The Modern Hairstylist ™ Podcast

Hunter Donia
  • 4.9 (136)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Teaching you how to grow your beauty business as a hairstylist or salon owner without the overwhelm by implementing modern strategies so you can reclaim time, freedom and energy from working behind the chair.

  1. 4H AGO

    How To Stop Undercharging Your Long-Time Clients

    In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia shares a behind-the-scenes look at a real challenge many experienced stylists face: realizing that some of your longest-standing clients are still paying far less than your current pricing. When you have built deep relationships over years behind the chair, raising those prices can feel incredibly uncomfortable, even when you know it is the right business decision. Hunter walks through how emotional pricing often sneaks into our businesses over time. Whether it happened because you inherited clients, honored old rates, or simply struggled to change pricing as your career grew, many stylists end up with uneven pricing across their client list. This episode explores why fixing those situations is not just about making more money, but about creating fairness for both yourself and the clients who are already paying your full rate. Through a candid coaching conversation with a stylist who has been behind the chair for nearly two decades, Hunter breaks down the mindset shifts and practical steps that make these difficult conversations easier. You will hear how to approach long-time clients with honesty, how to transition them to your current rates, and how to release the guilt that often keeps stylists stuck in outdated pricing. Key Takeaways: 💰 Why emotional pricing happens more often than you think Many stylists end up with inconsistent pricing simply because relationships evolve over time. Hunter explains how honoring old rates or matching another stylist’s pricing can quietly create long-term undercharging. ⚖️ Why uneven pricing is unfair to both you and your clients When some clients are paying significantly less than others for the same service, it creates hidden resentment and imbalance. Aligning your pricing protects the sustainability of your business and keeps things fair across the board. 🗣 How to communicate a price correction with long-time clients Hunter shares a simple, honest way to explain the situation without making the conversation awkward or confrontational. Transparency and respect go a long way when approaching loyal clients. 📈 How to transition clients to your current pricing gradually If the jump in price is significant, you can phase the increase in over a few appointments. This approach allows clients time to adjust while still moving your business toward consistent pricing. 🤝 Why your relationships don’t have to end when pricing changes If a client truly values working with you, they may happily stay at the new rate. And if the price no longer fits their budget, helping them transition to another stylist can still preserve the relationship outside the chair. Why You Should Listen If you have ever hesitated to fix outdated pricing because you care about the clients you have built relationships with, this episode will give you both the confidence and the language to handle it the right way. You will walk away with a clearer perspective on separating business decisions from personal guilt and learn how aligning your pricing can create a healthier, more sustainable career behind the chair. Let's connect on Instagram!

    11 min

  2. MAR 9

    Has Pre-Booking Made A Comeback In 2026?

    In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia revisits one of the most debated topics in the industry over the past few years: pre-booking. For decades, stylists were taught that pre-booking was the key to predictable income and a full schedule. But after the pandemic, many hairstylists began questioning whether it actually created real stability or just the illusion of it. Hunter originally challenged the traditional approach to pre-booking, arguing that it could create false security, more reschedules, and unnecessary pressure on both the stylist and the client. But recently, new patterns inside the Modern Hairstylist community and Mastermind have sparked a new question: is pre-booking worth reconsidering in today’s industry? In this episode, Hunter breaks down why the conversation around pre-booking deserves a more nuanced look in 2026. Rather than treating it as a universal rule or rejecting it entirely, he explains how stylists can test whether it actually supports their specific business model, clientele, and demand patterns. Key Takeaways: 📅 Why pre-booking became controversial in the first place Hunter explains the reasons many stylists moved away from pre-booking in recent years, including false stability, frequent reschedules, and the pressure it can create for both stylists and clients. 📊 Why the conversation might be changing in 2026 Recent data and real-world observations inside the Modern Hairstylist community suggest that pre-booking may actually benefit certain types of businesses, especially when retention and demand patterns are strong. 🧠 Why pre-booking is not a one-size-fits-all strategy Instead of blindly adopting or rejecting it, Hunter explains how different business models, price points, and clientele behaviors determine whether pre-booking will actually help stabilize your schedule. 🧪 How to test pre-booking in your own business Rather than fully committing to the strategy immediately, Hunter shares why experimentation and tracking your numbers is the smarter approach before deciding if it belongs in your systems. 💬 How to introduce pre-booking without making clients feel pressured If you do decide to explore pre-booking, Hunter discusses how the way you present the next appointment to clients can make a huge difference in whether they say yes. Why You Should Listen If you have ever felt confused by the mixed messaging around pre-booking, this episode will help you think about it more strategically. Instead of following industry rules or reacting to trends, Hunter encourages stylists to evaluate what actually works for their own business and build systems that create real stability behind the chair. By the end of this episode, you will have a clearer framework for deciding whether pre-booking deserves a place in your schedule again—or if another strategy is better suited for the way you want to run your business. Let's connect on Instagram!

