culture, client expectations, voice notes vs. texting, generational gaps in the industry, and why beauty pros should stop shrinking from the phrase professional hairdresser. It is a sharp, funny, and deeply honest conversation about salon leadership, stylist confidence, client retention, and building a career that actually supports your life.

If you are a hairstylist, salon owner, barber, educator, or beauty pro trying to build better boundaries, stronger client relationships, and more confidence in your work, this episode has a lot to sit with.

Connect with Sally Lemmo

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/clevelandhairboss/?hl=en
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sally.farazakiszarlinga
Website:
https://www.hairbossuniversity.com/
Education Platform:
https://www.hairbossuniversity.com/ig-links-page?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn5kh6jfS9Lxpw80ev-n8AI7zRGowgA4Dkd3wu8J-8TFcybpIA5VLKSYCn7bQ_aem_imU4xJyC3akjzZX8r1BHkw

More from salonMonster
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/
YouTube Podcast Channel:
https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts
14-day trial:
https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 Intro
01:23 How Sally got into the industry
04:58 The barber-school color disaster
08:12 Why education became her mission
14:53 COVID, teaching online, and Instagram growth
22:14 What really changed with salon clients after COVID
34:30 Why voice notes and real connection still matter
36:58 Bridging the gap between newer and veteran stylists
40:26 Going independent and building Hair Boss University
41:50 Breast cancer, recovery, and perspective
46:09 Time freedom, healing, and why this industry matters
53:31 “I’m a professional hairdresser”
57:19 Sally’s advice for new stylists
58:34 Where to find Sally

Hairstylist Business Systems: Online Booking, Boundaries & No-Show Policies

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:39:30 GMT

If you’re a hairstylist or salon owner who’s busy—but drowning in DMs, admin, and cancellations—this episode is for you.

Liam sits down with business educator Hunter Donia to break down the systems that make a fully booked career sustainable: online booking, boundaries, and policies you can actually enforce.

Hunter shares how he scaled fast after opening a salon suite—and why success without systems can turn into overwhelm (especially for ADHD brains and chronic people-pleasers).
In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅The “booked solid” problem (and why it creates more admin + stress)
✅How online booking protects your time and your boundaries
✅Why every stylist needs a real cancellation/no-show policy (and enforcement)
✅What “above-average work” looks like outside the chair (marketing, ticket, referrals)
✅Simple system thinking for ADHD: build “bumpers” that make follow-through easier

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:02 Meet Hunter Donia + what he teaches
2:20 Starting early: vocational school → assistant → clients at 18
8:17 Rebuilding clientele after moving (and why it was hard)
13:25 Pandemic shift + why salon suites mattered for Hunter
15:43 Business education + marketing focus (Eufora + beyond)
18:27 Salon suite leap → “booked solid” growth
19:52 Fully booked = new problems: systems, automations, boundaries
23:37 Community → course launch (84 people joined)
26:13 Salon systems: cancellation policy + pre-service forms
27:34 Boundaries = better clients (and less “Karen” stress)
35:31 Advice for new stylists: above-average work outside the chair
39:29 ADHD: diagnosis, validation, and building systems that work
45:43 Online booking for ADHD + people-pleasers
51:29 Protect your calendar: stop context-switching all day
53:08 Where to find Hunter + her podcast

salonMonster: https://salonmonster.com/
Book a demo / get started: https://salonmonster.com/10/salon/#/register
Hair by Hunty Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairbyhunty/
Hunter’s podcast (Modern Hair Stylist Podcast): https://www.hunterdonia.com/podcast?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnie8uiaTFKJrsBBi0jFThfc8eUCFj-tFG5pA9RIupslL7C6j-N4lnNMddXRU_aem_d-IJgo0-fusiS8sbGL4ZVA
salonMonster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/?hl=en
salonMonster podcast Channel: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts

About the Hunter
Hunter Donia is a business educator who teaches hairstylists how to systematize and automate their beauty businesses through practical tools, boundaries, and operations.

#HairstylistBusiness #SalonOwner #OnlineBooking #ClientBoundaries #NoShowPolicy #SalonSuite #ADHDSupport

Non-Shaming Salon Education & Hybrid Salons with Douglas McCoy

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:34:47 GMT

What actually makes salon education stick?

