the Hello Hair Pro podcast

Jen & Todd Ford
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 2d ago

    The Salon Industry's Biggest Money Mistake [EP:247]

    Send us Fan Mail Most salon owners spend years learning how to do hair, but very little time learning how money actually works inside a business. That's a problem. In this episode, we break down some of the biggest misconceptions salon owners have about commission, pricing, profit, payroll, compensation, and financial sustainability. We talk about why so many owners make decisions based on fear instead of math, why commission percentages are often misunderstood, and how short-term thinking creates long-term problems for both owners and stylists. We also share real examples from our own salon, including conversations with staff about compensation, common mistakes we see throughout the industry, and why healthy businesses create opportunity, stability, education, and growth—not just bigger commission checks. Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others. And that starts with understanding where the money actually goes. Key Takeaways Compensation is about far more than commission rates. Pricing must support the entire business. Fear causes owners to make poor financial decisions. Commission percentages are often misunderstood. Sustainable businesses create long-term opportunities. Education and leadership are forms of compensation. Profit is necessary for growth and stability. Revenue and profit are not the same thing. Owners must understand where every dollar goes. Healthy businesses create clarity, stability, and opportunity.Time Stamps 00:00 — Intro + Brooke's haircutting education win  04:00 — Solving behavior problems as an owner  06:00 — Why compensation conversations go wrong  08:00 — Where money actually goes in a salon  10:00 — Pricing must cover the entire business  12:00 — Why copy-and-paste business models fail  15:00 — The commission rate trap  16:00 — The stylist who chose less money  18:00 — Sustainability vs percentages  20:00 — What employees actually want  22:00 — Leadership creates opportunity  25:00 — Building a compensation package  29:00 — Why owners make bad money decisions  30:00 — Fear, underpricing, and scarcity thinking  34:00 — Why hope isn't a strategy  37:00 — Compensation for owners matters too  39:00 — Why profit isn't evil  41:00 — Revenue vs profit explained  44:00 — Risk, responsibility, and ownership  47:00 — What healthy salons actually look like  49:00 — Final thoughts Links and Stuff: Our Newsletter Mentoring Inquiries Find more of our things: Instagram Hello Hair Pro Website

    50 min

  2. May 25

    Why the Salon Industry Will Do Anything But Hair [EP:246]

    Send us Fan Mail Somewhere along the way, parts of the salon industry stopped focusing on hair. Now it feels like everyone is chasing trends, distractions, aesthetics, side hustles, “luxury experiences,” influencer content, and anything else they can add to their business while ignoring the fundamentals that actually create loyal clients. In this episode, we break down why so many salons are trying to solve business problems with gimmicks rather than strengthening their services, systems, communication, and client experience. We talk about performative luxury, social media trends, weak retention, copycat marketing, hospitality vs service, client psychology, and why consistency matters far more than novelty. We also share real examples from our own salon, lessons from other industries, and the simple things that actually create long-term loyalty and trust with clients. Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others. And that starts with mastering the thing you’re actually supposed to do. Key Takeaways Many salons are focused on distractions instead of fundamentals. Clients care more about consistency than trends. Most salon marketing is aimed at other stylists, not clients. “Performative luxury” is not the same as great service. Hospitality should support the service, not replace it. Weak retention cannot be fixed with gimmicks. Copying trends is not innovation. Strong salons solve client problems directly. Relationships and communication drive long-term loyalty. Great businesses strengthen fundamentals before adding complexity.Time Stamps 00:00 — Intro + restaurant experience opening take  06:00 — “The industry will do anything but hair”  07:00 — Salons becoming coffee shops and retail stores  08:00 — Marketing to other stylists instead of clients  10:00 — Performative luxury and trend culture  12:00 — Hospitality vs actual service  13:00 — What clients really want from salons  15:00 — Why most social media content misses the mark  16:00 — Consistency creates trust  17:00 — Trends vs true innovation  18:00 — Solving client problems vs copying trends  19:00 — Why salons keep adding distractions  21:00 — Retail, candles, food, and side quests  22:00 — Lessons from the fitness industry  24:00 — Weak fundamentals and underpricing  26:00 — Discounts and attracting the wrong clients  28:00 — Why gimmicks don’t fix retention  29:00 — What actually creates long-term loyalty  31:00 — Relationships, professionalism, and communication  34:00 — Hospitality done correctly  36:00 — Consistency and predictable experiences  38:00 — Tier A salons focus on depth  40:00 — Questions salon owners should actually ask  41:00 — Weak businesses add complexity  42:00 — Final thoughts: stop avoiding the fundamentals Links and Stuff: Our Newsletter Mentoring Inquiries Find more of our things: Instagram Hello Hair Pro Website