    24 min

  3. MAR 2

    How To Create More Predictable Income As A Hairstylist

    In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown talk about the thing that quietly stresses stylists out the most: unpredictable income. Whether your slow months follow the typical seasonal patterns or they hit randomly out of nowhere, this episode is both a reality check and a practical plan for creating more stability in your take home pay. Hunter breaks down why volatility usually comes from two issues that can be solved. Uneven profitability across services, and inconsistent booking momentum. You will hear how to price in a way that creates a more predictable baseline, what to do when you start seeing gaps without immediately discounting, and the systems that keep future you protected even during your busiest seasons. Key Takeaways: 💵 Price for a predictable baseline, not just a menu that looks good Hunter explains why the goal is knowing you are making a consistent minimum per hour across services, even if you do not use a pure hourly pricing model. When your time is priced evenly behind the scenes, you reduce resentment toward certain services and make your income more stable as long as you stay booked. 📅 Pre booking is making a comeback, but do it intentionally Pre booking can create major stability, but Hunter is clear that you should not blindly bring back old habits. He shares that they are testing intentional pre booking experiments with Mastermind members, and that the nuances matter because it can create risks for certain businesses if done the wrong way. 🚫 Do not panic discount when you see gaps If you want to post availability, Hunter suggests doing it carefully so you do not train clients to think you always have openings. He encourages avoiding discounting except in very specific cases like a new client offer, and keeping it tight by only sharing a few appointment options. 🧾 Increase your average ticket during gappy times Instead of obsessing over the clients you do not have, Hunter focuses on maximizing the clients you do have through retail and add on services. If you have time because the schedule is lighter, you can use that space to increase the value of each appointment and offset income dips. 📣 Do not stop marketing just because you are booked One of the biggest mistakes Hunter sees is turning off marketing when you are full. He explains why marketing is not for today’s client, it is for the client who books in one month, two months, or six months, after they have built trust and budget. Keeping that momentum protects you later and gives you leverage when things unexpectedly slow down. 📝 Build a real waitlist system for both new and returning clients Hunter recommends having a waitlist no matter what stage you are in. A new client waitlist lets you capture demand even when you cannot take people right now. A returning client waitlist helps you quickly fill cancellations, and even pick up an extra day when you want to smooth out a slow week. He also calls out that most built in booking system waitlists are limited, and a custom waitlist gives you more control over the information you collect, like true availability. Why You Should Listen: If unpredictable income makes you spiral, second guess your pricing, or feel like you have to hustle nonstop to stay afloat, this episode gives you a calmer way to run the business. You will leave with a clear approach to stabilize your income through smarter pricing, better booking systems, and consistent marketing habits, so slow periods feel manageable instead of like an emergency. Let's connect on Instagram!