Douglas McCoy argues it is not ego, intimidation, or trying to break stylists down. It is giving people a real foundation, reading the room, and teaching in a way that helps them build confidence behind the chair.

In this conversation, Douglas shares what it looked like to teach a two-day razor cutting class in Toronto, how he approaches education without sounding over-rehearsed, and why “aha” moments matter more than showing off as an educator. He also talks about adapting to the tools stylists actually bring, why shame has no place in salon learning, and how better feedback makes better classes.

The conversation also moves into the business side of the beauty industry: Douglas’s transition from House of POp to Lucid Room, what changed when he stepped away from the business load, and why he believes more salons will move toward hybrid models that make room for both commission stylists and independent professionals.

If you are a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, or indie beauty pro thinking about salon education, razor cutting, team growth, or hybrid salon models, this one has a lot to sit with.

Interviewee links
Instagram: @douglasmccoyofficial
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/douglas.mccoy1

salonMonster links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/

YouTube Podcast Channel for more episodes: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts

14-day trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Built from Douglas’s discussion of razor-cutting education, teaching without shame, Pony Studios, Lucid Room, and hybrid salon structure.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome + Douglas McCoy intro
04:13 Teaching razor cutting in Toronto
07:51 How Douglas teaches without sounding rehearsed
15:24 Razor tools, adaptability, and meeting stylists where they are
21:44 Why shame has no place in salon education
24:12 Pony Studios, digital education, and working in Oakland
30:28 The shift from House of POp to Lucid Room
33:24 Why hybrid salons may be the future
36:15 Where to find Douglas

From Toxic Salon Training to Vivid Educator | Allison Webber

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:31:18 GMT

What happens when a vivid specialist leaves a toxic salon environment, builds a suite business from scratch, and turns years of trial, error, and color theory into education other stylists can actually use?

Allison Webber shares her path from Aveda training and commission salon life to becoming a Charlotte-based vivid and blonding specialist, independent educator, and suite-based stylist. She talks about what changed when she left a branded salon, why vivid education still feels underserved, and how virtual classes, PDFs, and real-world teaching make learning more accessible for stylists.

This conversation also gets into the business side of going independent: keeping clients through a big move, figuring out overhead, double booking, hiring assistants, and building a setup that feels better for both the stylist and the guest.

They also get specific on the technical side of color education, including vivid color theory, teaching through mistakes, product freedom after leaving a brand-specific salon, scalp comfort, on-scalp lightener, developer strength, and why Allison keeps her bleach rules tight.

If you’re a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, or beauty pro thinking about going independent, there’s a lot here about salon culture, vivid hair education, guest experience, and building a business that actually fits the way you want to work.

Connect with Allison Webber:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenhairedstylist/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwebber

Education: https://thegreenhairedstylist.com/education

Follow salonMonster:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/

More podcast episodes: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts

Start your 14-day trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 Who Allison Webber is and how she got into hair
03:10 Leaving a toxic salon and finding education
08:33 Building a niche in vivid hair education
11:26 Workbooks, PDFs, and teaching different learning styles
16:40 Going independent and moving into a suite
25:22 COVID, client connection, and why hair still matters
30:40 Mentors, Pinup Jordan, and finding confidence
54:51 Danger Jones, product freedom, and brand partnerships
57:45 On-scalp bleach, developer strength, and heat rules

From Vocational School to BTC Creator: Lessons for Salon Pros

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:23:13 GMT

Balayage education, social media growth, and building an independent career — in this episode, Liam talks with stylist/educator Sarah Cabral about how she went from vocational high school to 23 years behind the chair, renting since 2010, and growing her IG to 100K by filming her colour work.

You’ll hear how she decides between balayage and foiliage (especially on darker hair), why she stayed brand-independent so she could take paid collabs, and how she turned “I’m not sure I can teach” into sold-out classes.

Sarah also breaks down real-world advice for new stylists: find a salon that actually invests in education, avoid getting stuck as a forever assistant, stay out of drama, and post your own work so you’re not relying on the owner to build your book. Plus, pricing and “know your numbers” talk for renters.

