Cutting Through It | Hair Stylists, Clientele, Income, Salon, Cosmetologist

Sherri Brodie | Hairstylist, Business Coach
  • 5.0 (31)
  • Entrepreneurship

Are you a hairstylist who's doing everything right... but your chair still isn't full? Struggling to get clients, keep them coming back, or make consistent money behind the chair? Maybe you feel awkward talking to clients, unsure what to say… or wondering why it seems so much easier for everyone else. “If that’s you, you’re not alone and I want to help you understand what’s really going on. I'm Sherri, a hairstylist, educator, and business coach with over 40 years of experience. After rebuilding my salon business and clientele from scratch multiple times, I know what it takes to grow a loyal clientele and create lasting success behind the chair. In each episode, I share practical strategies for haircutting confidence, client consultations, client retention, marketing, communication, and building a profitable salon career. New episodes weekly.

  1. 18h ago

    59| How to Increase Your Income Behind the Chair: Why Salon Retail Still Matters (Even with Amazon)

    “They Can Buy It on Amazon!” How to Sell Salon Retail Without Being Pushy “I don’t bother selling retail. My clients can just buy it cheaper on Amazon.” Sound familiar? Between Amazon, Ulta, and Sephora, it’s no wonder so many hairstylists are questioning whether salon retail is even worth it anymore. And let’s be honest. Maybe you don’t like selling products because you don’t want to come across as pushy. Or maybe you’ve recommended something to a client, only to hear, “I’ll just get it online.” But what if you’re looking at retail all wrong? What if you’re leaving hundreds, even thousands, of dollars on the table without realizing it? Here’s what I believe: if you don’t have retail, you’re losing money, and you’re not being the true professional your client needs you to be. Your client trusts you with her hair. She wants you to tell her what to use at home, and to have it right there for her. In this episode of Cutting Through It, we’re talking about why salon retail is far from dead, what might really be holding you back from making retail sales, and how a few simple changes could make a big difference in your income behind the chair. Because making more money doesn’t always mean taking more clients, raising your prices, or working longer hours. In this episode, we’re talking about: ✂️ Is salon retail still worth it when clients can shop online? ✂️ Why do so many hairstylists feel uncomfortable selling products? ✂️ What do you say when a client tells you she’ll just buy it on Amazon? ✂️ How do you sell retail by educating, not selling? ✂️ Is your retail easy to buy, on your shelf and in your booking app? ✂️ Are you missing an easy way to increase your average ticket? If you’ve ever wondered how to sell more retail without feeling like a salesperson, this episode is for you. Thinking about going independent, or struggling to make enough money behind the chair? I’m looking for 10 Founding Stylists to join my Own Your Chair Like a Pro program. This is your opportunity to learn the business side of hairstyling, with training and weekly mentorship from someone who’s spent over 40 years behind the chair. Special Founding Stylist pricing is available through November 30, 2026. Learn more: https://www.onpointhairbysherri.com/own-your-chair-like-a-pro Want to hang out with me more? Come join my FREE On Point Pro Community, where I share haircutting tutorials, hairstyling tips, and advice to help you grow your skills and your business. Find the link at https://www.onpointhairbysherri.com/links Episodes mentioned: 🎧 3 Ways Hair Stylists Can Start Making More Income Without Adding More Clients 🎧 3 Secrets to Getting Clients Without Feeling Salesy as a Hair Stylist And if you know a hairstylist who’s given up on selling retail, share this episode with her! If you’re ready, let’s start cutting through it together. Cutting Through It, with Sherri Brodie

  2. Nov 2

    58| Why Being a Nice Hairstylist Is Costing You Money (And What to Do Instead)