    18 min

  4. FEB 23

    The Most Automated Ways To Attract New Clients

    In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown break down how to attract new clients in ways that do not rely on constant posting, endless DMs, or putting all of your energy into one platform. If you feel like marketing takes too much effort just to maintain consistent inquiries, this conversation walks through the most automated strategies stylists can use to bring in new requests while doing less manual work day to day. Hunter explains that automation is not about disappearing from marketing entirely. It is about building systems that continue working for you in the background. From optimizing your Google and AI search visibility to creating a client experience that naturally generates word of mouth, you will hear how to shift from chasing clients to creating a business that attracts them more consistently over time. Key Takeaways: 🔎 SEO and AI optimization that works long after you log off Learn how updating your Google My Business listing, refining keywords, and using AI tools to understand how clients search can help you show up more often in both traditional and chatbot driven searches. 🧠 Client experience as an automated marketing engine Instead of relying only on social media, Hunter explains why creating a service and experience people cannot get elsewhere gives clients something worth talking about, leading to natural referrals without asking. 📲 Modern sharing systems over outdated referral programs Traditional “tell your friends for a discount” strategies feel forced today. This episode explores how to mobilize your clients to share organically in ways that feel natural and build trust faster. ✍️ Advanced automation with AI generated content and blogs For stylists ready for the next level, Hunter shares how automated blog posts and Google updates can keep your online presence active and searchable without constant manual effort. 📈 Why diversifying your client acquisition matters Relying on a single platform can create burnout and instability. Building multiple automated visibility channels creates a more sustainable flow of new client requests. Why You Should Listen: If marketing feels like a second job and you want new clients to find you without being glued to your phone, this episode gives you a clear roadmap. You will leave knowing how to combine AI optimization, a standout client experience, and smarter sharing systems to create a more automated attraction process that grows alongside your business instead of draining your time. Let's connect on Instagram!

    23 min

  5. FEB 16

    Scaling Your Revenue Without Adding More Hours or Increasing Prices

    In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown break down what to do when you are fully booked, already priced high for your area, and still want to grow your income without adding more clients, more hours, or another big price jump. If you feel like you have hit a ceiling around that next revenue level, this episode gives you tangible ways to increase profit by working smarter inside the business you already have momentum in. Hunter shares the strategies he is actively using during Mastermind onboarding calls to make sure revenue goals are actually mathematically possible for stylists who are capped by time. You will learn how to expand revenue through aligned add-ons and retail, improve service efficiency and your “profit per hour,” explore assistants or double booking in a responsible way, and consider a next level path that turns excess demand into revenue through team based scaling. Key Takeaways: 💰 Affiliate sales as a second stream that stays aligned Instead of starting a whole new business, affiliate sales can expand your audience beyond local clients while keeping the work connected to what you already do. If you already know how to get attention online and you already sell products behind the chair, this can be a strong next lever. 🧾 Raise your average ticket before you chase a new revenue stream Hunter calls this a first line of defense. Simple, profitable add-ons and consistent retail can increase revenue without adding meaningful time, and they build the business fundamentals that make other growth strategies work. ⏱️ Increase profitability by improving efficiency and “profit per hour” When time is the limiter, the question becomes which services generate the most profit per hour and how to create more room for them. This episode walks through evaluating your menu, tightening timing, and reducing downtime so your booked schedule becomes more profitable. 👥 Use an assistant to shorten service time and create capacity Adding support can help you fit in more services, explore double booking, or maintain the same income while reducing your labor. Hunter also explains why predictability and systematized timing matter before bringing in help. 🏢 Scale by adding another revenue producing person to your business If you have more demand than you can serve, bringing in another stylist can turn overflow into revenue instead of lost opportunity. Hunter shares examples from Mastermind of small scale approaches that allow growth without building a huge team. 🧠 The reality check: scaling still takes work, just a different kind Reducing chair time while maintaining income requires leadership, systems, and sometimes managing people. The payoff is building a business that is easier to sustain and less dependent on your personal labor. Why You Should Listen: If you are already booked and not interested in working nights and weekends to grow your income, this episode gives you a clear menu of strategies to scale responsibly. You will leave knowing how to increase revenue through profit per client, profit per hour, and smart leverage, while building a business that feels stable, sustainable, and not one setback away from burnout. Interested in hiring a personal salon assistant? Check out this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1896666/episodes/15182352 Let's connect on Instagram!