Sarah Cabral IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahzstylz
Sarah Cabral TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahzstylz

Try salonMonster free for 14 days → https://salonmonster.com/
Follow salonMonster on IG → https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/

Watch more salonMonster podcast episodes for salon + independent pros.

00:00 Intro to Sarah & early start in hair (vocational high school)
04:40 Finding lived-in colour/balayage and tying it to Instagram growth
10:00 Balayage vs foiliage on dark/Asian hair — what actually lifts
14:15 Teaching her first class & dealing with imposter syndrome
30:40 Advice for new stylists: pick the right salon, stay out of drama, post your work
36:10 Going independent & moving an entire clientele before IG was big
50:48 Current classes and staying non-exclusive with brands

#salonmonster salonmonster #hairstylist #salonbusiness #independentstylist #balayage #haireducation

Client Retention for Hairstylists: Rhino Gaudet’s Real Advice

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:16:49 GMT

Client retention is not just about getting clients back in your chair.

It is about education, trust, communication, and building the kind of salon business people want to keep coming back to.

In this episode, Rhino Gaudet joins salonMonster for a thoughtful, practical conversation about life behind the chair, moving from salon ownership into independent work, and what actually helps hairstylists build a steady business over time.

Rhino shares how he first got into hair because he wanted to be a platform artist, then discovered that the real magic was in the service, the technical work, and the relationships with clients. He talks about becoming an independent stylist after years of salon ownership, what closing a salon taught him, and why stepping away from something does not always mean failure.

This conversation also gets into the business side of being a hairstylist: recommending products without feeling “salesy,” why pre-booking is part of client care, how Google reviews and referrals can grow your business, and why your best clients are often the best people to ask for support.

Rhino also shares his take on education for up-and-coming stylists, including why online learning is helpful, but hands-on classes still matter. Because sometimes you need someone in the room to call out the little things you cannot see on your own.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

Building client retention through service, not pressure
Why product recommendations are part of full-service care
The shift from salon owner to independent hairstylist
How to ask loyal clients for reviews, referrals, and testimonials
Why closing a salon is not the same as failing
Balancing technical problem-solving with creativity
The value of hands-on education for hairstylists
How reminders, reports, and salon software can make independent work easier

Whether you are a hairstylist, barber, colourist, salon owner, suite renter, or beauty pro thinking about going independent, this episode is full of grounded advice from someone who has seen the industry from a lot of angles.

Learn more about Rhino Gaudet:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhinogaudet/

Follow salonMonster:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/

YouTube Podcast Channel: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts

Start a 14-day trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 Meet Rhino Gaudet
01:30 Getting into hair and chasing the “rock star” side
03:10 Building a technical colour career
04:05 From platform work to classroom teaching
05:45 Going independent after salon ownership
07:15 Product recommendations are not “sales”
09:45 Asking loyal clients for reviews and referrals
11:20 Mentorship, business coaching, and Summit Salon Systems
14:00 Why relationships are the best part of hairdressing
15:55 Career turning points: teaching, opening, and closing a salon
19:20 Favourite tools, treatments, and bond builders
21:25 Creativity as technical problem-solving
23:55 How salonMonster helps with reminders and reports
25:35 Running independently with salon software
26:40 Rhino’s advice for trying salonMonster
27:30 Why hands-on education still matters
29:40 Educators Rhino recommends
31:15 Final thoughts

Sensory-Friendly Barbering with Henry “Tribes” Amoloja

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:14:48 GMT

Make haircuts calmer for neurodivergent clients—Henry “Tribes” shares the sensory-friendly tools, setups, and scripts that work.

In this episode, Henry “Tribes” Amoloja—10-year barber and creator of The Weighted Cape—walks through how he rebuilt books in new cities, got Sensory Safe Certified, and designed a neuro-inclusive service that parents trust. You’ll learn simple space tweaks, calming tools, and pre-visit steps that reduce anxiety and make appointments smoother for kids and adults on the spectrum.