    43 min

  3. May 18

    Lessons Salon Owners Learn the Hard Way [EP:245]

    Send us Fan Mail Most salon owners don’t fail because they aren’t working hard enough. They fail because they focus on the wrong things. In this episode, we break down some of the biggest misconceptions salon owners have about business growth, from believing more clients will solve everything, to confusing being busy with being profitable, to thinking culture happens automatically. We also talk about leadership, systems, retention, communication, pricing, long-term thinking, and why clarity matters far more than “freedom” in a salon environment. This episode is packed with lessons that most owners only learn after years of stress, burnout, mistakes, and experience. Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others. And that starts with focusing on what actually moves the business forward. Key Takeaways Great technical skill does not automatically create a successful business. More clients often amplify existing business problems. Retention matters more than random traffic. Being busy is not the same as being profitable. Owners who stay overwhelmed cannot lead effectively. Culture must be reinforced intentionally over time. Strong leadership requires difficult conversations. Clarity and expectations reduce confusion and stress. Freedom without systems creates instability. Long-term thinking shapes stronger businesses. Time Stamps 00:00 — Intro + opening takes  01:00 — Leading by example as an owner  03:00 — Why owners spread themselves too thin  05:00 — Growth without systems creates chaos  06:00 — Great hair alone doesn’t create success  08:00 — Why more clients won’t solve your problems  10:00 — Groupon clients and weak retention  11:00 — More clients amplify weak systems  14:00 — Busy doesn’t mean profitable  16:00 — The danger of overwhelmed owners  18:00 — The “messy middle” of business ownership  19:00 — Activity vs real progress  20:00 — Why culture doesn’t happen automatically  24:00 — Nice leadership vs strong leadership  27:00 — Why clarity matters more than comfort  30:00 — Freedom without structure creates problems  32:00 — What stylists actually want from leaders  35:00 — Small touch points build strong culture  36:00 — Why unhappy people rarely tell you directly  40:00 — Working harder won’t fix everything  42:00 — Long-term thinking changes everything Links and Stuff: Our Newsletter Mentoring Inquiries Find more of our things: Instagram Hello Hair Pro Website

    45 min

  4. May 11

    Salon Owners Are Solving the Wrong Problems [EP:244]

    Send us Fan Mail Salon owners everywhere are asking the same questions: “How do I hire stylists?”  “How do I fill my suites?”  “How do I attract better people?” But what if the real problem is that most salons are still trying to solve outdated problems? In this episode, we break down why the salon industry shifted so dramatically around 2020, how owners responded in ways that often made things worse, and what modern stylists are actually looking for today. We talk about overwhelm, burnout, isolation, leadership, growth, mentorship, financial instability, social media pressure, and why offering snacks, towel service, and “flexibility” isn’t enough anymore. We also share lessons from our own failures, including what went wrong in previous businesses, how we rebuilt differently with Hello Hair Co., and what we believe the strongest salons are doing right today. Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others. And that starts with solving the right problems. Key Takeaways Most salons are still trying to solve outdated industry problems. Stylists are looking for support, clarity, stability, and growth. “Freedom and flexibility” alone do not build strong businesses. Snacks, towel service, and perks are not meaningful differentiators. Isolation and burnout are major issues in modern salon culture. Strong leadership and accountability help people grow. Social media pressure is overwhelming many stylists. Growth plans and mentorship create long-term retention. Financial instability cannot be solved by simply increasing commission. Great salons remove burdens instead of just adding features.Time Stamps 00:00 — Intro + Sweetheart Dance recap  04:00 — Starbucks and the illusion of “premium” experiences  06:00 — Why salons are still solving outdated problems  08:00 — Snacks, towel service, and meaningless perks  09:00 — Isolation, burnout, and overwhelm in the industry  10:00 — Jen on closing her first salon and learning leadership  13:00 — Copycat salon culture and bad business advice  15:00 — Starting Hello differently after failure  17:00 — The “freedom and flexibility” era explained  20:00 — Why the industry misunderstood what stylists wanted  22:00 — Escaping bad leadership vs rejecting structure  23:00 — Why accountability actually helps people grow  25:00 — Social media overwhelm and unrealistic expectations  27:00 — Isolation in suites, booths, and disconnected salons  29:00 — Why growth and mentorship matter so much  31:00 — Gatekeeping knowledge hurts salons  32:00 — Commission, percentages, and financial instability  34:00 — Pressure to perform and influencer culture  36:00 — Weak commission vs weak rental salons  38:00 — Marketing your salon to attract the right people  40:00 — Features vs outcomes in salon marketing  41:00 — Removing burdens instead of adding perks  42:00 — Final thoughts: building better salon environments Links and Stuff: Our Newsletter Mentoring Inquiries Find more of our things: Instagram Hello Hair Pro Website

