Discover
the Hello Hair Pro podcast
the Hello Hair Pro podcast
Author: Jen & Todd Ford
Subscribed: 11Played: 344Subscribe
Share
© 2025 the Hello Hair Pro podcast
Description
This is a place for education, inspiration, and entertainment. Our mission is to help as many hair pros, salon, and barbershop owners as possible by sharing our stories, experiences, and thoughts on business.
225 Episodes
Reverse
Send us a text This is our final episode of 2025, and instead of predictions or tactics, we wanted to pause and reflect. We discuss what we’ve seen this year in the salon industry: the widening gap between growing and struggling businesses, the mindset shifts that set Tier-A salons apart, and why customer service, leadership, and long-term thinking matter more than ever. We share real stories from inside our salon, mentoring moments, client experiences, leadership decisions, and hard truths a...
Send us a text Slow seasons happen in every industry, and the salon industry is no exception. But while slow periods are predictable, panic is optional. In this episode, we talk about why seasonal slowdowns shouldn’t feel shocking, why reacting emotionally makes things worse, and how both salon owners and stylists can prepare ahead of time instead of scrambling at the last minute. We break down the difference between panic and passivity, why discounting usually backfires, and how to build sys...
Send us a text We see it constantly: salon owners saying they’re overwhelmed, stressed, exhausted, and unsure what to work on next. They’re putting in the effort, working long hours, and still feeling behind, and it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, we break down why overwhelm shows up so often for salon owners and why it’s usually not a time or effort problem. We talk about bad advice, vague soundbites, echo chambers, and the pressure to do everything at once, and how all of that...
Send us a text We hear it all the time: “Stop working in your business and start working on it.” The problem? Almost no one explains what that actually means. In this episode, we break down what salon owners should really be working on when they’re not behind the chair and why so many owners step back only to feel stuck, unproductive, or pulled right back into old habits. We talk about why cleaning, hovering, answering phones, and “being available” aren’t owner work; how avoiding leadership ...
Send us a text Slow seasons have a way of making people freeze. Owners hesitate. Teams lose momentum. Decisions get postponed while everyone waits to “see what happens.” But the truth is simple: nothing changes when you pause; everything changes when you lead. In this episode, we talk about how to stay in motion when business feels slow. We break down why slow periods are often misdiagnosed, how mindset and leadership energy impact your team more than you realize, and why this time of year ca...
Send us a text In Part 3 of our 2026 Salon Industry Predictions series, we’re breaking down the areas that will matter most for long-term success: culture, branding, leadership, and mentorship. The truth is simple: you can have education, technology, beautiful décor, and the best skill in town, but without strong culture and leadership, none of it creates a sustainable business. In this episode, we talk about why culture must become a system, not a vibe; why clients are drawn to salons ...
Send us a text The salon industry is shifting faster than most owners realize. In Part 1 of our 2026 Predictions series, we talked about education, AI, and client expectations. In Part 2, we’re diving into the structural issues shaping the next chapter of our industry: employment models, salon operations, and profitability. This episode explores why certain business models will struggle, why others will grow, and what forward-thinking salon owners must build now to remain relevant and profita...
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...