We also dig into manufacturing a new product, handling pre-orders/sellouts, and finding mentors who accelerate your roadmap. Henry’s approach is practical, empathetic, and repeatable—ideal for independent stylists and barbers who want to serve more clients, better.

00:00 Intro & why this matters for stylists
00:11 Henry’s path: multi-city rebuilds & suites
07:55 Sensory Safe Certification & first wins
11:11 Launching The Weighted Cape & market feedback
16:09 Pre-orders, inventory, and mentorship lessons
20:52 How to find mentors + cold DMs that work
24:36 Full-time schedule while building a product
28:33 Long-term vision: a neuro-inclusive ecosystem

Try salonMonster free for 14 days → https://salonmonster.com/
Follow salonMonster on IG → https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/
The Weighted Cape IG → https://www.instagram.com/weightedcape/
The Weighted Cape IG (alt handle) → https://www.instagram.com/theweightedcape/
Henry Tribes IG → https://www.instagram.com/henrytribes/
Check out our YouTube Channel for more amazing videos→ https://www.youtube.com/@salonMonster

#SalonBusiness #HairstylistTips #BarberEducation #IndependentStylist #Neuroinclusive #AutismSupport #ClientExperience #SalonMonster

Make Your Salon Autism-Friendly: Comfort Tips That Work

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:58:29 GMT

Autism-friendly salon practices that actually help: Tara Abramowicz shares simple, sensory-safe ways to serve neurodivergent clients - without forms or fuss.

Educator and stylist Tara Abramowicz joins Liam to unpack inclusive, sensory-friendly salon habits that reduce anxiety, build consent, and make appointments smoother for everyone. From asking, “Do you enjoy a shampoo?” before heading to the sink to narrating each step of the service, Tara demonstrates how small adjustments can create a safer, calmer experience - especially for neurodivergent clients and children.

We also cover tools like weighted capes and Tara’s Client Experience “chatter/chill card, plus why a short conversation can beat long intake forms for accessibility. If you’re building an inclusive salon culture, this episode is packed with practical scripts, accommodations, and mindset shifts you can use today.

-Ask before you shampoo; not everyone enjoys the sink (sensory triggers).

-Narrate the next step (“sportscasting”) to lower uncertainty.

-Prioritize consent—especially with kids; results come second to safety.

-Consider sensory tools (e.g., weighted capes) and visible “talk or chill” signals.

-Replace rigid forms with a brief, welcoming accessibility chat.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Tara’s start in hair
02:00 – Discovering autism/ADHD; advocating at work
04:30 – Everyday accommodations & clearer communication
08:45 – Ask about shampoo; sensory considerations
10:15 – Consent-first approach for kids’ haircuts
14:50 – Weighted capes & sensory support
17:15 – “Chatter/Chill” Client Experience Card
19:05 – Advice for new stylists: keep learning
20:15 – Forms vs conversation for accessibility
24:10 – Step-by-step narration to reduce anxiety
27:00 – Where to find Tara

Start your 14-day salonMonster trial → https://salonmonster.com/
Tara IG → https://www.instagram.com/tara_abramowicz/?hl=en
Tara Linktree → https://linkr.bio/Taraabramowicz?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacrO2PzcBcPmzRWuJEXvJEFMUJFDPqc3j15zK9eVirRjN1ybAZrfbUYNrUfWQ_aem_kHSLDffnEGNtQOaZjK9fBw

Erica Garza: Mentorship, Self-Care & Systems for Hairstylists

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:55:09 GMT

Mentorship, self-care, and simple systems for working hairstylists—Erica Garza shares 30 years of salon lessons you can apply now: building clients, choosing commission vs. suite, and thriving with boundaries. Designed for pros in the U.S. & Canada who want practical, non-fluffy career advice.

Hailing from Seattle, Erica reflects on working in commission salons, studio rental, and education. Plus, how mentoring, filming your work, and saying “no” help create longevity in your career. As a Brand Sales Manager for KEUNE North America, she breaks down the value of apprenticeships, how to approach mentors (DMs + events), and why mental health matters as much as technical proficiency

• You’ll learn: how to find & approach mentors, set booking and life boundaries, when to choose apprenticeship/commission vs. suite, client-building beyond social posts, and why filming your work accelerates skill growth.

