The Messy Hairstylist

Kelsey Morris & Abby Warther
  • 5.0 (45)
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Whether you are a mess literally OR figuratively we are here to help you take imperfect action to find your success as a hairstylist. Each week we deep dive in to tough topics to address the struggles we face in our industry. We push the boundaries, break the stereotypes and go hard against the "norms" that make us feel inferior.

  1. 11/20/2025

    Warmth Wins: Rethinking Hair Trends

    Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

    18 min

  2. 11/07/2025

    Do You Tone to Fix or to Finish?

    Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Bright hair doesn’t happen by accident; it happens when you choose your toner with purpose. We unpack a simple system that turns toning from confusing to clear: identify the true lift after the rinse, read the remaining pigment, then decide whether you’re neutralizing, refining, or enhancing. Along the way, we call out common traps—like overtone-as-habit—and share why letting a little warmth live can make blondes look shinier, cleaner, and more expensive. We dig into brand literacy with real-world examples, including how a “neutral brown blonde” can pull mahogany because of hidden red-violet undertones. You’ll hear how we study manufacturer maps, spot dominant vs secondary tones, and document formulas to avoid surprises. We also talk through timing and application that actually work behind the chair: five to ten minutes on damp hair for most clients, rapid five-minute cancels, three-minute root taps to blur lines, and leaving the face frame for the final seconds to protect brightness. If you’ve felt chained to ash or stuck glossing every highlight, this conversation opens the door to cleaner lifts, smarter zone toning, and finishes that reflect light instead of swallowing it. Expect practical takeaways you can use today: level-by-level pigment cues, when a violet shampoo beats a gloss, and how to sequence application so the warmest zones process first. Ready to shift from guesswork to craft? Follow the show, share this with a stylist who overtone-spirals, and leave a quick review to tell us your favorite toning win. Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

    23 min

  3. 10/02/2025

    The Hidden Cost of Success

    Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! We’re pulling back the curtain on what it really costs to “make it” in the salon industry. From decision fatigue and imposter syndrome to mom guilt, comparison traps, and the physical toll of staying booked and busy—we’re talking about it all. Plus, a peek into our NYC trip, a standout class in New Jersey, and how we’re redefining success in a way that actually feels good. P.S. Want The Blonde Catalyst at your salon next year? Text us with your email—we’re booking now! Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

    28 min

  4. 09/11/2025

    What Your Color Bowl Says About You

    Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! This week, we’re calling out color bowl personalities—because @domyhairdrew nailed it and we had to weigh in. If you've ever felt seen (or personally attacked) by your styling tools, this one’s for you. 🎨💀 Watch the Reel we're talking about 👉 @domyhairdrew’s post Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

    15 min

  5. 09/04/2025

    Back-to-School, Blonding & a Summer Reset

    Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Kelsey and Abby are back from summer break with fresh energy and big updates. From their new partnership with Sunlights to the back-to-school rush that’s busier than the holidays, they share real talk on balancing life, salon chaos, and smarter marketing. This one’s packed with relatable stories and tips to keep your chair full—without running discounts.🎟️ Don’t miss your chance to learn The Blonde Catalyst in Garwood, NJ on September 29th! Tickets are available now, but sales close September 14th. 👉 Grab your spot here Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

    20 min

  6. 05/15/2025

    The Education Evolution: Finding Classes in a Changing Industry

    Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Ever feel like quality hairstyling education has become impossible to find? You're not alone. After a brief podcast hiatus (our sincere apologies!), we're tackling the dramatically changed landscape of professional education while sharing our excitement about teaching at the Orlando Premiere Show. The education ecosystem has transformed over the past five years. What once felt abundant and accessible now requires more effort to discover. Through our social media research, we found stylists primarily taking classes at local distributors, bringing educators to their salons, or attending hair shows. Yet alongside these findings came frustrating comments like "classes suck" or "they're too expensive" – reflecting a broader industry challenge. We dive deep into the realities of modern education options, from distributor classes (often under $100) to salon-hosted sessions (many product companies offer these for free if you carry their line), to the renaissance of hair shows. While some lament that shows aren't what they used to be, we challenge stylists to look beyond nostalgia and recognize the incredible learning opportunities still available at both major events like Orlando and smaller regional shows. The key difference? Today's education requires more proactive pursuit. Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

    21 min

  7. 04/17/2025

    Your Hairstylist Season: Which One Are You In?

    Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! Every stylist goes through seasons—times of rapid growth, total burnout, quiet rebuilding, or big, bold change. In this episode, we’re breaking down the four phases of a stylist’s career (spring, summer, fall, and winter) and what each one can teach you. Whether you're just starting out or feeling the urge to pivot, you’ll walk away with clarity, encouragement, and ideas for how to grow through whatever season you're in. Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

    35 min

  8. 04/10/2025

    Dear Messy, Help! I'm Opening a Salon and No One's Applying.

    Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! In this “Dear Messy” episode, Abby and Kelsey team up to answer a message from a nail tech who’s opening a full salon — but struggling to find the right team. Together, they unpack practical, creative, and realistic ways to approach hiring in 2025, including: How to brand your salon to attract stylists who fitWhy building relationships is more effective than cold job postsThe power of reaching out in your local community (yes, old-school works!)Creative ideas beyond Indeed: school visits, open house, and meet & greetsStrategies for the short game and long-term growthIf you’re building a team or dreaming of opening your own salon one day, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to start strong. Got a “Dear Messy” question you want answered on the pod? Text us with the link above — we might feature you next! Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

    24 min
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5
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

Whether you are a mess literally OR figuratively we are here to help you take imperfect action to find your success as a hairstylist. Each week we deep dive in to tough topics to address the struggles we face in our industry. We push the boundaries, break the stereotypes and go hard against the "norms" that make us feel inferior.

Information

  • Creator
    Kelsey Morris & Abby Warther
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    119
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Messy Hairstylist
  • Show Website
    The Messy Hairstylist