    22 min

  6. FEB 9

    Attracting BETTER clients

    In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown get into a problem that drains time, energy, and momentum fast: attracting clients who DM forever, ghost after you send pricing, cancel last minute, or simply are not a great fit for your chair. If you feel like you are constantly dealing with non ideal inquiries and it is making you resent the process of booking new clients, this conversation gives you a clear framework to change the type of clients you attract, starting with what you say, who you say it to, and the systems you use to qualify people before they ever book. Hunter explains that “better clients” is not a universal definition. It is something you can identify by looking at the patterns of the clients who already stay loyal, respect your process, and genuinely value your work. From there, the goal is twofold: speak more directly to the people you actually want, and build self filtering into your client journey so the wrong clients opt out on their own. You will hear how to do that through marketing language, service menu details like maintenance expectations, digital consultation forms, deposits and card on file, and objection busting content that either builds confidence or disqualifies someone upfront. Key Takeaways: 🧩 Define what “better clients” means for you Start with your real data. Look at the clients who have stayed with you long term and identify the traits they share, then work backwards from those patterns to attract more of them. 🎯 Commit to speaking to one person, not everyone When you try to water down your messaging to appeal to everyone, you stop getting anyone’s attention. This episode breaks down how to use market research and client language so your content feels like it was written for the right person. 🚦 Make non ideal clients self select out You can reduce wasted time by being clear about who your services are for and who they are not for. Hunter shares practical ways to do this through service descriptions and maintenance ranges, so clients can decide before they inquire. 📝 Use forms to qualify leads, not just collect info Digital consultation forms can do more than gather details. They can filter out one time clients, identify who is willing to follow your process, and protect your schedule from people who were never going to convert. 💳 Boundaries that signal commitment Deposits, card on file, and clear policies are not just about enforcement. They are a qualification tool that attracts clients who are serious, respectful, and ready to follow through. 🗣️ Objection busting that converts and disqualifies Hunter explains how to address the “I want to, but…” objections through FAQs and content, either removing misconceptions that stop great clients from booking or validating when someone truly is not a fit. Why You Should Listen: If you are tired of feeling like new client inquiries are a gamble, this episode gives you a step by step way to attract clients who value you, follow instructions, and actually become long term regulars. You will leave knowing how to tighten your messaging, improve your client journey, and build a simple qualification process that protects your time while making it easier for the right people to book with confidence. Let's connect on Instagram!

    27 min

  7. FEB 2

    Must-Have Automations To Stand Out From Your Competition

    In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown break down the behind the scenes systems that make a stylist feel impossible to replace. If you have big ideas for your client experience but never have the time or consistency to follow through, this episode shows how to automate the parts that matter most so your business feels high touch without being high effort. Hunter walks through four key points in the client journey where simple automations can dramatically improve response time, reduce no shows, increase retention, and create a category of one experience clients talk about. You will hear practical ways to reduce DM back and forth, speed up quoting, create a pre visit experience that builds trust before they even arrive, and follow up after appointments in a way that feels personal while still being scalable. Key Takeaways: 💬 DM systems that book faster Instead of manually rewriting the same responses, set up saved replies and simple automations so clients can get answers quickly and you can keep conversations moving toward booking. Response time is a competitive advantage, and this helps you win without living in your inbox. 📝 A new client form that eliminates the endless back and forth Hunter explains how to use a new client request form as a service, not a barrier. It collects everything you need in one place so you can quote accurately and move clients into booking without a slow question by question DM thread. 📩 Pre visit onboarding that makes you feel premium There is a quiet window between booking and the appointment that most stylists ignore. A salon welcome guide or short email sequence can answer common questions, reduce cancellations, and help clients arrive confident and excited, without you doing anything manually each time. 💌 Post visit follow up that increases retention Automated follow ups can include aftercare notes, product recommendations, and the exact timing for when they should rebook. You can also trigger reminder messages when they are due, which is especially helpful for lower maintenance clients who do not naturally stay on a consistent schedule. 📆 The 7 day check in that saves relationships A simple check in a week after the service gives clients a clear opening to share concerns directly with you instead of silently disappearing or venting elsewhere. It is one of the easiest ways to keep new clients in your chair. Why You Should Listen: If you want to stand out from your competition but you do not want to sacrifice your evenings, weekends, or mental bandwidth to do it, this episode gives you a clear automation roadmap. You will leave knowing which parts of your client experience to systematize first, how to make it feel personal, and how to create a polished, above average experience that supports higher pricing and long term loyalty. Let's connect on Instagram!

    21 min

  8. JAN 26

    How To Fire A Client Without Backlash

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

    18 min
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Teaching you how to grow your beauty business as a hairstylist or salon owner without the overwhelm by implementing modern strategies so you can reclaim time, freedom and energy from working behind the chair.

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