Chapters:

00:00 Erica’s path to Seattle & 30 years in hair
02:00 Early career & retail systems that stick
03:55 Role: Regional Education Manager (Schwarzkopf)
05:26 Community & Hair Nerds
07:47 Self-care, boundaries, ergonomics
16:07 Small studio lessons ($200 rent, luck vs. plan)
18:46 Building clients: from mall cards to social media
21:20 Moving into education & lifelong learning
25:07 Mentors (Linda) & servant leadership
35:08 Industry mentors: Sam Villa, Lori Zabel
37:53 DMing mentors + meeting at events
46:04 Apprenticeship vs. commission vs. suite
54:22 Film your work to improve technique

• Erica Garza IG: https://www.instagram.com/ericagarza_keune/
• salonMonster IG: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/
• Try salonMonster free (14 days): https://salonmonster.com/

Commission vs Chair Rental: How Nikii Beis Runs a Hybrid Salon

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:48:48 GMT

Thinking about hybrid staffing or tightening your policies? Liam sits down with hairstylist and salon owner Nikii Beis (Elevated Studio, Squamish, BC) to unpack practical systems that working pros can use right away.

You’ll learn:
How Elevated Studio blends hourly, commission, and chair rental to keep flexibility and retention high.
Clear expectations & mentorship for juniors (show up early, prep the station, greet well) and why it speeds growth.
Cancellation policy tactics: set a card on file, require deposits for long services, and tailor notice periods to appointment length.
Tools that help: online booking, confirmations, rebooking, and formula notes to streamline the client journey.
Small-space design choices (four chairs, mixed schedules) that support privacy, collaboration, and client experience.

00:00 Intro — Nikii Beis & Elevated Studio (Squamish, BC)
00:50 Four chairs, five stylists — team scheduling
02:11 Getting started — first salon break & apprenticeship
12:36 Deciding to open a salon — timelines & first steps
14:29 Build-out — walls, electrical, plumbing & design
16:41 Layout & workflow — privacy; renters + commission
32:17 Education mindset — keep learning, stay humble
34:55 Setting client expectations (IG to in-chair)
39:55 Digital tools — booking that fits hair services
41:00 Formulas, cancellation policy & cards on file
44:22 No-shows — when to enforce & how to say it
45:34 Bringing on juniors — training & feedback
48:26 Wrap-up — where to find Nikii

Nikii IG: https://www.instagram.com/nikii.stroodle/
Elevated Studio Hair IG: https://www.instagram.com/elevatedstudio.hair/
salonMonster IG: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/
salonMonster 14-day free trial: https://salonmonster.com/

If you’re searching for commission vs chair rental, salon cancellation policy, opening a salon, or online booking for salons, this episode has field-tested tips from behind the chair.

Textured Hair Education & the Fabric Method | Alyssia Dotson

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:42:08 GMT

How a 22-year pro teaches textured hair through a fabric lens — and why apprenticeships beat solo suites for new stylists.

Alyssia Dotson @maneseamstress shares how she built Mane Seamstress Education, why cosmetology school ≠ real-world salon learning, the gap in textured-hair education she saw on set, and how clear consultations + consent (“earn the right to touch someone’s hair”) change outcomes behind the chair. We also discuss apprenticeships (she started at Tony and Guy), building safe spaces, and practical ways to teach texture by comparing hair to various fabrics, such as silk and cotton.

Key takeaways

1. Texture taught through a fabric framework makes techniques click faster (silk vs. cotton behavior, heat/product choices).
2. Cosmetology school helps you pass tests; an apprenticeship teaches you to do hair.
3. Do a real consultation every visit; lifestyles change — so should the plan.
4. Consent matters: “earn the right to touch someone’s hair.”
5. New stylists: start in a busy salon (learn from many minds) before a suite.