    44 min

  5. May 4

    Why Salon Owners and Stylists Clash (And How to Fix It) [EP:243]

    Send us Fan Mail There’s a disconnect in the salon industry. Salon owners often feel like they’re leading, building, and protecting a business, while stylists often feel controlled, underpaid, or misunderstood. In this episode, we break down why that disconnect exists and why neither side is completely wrong. We talk about money, communication, expectations, structure, fairness, and the real differences between what owners experience and what stylists see day to day. We also share real examples from our own salon, including how small misunderstandings turn into bigger problems, why transparency matters, and how better communication can completely change a team dynamic. Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others. And that starts with understanding both sides. Key Takeaways Most salon conflict comes from misunderstanding, not bad intent. Stylists often misunderstand how money flows in a business. Owners underestimate how unclear communication creates frustration. Commission is not “giving money away,” it’s structured compensation. Fairness does not mean everyone is treated the same. Structure is meant to create clarity, not control. Freedom without systems leads to burnout and inconsistency. Owners carry significantly more financial and operational risk. Small unresolved issues eventually become major culture problems. Explaining the “why” builds trust and team alignment.Time Stamps 00:00 — Intro + opening takes  01:00 — Team outing + yoga night takeaway  03:00 — Helping vs enabling in business  05:00 — Why owners and stylists misunderstand each other  06:30 — Communication breakdown between both sides  07:30 — Money misunderstandings explained  09:00 — Commission vs “giving money away” mindset  11:00 — Owner expenses most stylists never see  13:00 — Why most salons are just surviving  15:00 — Explaining money builds trust  18:00 — Fairness vs equality in salons  20:00 — Why some stylists get more opportunities  23:00 — Structure vs feeling controlled  25:00 — Why freedom without systems leads to burnout  29:00 — Effort: what owners vs stylists actually do  30:30 — Risk differences between owners and staff  33:00 — Small problems become big culture issues  37:00 — Why leaders must address issues early  39:00 — Explaining the “why” creates buy-in  42:00 — Final thoughts: bridging the gap Links and Stuff: Our Newsletter Mentoring Inquiries Find more of our things: Instagram Hello Hair Pro Website

    44 min

  6. Apr 27

    What Surprises People Most About Running a Salon [EP:242]

    Send us Fan Mail Most people mistakenly think opening a salon is about the exciting stuff. The logo. The branding. The social media. The aesthetic. The “grand opening” moment. But the truth is, the things that actually determine whether your salon succeeds are usually much less glamorous. In this episode, we break down what surprises people most about running a salon, what matters less than you think, what matters far more than expected, and why consistency, systems, leadership, and hard conversations are what truly build a business. We also talk about client fit, team culture, hiring, leadership standards, and why business growth is often slower and a lot more boring than most people imagine. Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others. And that starts with focusing on what actually matters. Key Takeaways Not every client is the right client.  Surprise and delight create stronger loyalty than discounts ever will.  Logos and aesthetics matter less than owners think.  Social media is a tool, not the foundation of a business.  Consistency creates trust with both clients and staff.  Written systems reduce repeated problems and confusion.  Reliability matters more than perfection.  Leadership behavior sets the tone for the entire salon.  Culture is built slowly through repeated standards.  Growth usually comes from small decisions repeated over time.Time Stamps 00:00 — Intro + opening takes  01:00 — Not every client is worth pursuing  04:00 — Surprise and delight moments with clients  06:00 — What surprises people about running a business  07:00 — Why logos and branding matter less than you think  08:00 — Social media obsession vs real growth  10:00 — Aesthetics clients barely notice  13:00 — Consistency matters more than perfection  14:00 — Communication + team interaction  15:00 — Systems and written expectations  16:00 — Reliability over perfection  17:00 — Leadership matters more than you realize  19:00 — Standards are easy to set, hard to hold  21:00 — Your team is everything  22:00 — Everything takes longer than expected  23:00 — Hiring and building culture takes years  26:00 — Developing people and individual growth plans  28:00 — Building systems takes time  29:00 — Why business growth feels boring  31:00 — Small decisions repeated over time  32:00 — Taking emotion out of leadership  34:00 — Final thoughts Links and Stuff: Our Newsletter Mentoring Inquiries Find more of our things: Instagram Hello Hair Pro Website