    Why Being a Nice Hairstylist Is Costing You Money (And What to Do Instead) "Oh, it's just a quick bang trim. Don't worry about it." "She's running twenty minutes late, but I'll squeeze her in." "I can't raise my prices. My clients would leave." Sound familiar? We tell ourselves we're just being nice. We're taking care of our clients, keeping everyone happy, and trying to be the hairstylist everybody loves. But have you ever stopped to think about what all that niceness is actually costing you? Those little freebies, extra minutes, and exceptions might not seem like much at the time. But add them up over a year, and you could be giving away hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. Not to mention your time and energy! And here's the thing: Being kind to your clients and being nice at the expense of your business are two very different things. In this episode of Cutting Through It, we're talking about the habits that quietly eat away at your profits, why so many hairstylists struggle to set boundaries, and how to start making changes without feeling like you're being mean or selfish. We're talking about: ✂️ The difference between being nice and being kind behind the chair ✂️ Those little freebies that might be costing you more than you realize ✂️ Why saying yes to everything isn't always good for you—or your clients ✂️ How to handle extra services, late arrivals, and uncomfortable money conversations ✂️ Why understanding your numbers can change the way you think about pricing ✂️ How to protect your income while still giving your clients a great experience Here's something I want you to think about this week: How many times have you given something away behind the chair simply because you felt uncomfortable charging for it? Start paying attention. You might be surprised at how quickly those little things add up! And remember, my friend, you don't have to stop being kind to start running your business like a business. 📘 Thinking about going independent? If you're considering renting a chair or opening your own salon suite, there's a lot more to think about than finding the perfect space. That's why I created my FREE guide, Before You Go Independent. It walks you through nine important things to consider so you can make that move feeling more prepared and confident. Grab your free guide here: https://www.onpointhairbysherri.com/links ❤️ Let's keep the conversation going! Have you ever struggled with charging for extra services, raising your prices, or setting boundaries with clients? Come join me inside the FREE On Point Pro community! It's a place where we can ask questions, share what's happening behind the chair, and help each other grow. And yes, I'm right there with you! Join us here: https://www.onpointhairbysherri.com/links 🎧 Related episode Episode 17: Why “Being Nice” to Clients Is Not What You Think It Is: The Truth About Burnout Behind the Chair And if this episode made you think of another hairstylist who's always giving away a little too much, send it her way! If you're enjoying Cutting Through It, I'd also love it if you'd leave a rating and review. It helps other hairstylists discover the show. Cutting Through It with Sherri Brodie

  3. Oct 26

    57| Leaving Your Salon? How to Tell Your Clients So They Follow You (Without Being Sneaky)

    Leaving Your Salon? How to Tell Your Clients So They'll Follow You Thinking about leaving your salon, renting a chair, or moving into your own salon suite? One of the biggest fears hairstylists face when making a move is wondering, "Will my clients actually follow me?" I'm getting ready to move into my own salon suite on November 15th, and in this episode of Cutting Through It, I'm sharing exactly how I'm preparing for the transition, communicating with my clients, and making the move as easy as possible for everyone. Because here's something I've learned: Clients don't just follow you because you change locations. They follow you because of the trust and relationships you've built along the way. We'll also talk about the importance of leaving your current salon professionally, without burning bridges or putting your clients in an uncomfortable position. In this episode, we're talking about: Why some clients follow their hairstylist to a new salon and others don't How to choose a salon location with your clients in mind What to consider before announcing your move How to communicate your new location, booking details, and pricing Why leaving your salon professionally matters Simple ways to help your clients transition to your new space How to build the kind of client loyalty that lasts beyond a salon address Whether you're moving to a new salon, opening your first suite, or just thinking about becoming an independent hairstylist, this episode will help you prepare for that next step with more confidence. FREE RESOURCE: Before You Go Independent Thinking about renting a chair or opening your own salon suite? Grab my free Before You Go Independent guide, where I walk you through nine important things to consider before making the leap. Download your free guide: https://www.onpointhairbysherri.com/links Join the On Point Pro Community Have questions about moving salons, building your clientele, or growing your business behind the chair? Come join my free community where we can connect, share ideas, and work through the challenges hairstylists face. Join here: https://www.onpointhairbysherri.com/links If you know a hairstylist who's thinking about leaving their salon or opening a suite, share this episode with them! And don't forget to follow Cutting Through It for more honest conversations about building confidence, growing your business, and creating a career you love behind the chair.

  4. Oct 19

    56| Why Loyal Clients Quietly Leave Their Hairstylist: 3 Reasons They Get Bored (And How to Fix It)