Chapters
00:00 – Intro & the fabric approach to hair
01:38 – 22 years in hair; traveling educator life
03:22 – From stage fright to educator (why teach)
07:48 – School vs. real-world learning; early mentors
11:26 – Apprenticeship at Tony and Guy; finding your tribe
15:11 – The texture-education gap & creating safe spaces
31:24 – Consultations that earn consent
41:36 – Advice to new stylists: salon is greater than suite
51:34 – Where to find Alyssia / @maneseamstress

Guest IG: https://www.instagram.com/maneseamstress/
Guest links: https://beacons.ai/maneseamstress
SalonMonster IG: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/
More episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@salonMonster
Try SalonMonster free for 14 days: https://salonmonster.com/

#hairstylist #haireducation #texturedhair #salonbusiness #behindthechair #consultation #apprenticeship

Independent Hairstylist Boundaries That Build Client Trust

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:24:19 GMT

Going independent can give you more freedom, but without clear systems, it can also blur every boundary you have.

Kara Field, an independent hairdresser based in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, joins salonMonster for a thoughtful conversation about building a home-based salon business that feels professional, sustainable, and deeply personal.

Kara shares how she uses online booking, new client intake forms, service categories, cancellation policies, and client reminders to create a smoother experience before anyone even sits in her chair. She also talks about why boundaries are part of good customer service, especially when you are running your own business, managing your own schedule, and trying not to live inside your inbox.

This conversation also gets into the human side of independent beauty work: how to make new clients feel safe, how Google reviews help build trust, how service descriptions can shape the guest experience, and why consultation questions matter so much when someone is ready for a big hair change.

Kara and Liam also talk about social media pressure, using AI as a creative tool without losing your voice, the value of mentorship and continuing education, and what newer stylists should think about before jumping from commission to chair rental or independent work.

If you are a hairstylist, salon owner, suite renter, barber, nail artist, lash tech, or beauty pro building your own thing, this episode is a grounded reminder that the right systems can protect your time, improve the client experience, and help you keep loving the work.

Topics covered include:

Independent hairstylist boundaries
Home salon systems
Online booking for beauty pros
Client intake forms and policies
Consultation questions for hairstylists
Google reviews and client trust
Service descriptions and seasonal offerings
Using AI for salon marketing
Client retention for independent stylists
Advice for going independent behind the chair

Connect with Kara Field:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karapaintshair/
Website: https://www.karapaintshair.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kara.A.Field

Connect with salonMonster:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/
More podcast episodes: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts
Start a 14-day trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 Meet Kara Field and her home salon setup
03:03 How SalonMonster became Kara’s “front desk”
04:16 New client intake forms, booking links, and policies
08:14 Service adjustments and building client trust
09:43 Seasonal offerings and better service descriptions
12:46 Using AI without losing your human voice
16:03 Social media pressure, inspiration, and burnout
18:29 Why Google reviews matter for new clients
21:50 Kara’s path through hair school and commission salons
28:28 Opening a salon, then choosing a home studio
31:51 Commission vs. chair rent for newer stylists
34:45 Mentorship, education, and online community
38:26 Consultation questions that prevent regret cuts
46:15 Advice for stylists who want to go independent
54:01 Online booking, boundaries, and avoiding burnout

Film Your Haircuts: Douglas McCoy on Razor Cutting & Growth

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:39:22 GMT

What if filming your haircuts was not just for Instagram, but for becoming a better hairdresser?

Douglas McCoy brings a rare mix of hairdressing, photography, filmmaking, education, razor cutting, and salon leadership to this conversation. He talks about the mentors who shaped him, the value of starting over even after decades in the industry, and why stylists should use photo and video as more than just content.

This episode is especially useful for hairstylists, salon owners, educators, and independent beauty pros who want to keep growing without losing the creative spark that brought them into the industry in the first place.

Douglas shares how his early apprenticeships shaped the way he sees hair, why modern razor cutting became such a major part of his work, and how the creative energy around Bumble and Bumble, fashion week, photography, and music videos influenced his approach behind the chair.

You’ll also hear practical advice on:

Finding mentorship at any stage of your career
Using Instagram as your modern lookbook
Filming your haircuts to study your body position, shape, balance, and styling choices
Asking clients for permission to take photos or videos
Building a salon culture where feedback actually helps people grow
Why education, community, and honest critique matter for long-term creative growth
How Douglas thinks about razor cutting, favorite tools, and the creative process

This is a conversation about craft, career growth, and staying curious long after you already know what you’re doing.