    34 min

  7. Apr 20

    Why Most Salon Decisions Don’t Lead to Growth [EP:241]

    Send us Fan Mail Salon owners make decisions every day. But not all decisions actually move the business forward. In this episode, we break down the types of decisions that truly create change inside a salon, from having hard conversations and defining standards to building systems and thinking long-term. We also share real examples from our own salon, including how small gaps in leadership can lead to bigger problems over time, and why avoiding certain decisions often creates more stress, not less. This isn’t a “how-to” episode. It’s a conversation about what actually works, based on real experience, the mistakes we’ve made, the lessons we’ve learned, and the decisions that have made the biggest difference. Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others. And that starts with making decisions that actually matter. KEY TAKEAWAYS Not all decisions create meaningful change in a salon. Avoiding hard conversations leads to bigger problems over time. Hiring out of desperation often damages culture and morale. Standards must be clearly defined to be followed. Consistency from leadership creates consistency in the team. Systems reduce chaos and decision fatigue. Short-term thinking limits long-term growth. Leadership requires clarity, not just being “nice.” Protecting your culture is part of your responsibility as an owner. Small decisions compound into major business outcomes.TIME STAMPS 00:00 — Intro + weather + episode setup  02:00 — Jen’s opening take: real education vs being “too busy”  05:00 — Todd’s opening take: staff meetings + expectations  07:30 — Why most decisions don’t create real change  09:00 — Decision 1: Stop avoiding hard conversations  13:00 — How avoiding conversations creates bigger problems  15:00 — Decision 2: Stop hiring out of desperation  18:00 — Protecting your culture and existing team  20:00 — Decision 3: Define your standards clearly  23:00 — Why vague expectations cause frustration  24:30 — Decision 4: Enforce standards consistently  26:00 — Decision 5: Build systems (stop winging it)  29:00 — Client flow, structure, and consistency  30:00 — Decision 6: Think long-term  33:00 — Short-term stress vs long-term growth  35:00 — Decision 7: Lead clearly, not just nicely  37:30 — Final thoughts + where to start Links and Stuff: Our Newsletter Mentoring Inquiries Find more of our things: Instagram Hello Hair Pro Website

    41 min

  8. Apr 13

    Why Some Salons Build Jobs And Others Build Careers [EP:240]

    Send us Fan Mail There’s a clear split happening in the salon industry. Some salons are building careers, places where stylists grow, stay long-term, and feel part of something bigger. Other salons are building jobs, places where people come and go, fill chairs, and never fully buy in. In this episode, we break down the difference between those two types of businesses and why it matters more than ever. We talk about leadership, structure, culture, and decision-making, and how small, daily choices determine whether your salon becomes a place where people build a future…or just collect a paycheck. We also share real observations from our own experience, what we’ve seen across the industry, and why many salon owners don’t intentionally choose to build “job salons”; they drift into them. Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others. And what you build is shaped by the decisions you make every day. Key Takeaways Every salon is building either jobs or careers; there is no neutral. Job salons are transactional and often reactive. Career salons are structured, intentional, and growth-focused. Short-term urgency often leads to long-term instability. Being busy doesn’t fix structural problems. The technician’s mindset limits business growth. Leadership requires new skill sets beyond technical work. Turnover is often a symptom of deeper structural issues. Systems and clarity create stability for teams. Intentional leadership determines long-term success.Time Stamps 00:00 — Opening + episode overview  01:00 — Jen’s opening take: community and volunteering  04:00 — Todd’s opening take: help-first mindset  07:00 — The split happening in the salon industry  09:00 — Job salons vs career salons defined  11:00 — Transactional environments vs team culture  13:00 — Short-term thinking vs long-term vision  15:00 — Stylist-dependent vs system-driven salons  17:00 — Why most salons default to “job mode”  19:00 — Urgency, bills, and survival decisions  21:00 — The technician’s curse explained  23:00 — The hamster wheel of reactive business  25:00 — Why “busy” doesn’t solve problems  27:00 — Career salons: structure, systems, development  29:00 — Why turnover eventually breaks businesses  31:00 — It works… until it doesn’t  33:00 — Leadership growth and accountability  35:00 — Tier A thinking and intentional leadership  37:00 — Investing in people and education  39:00 — Trust, clarity, and communication  41:00 — Ignorance vs awareness in business  43:00 — Final thoughts: build with intention Links and Stuff: Our Newsletter Mentoring Inquiries Find more of our things: Instagram Hello Hair Pro Website

    44 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jen & Todd Ford
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    247
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 the Hello Hair Pro podcast
  • Show Website
    the Hello Hair Pro podcast

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