    Why Loyal Clients Quietly Leave Their Hairstylist: 3 Reasons They Get Bored (And How to Fix It) She’s been coming to you for years. Every six weeks, like clockwork. And then one day you realize you haven’t seen her in three months. She didn’t complain. She didn’t tell you anything was wrong. She just stopped booking. And somewhere across town, she’s sitting in another stylist’s chair saying, “I love my old stylist. I just needed fresh eyes.” Clients don’t usually leave because of one bad haircut. They leave because they got bored, and nobody noticed. In this episode, I share the three things that quietly send loyal clients out the door, and what to do about each one. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✂️ Why skipping the consultation with your regulars is costing you clients ✂️ The simple questions to ask so you know she’s still happy with her hair ✂️ How a chair that gets “too personal” makes clients afraid to ask for a change ✂️ How to stay warm and friendly while keeping it professional ✂️ Why clients go looking for “fresh eyes,” and how to bring them something new ✂️ How to keep learning, and let your clients see that you’re still growing The 3 reasons loyal clients get bored: You stopped doing the consultation with your regulars. The conversation behind the chair is all personal. You stopped bringing her anything new. Your challenge this week: Pick three regular clients on your books this week. Re-consult each one like she’s new, and ask her, “Is there anything you’re getting tired of?” 📘 FREE GUIDE: Before You Go Independent Building loyal clients is what gives you choices in this career. It’s what lets you go independent someday, if that’s what you want, because the clients who follow you are the loyal ones. If you’ve been thinking about renting a chair or opening a salon suite, grab my free guide, Before You Go Independent. It’s a step-by-step guide to knowing you’re really ready. Get it here: onpointhairbysherri.com/links Have questions about this episode? Come join me in the free On Point Pro Community and bring your questions. Maybe it’s a regular you’re worried about, or a client who’s gone quiet. I’ll be happy to answer. 👉 https://www.onpointhairbysherri.com/links Episodes mentioned: 🎧 The Power of a Consultation: How to Turn First-Time Clients into Lifelong Clients 🎧 Client Consultation: The Step-by-Step Plan to Help You Keep Clients Coming Back If this episode helped you, please leave a rating and review. It helps more stylists find the show. And send it to a stylist friend who could use it. 💛 Cutting Through It, with Sherri Brodie

  5. Oct 12

    55| Wolf Cut vs Butterfly Cut How to Know Which Layered Haircut is Right for Your Client

    Wolf Cut vs. Butterfly Cut: How to Know Which Layered Haircut Is Right for Your Client Your client holds up her phone and says, “I want a wolf cut.” Or maybe it’s, “I want a butterfly cut.” Both are layered haircuts. Both are beautiful. But they give a completely different vibe. Pinterest might tell your client which one is right for her, but you’re the one who knows whether it will really work on her hair, her face, and her morning routine. In this episode, I break down the wolf cut and the butterfly cut side by side, so you can stop guessing and start choosing the right layered cut for the client in your chair. And if you’ve been doing hair as long as I have, you’ll recognize the butterfly cut. We used to call it feathering. Trends come and go, and they come back with new names. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✂️ The difference in vibe: the edgy, shaggy wolf cut vs. the soft, feminine butterfly cut ✂️ How the layers are different, and where they start on each cut ✂️ How to find where your face-framing layers should start by looking at your client’s face ✂️ Which cut works best on fine hair, thick hair, and coarse hair ✂️ Which face shapes each cut flatters most ✂️ How much daily styling each cut needs, and why that answer can decide the haircut 5 things to check before you say yes to either cut: Vibe: Is she bold and edgy, or soft and elegant? Hair type: Is it fine, thick, or coarse? Does she have natural wave? Face shape: What do you want to lengthen, soften, or widen? Length: Does she have enough hair for the cut she wants? Maintenance: Will she really style it every day? Your challenge this week: The next time a client shows you a photo of a layered haircut, run through those five checks before you pick up your shears. ⏰ Cutting with Confidence: available until October 15th My course, Cutting with Confidence, teaches you the haircutting foundations, so when a client shows you a photo, you know how to break it down and where to start. After October 15th, it will no longer be offered on its own. 🎁 BONUS: Only 5 spots left for a private session with me. You pick the haircut, whether it’s a wolf cut, a butterfly cut, or any cut you want to feel confident in, and we’ll break it down together, step by step. Get it here: https://www.onpointhairbysherri.com/cutting-with-confidence Have a question about a haircut? And hey, if there’s a haircut you’d like to ask me about, head on over to onpointhairbysherri.com/links and join the free On Point Pro Community. Ask your question there, and even upload a picture, and I’ll be happy to give you some tips. 👉 onpointhairbysherri.com/links Episodes mentioned: 🎧 Why Pixie Cuts and Short Haircuts Intimidate Hairstylists (And How to Stop Avoiding Them) 🎧 Haircutting Is the Skill That Fills Your Chair. Why Are Stylists Walking Away from It? If this episode helped you, please leave a rating and review. It helps more stylists find the show. And send it to a stylist friend who gets nervous about trending haircuts. 💛 Cutting Through It, with Sherri Brodie

  6. Oct 5

    54| Should You Stay or Should You Go? How to Know When It's Time to Leave Your Salon