Because behind the chair, the work gets better when you’re willing to watch, learn, adjust, and keep going.

Follow Douglas McCoy:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/douglasmccoyofficial/

Follow salonMonster:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/

YouTube Podcast Channel: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts

Start a 14-day trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 Intro and meet Douglas McCoy
02:27 How Douglas got into hair
06:10 Three apprenticeships and choosing mentors
10:31 Going all in early in your career
12:14 Modern razor cutting and the Bumble era
15:12 The creative hotbed that shaped his video work
19:13 Why stylists should film their work
20:42 Education, inspiration, and teaching by accident
22:20 Moving to Spokane and finding a new path
24:20 Building House of Pop
27:36 How stylists can find real mentorship
31:36 Why going back to basics still matters
33:37 Building the House of Pop brand before the salon
35:19 Feedback, friends, and honest creative community
38:33 Instagram as your modern lookbook
41:17 Asking clients for photos and video
44:43 Favorite tools, razors, and the white cape hack
48:19 The creative process behind the chair
51:35 Finding inspiration outside your usual bubble
54:24 What’s next for Douglas
57:47 Closing thoughts and working with good people

Home Salon Tips: Independent Stylist Playbook w/ Annilee Armstrong

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:15:34 GMT

Home salon tips for independent stylists: Annilee Armstrong shares the practical systems that helped her grow a thriving home-based business—without burnout. In this warm, candid chat with Stephen from salonMonster, Annilee covers what actually works day-to-day: from referral programs and pre-booking to no-show policies, boundaries, and choosing tools that save time.

You’ll learn:

1. How to set up a simple referral program that snowballs
2. Pre-booking habits and reminders that keep your calendar full
3. Clear, fair policies for late arrivals and no-shows (that clients respect)
4. What to research before opening at home (licensing, inspections, etc.)

Why a bookkeeper + straightforward reporting can be game-changer

Chapters:
00:00 Intro & Annilee’s path
03:04 Why go independent & home-salon setup
08:08 Referral programs & pre-booking
09:52 Boundaries: late/no-show & communication
26:09 Why Annilee chose SalonMonster

Enjoyed it? Subscribe for more conversations that help independent beauty pros grow—without the hype.
Try SalonMonster free (14 days) → https://salonmonster.com/
Annilee IG → https://www.instagram.com/redschair/
More episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@salonMonster

How to Build Clientele as a New Hairstylist | Branding, Models, and Google

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:05:27 GMT

Getting clients after hair school is the part nobody romanticizes. Brit Otto shares what actually helped her go from cutting hair in her kitchen during COVID to building a clear brand, finding models, and turning early hustle into repeat clientele.

This conversation is packed with practical advice for new hairstylists, barbers, and beauty pros trying to grow from the ground up. Brit talks about choosing a hair school, the reality of apprenticeships, why service experience matters behind the chair, and how branding shaped the kind of clients she attracted from the start.

You’ll also hear how she used model calls, posters, QR codes, Instagram ads, Google Business, neighborhood groups, and word of mouth to get more people in the chair. She breaks down why good graphic design was worth the investment, how mentors and supply reps helped her improve faster, and why front-loading education can save you time later.

They also get into something a lot of newer stylists need to hear: you do not have to copy everyone else. Finding your niche, staying authentic, and raising prices as your speed and skill improve can build a career that actually fits you.

If you are figuring out how to build clientele as a new hairstylist, market yourself without feeling fake, and grow with intention, this episode has a lot to take from.

Connect with Brit Otto:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supra.ultra.hair/?hl=en

Website: https://www.supra-ultra.ca

Follow salonMonster:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/

More podcast episodes: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGUoOz3xLklSzb3IT5YYw/content/podcasts

Start your 14-day trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Chapters

00:00 From a first COVID haircut to hair school
01:55 Choosing a school and the apprenticeship reality
04:20 Why service skills matter behind the chair
06:39 Building a brand and visual identity early
10:23 The fear of starting out partly self-employed
12:00 Flyers, posters, QR codes, and model calls
15:15 Google Business, neighborhood groups, and word of mouth
17:37 Why good branding and design were worth it
20:32 Mentors, supply reps, and front-loading education
24:44 Mindset, no gossip, and finding your niche
27:09 Brit’s advice for brand-new hairstylists
28:37 When to raise your prices

Booth Rental vs Commission: Real Talk with Andy Judd

salonMonster — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 10:56:54 GMT

Booth rental vs commission: what actually changes—income, time, brand.
In this candid chat, Andy Judd shares why he switched and how to do it without burning out.
What you’ll learn:

1. How to decide if booth rental fits your season and goals
2. Pricing without discounts (why “free model” beats markdowns)
3. Building a personal brand inside a well-known salon—then stepping out
4. Mentors, collections, and learning beyond hair school
5. Multi-state licensing/reciprocity realities & avoiding admin overwhelm

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome & Andy’s path (Ohio → Nashville)
02:30 Hustle vs talent—and avoiding burnout
15:20 From commission to booth rental
29:40 Licensing reciprocity & hair school gaps
51:50 Pricing strategy (no discounts; model trades)
01:03:40 Mentors, exit strategy & long-term career

Enjoyed it? Subscribe for more conversations that help independent beauty pros grow—without the hype.

Try salonMonster free (14 days) → https://salonmonster.com/
Andy IG → https://www.instagram.com/andy_doesyourhair/
Andy site → https://www.andydoesyourhair.com/
More episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@salonMonster

Gender-Affirming Salons: Kristin Rankin on Dress Code Project

salonMonster — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:41:52 GMT

Create welcoming, gender-affirming salon experiences—without guesswork. In this episode, Liam and Stephen (SalonMonster) sit down with Kristin Rankin (they/them), founder of the Dress Code Project, to share practical, day-one steps for inclusive consultations, non-gendered menus, and safer space standards. We cover how the Alliance vets salons, why language matters at the chair, and the vision behind the Gender Free Haircut Club—plus the journey to consulting on a gender-affirming salon for the Paris 2024 Olympic Village.

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro & Why Inclusive Salons Matter
03:55 – The Spark: From Salon Client Story to DCP
06:22 – Moving Beyond Gendered Menus
15:34 – Consultation Language That Respects Everyone
18:31 – What “Safer Space” Salons Mean (and First Steps)
24:51 – The Alliance & Directory: 550+ Salons and Growing
28:26 – Partnering with Pantene & Industry Impact
31:13 – Paris 2024: Designing a Gender-Affirming Olympic Salon
32:06 – Gender Free Haircut Club: Access & Mental Wellness

Kristin Rankin IG: https://www.instagram.com/kristinrankinhair/
Dresscode Project IG: https://www.instagram.com/thedresscodeproject/
Dresscode Project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dresscodeprojectTO?utm_campaign=linkinbio&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio
salonMonster IG: https://www.instagram.com/salonmonster/
salonMonster 14-day free trial: https://salonmonster.com/

Seeking salon software that aligns with your systems and values? Try salonMonster’s 14-day free trial to explore tools that help you serve every client with confidence.

Open a Salon Suite in 10 Days: Booth Rental vs Commission

salonMonster — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:30:14 GMT

Open a salon suite in 10 days—Renee & Sadie (Shadow and Shear) share exactly how they went from idea to keys, what they prepped online first, and how they filled their books fast. You’ll hear a candid take on booth rental vs commission, what to line up before signing, and how pre-booking + boundaries keep them fully booked on a 3-day week. We also dig into ADHD-friendly learning, mentorship, and local social that converts (why personality beats follower count).
In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. A realistic 10-day launch playbook (what to do first, what can wait)
2. Commission → rental decision factors (money, community, education)
3. Pre-booking systems & client-messaging boundaries that stick
4. Simple IG tweaks to attract local dream clients

Shadow and Shear IG → https://www.instagram.com/shadowandshearcollective/
Renee IG → https://www.instagram.com/chrysalis.hair/
Sadie IG → https://www.instagram.com/hairbysadies/
More episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@salonMonster
Try salonMonster free (14 days) → https://salonmonster.com/