    Should You Stay or Should You Go? How to Know When It's Time to Leave Your Salon In the last 10 years, I've worked in more salons than I'd like to admit. And almost every one of those moves was a mistake I could have avoided. I moved because I was unhappy. I moved because I thought the next place would be better. I even moved because I was desperate and needed somewhere to go. Now I'm moving again. Only this time, I'm paying more every month, on purpose, and I have never felt this clear in my entire career. In this episode, I share what I got wrong, what I finally did right, and the questions to ask yourself before you make a move. In this episode, you'll learn: ✂️ The three most common reasons stylists leave a salon, and where each one goes wrong ✂️ The mistakes I made moving from salon to salon, and the lesson behind each one ✂️ Why trusting your first instinct matters more than you think ✂️ The five steps I took this time: getting clear, knowing my numbers, building a plan, and negotiating ✂️ Five questions to ask yourself before you decide to stay or go Five questions before you move: Am I moving toward something, or just running away? What did my gut tell me the first time I walked in? Do I know my numbers? Can I afford this if my book stays the same for three months? Have I checked out the owner and how the business is really doing? Does this place fit where I want to be in two or three years? Memorable moment: "Every time, I was moving away from something. I was never moving toward something." ⏰ Cutting with Confidence: available until October 15th My course, Cutting with Confidence, teaches you everything you need to cut hair with confidence: the haircutting foundations, the structure, and the client consultation and communication skills that made the biggest difference in my career. After October 15th, it will no longer be offered on its own, and it will never be available at this price again. 🎁 BONUS: The first 10 people to join get a private one-hour coaching session with me (a $150 value). This is just you and me. Bring the thing you're struggling with most, whether it's a haircut you avoid, a consultation that keeps going sideways, or a book that won't fill, and we'll work through it together. Sometimes one conversation is all it takes for the lightbulb to come on. Getting clear on one thing can change the whole direction of your career. Get it here: Cutting with Confidence Course Something new is coming I'm working on a program that walks you through every step of building your business, whether you're brand new, relocating, or stepping out on your own into a chair rental or salon suite. Doors open in the next couple of months. Join the free On Point Pro Community to be the first to know: onpointhairbysherri.com/links Episodes mentioned: 🎧 You're Not Losing Your Business, You're Losing the Building: Salon Suite vs. Chair Rental, Honestly 🎧 Haircutting Is the Skill That Fills Your Chair. Why Are Stylists Walking Away From It? If this episode helped you, please leave a rating and review. It helps more stylists find the show. 💛 Cutting Through It, with Sherri Brodie

  7. Sep 28

    53| Haircutting Is the Skill That Fills Your Chair. Why Are Stylists Walking Away from It

    Haircutting Is the Skill That Fills Your Chair. Why Are Stylists Walking Away from It? Everybody needs a haircut. Not everybody needs color, extensions, or a keratin treatment. But every single person walking down the street needs a haircut, and they need one every few weeks. So why are so many stylists treating it like the service they'd rather skip? In this episode, I share why haircutting is being pushed aside in our industry, why that's actually your biggest opportunity, and how a great haircut becomes the bridge to trust, loyalty, and a fully booked chair. After more than 40 years behind the chair, I can tell you this: haircutting is the skill that built my clientele, and it can build yours too. In this episode, you'll learn: ✂️ Why haircutting is being treated as "filler," and what that's costing stylists ✂️ Why haircutting is the easiest door into your chair for new clients ✂️ The trust bridge: how a great cut turns into loyal, multi-service clients ✂️ What confident cutting actually takes, starting before you pick up your shears ✂️ One simple thing you can do this week to build your cutting confidence Memorable moment: "Haircutting isn't the service you squeeze in. It's the service that builds your whole business." Ready to cut with confidence? My course, Cutting with Confidence, teaches you step by step how to feel confident with every haircut that sits in your chair. It's only available on its own until October 15th. After that, it won't be sold separately anymore. 🎁 BONUS: The first 10 people who join get a one-hour, one-on-one coaching session with me. Get it here: onpointhairbysherri.com/links Episodes mentioned: 🎧 Why Pixie Cuts and Short Cuts Intimidate Hairstylists (and How to Stop Avoiding Them) 🎧 Consultation Mistakes That Are Costing Rebookings (Fix It This Week) Stay connected: 🌐 Website and links: onpointhairbysherri.com/links 💬 Join the free On Point Pro Community: onpointhairbysherri.com/links If this episode helped you, please leave a rating and review. It helps more stylists find the show. 💛 Cutting Through It, with Sherri Brodie

  8. Sep 21

    52| Are You Afraid to Be Seen? The Fear That's Quietly Keeping Hairstylists Invisible

    Are You Afraid to Be Seen? Have you ever wanted to ask another hairstylist for help, but stopped yourself because you were worried about how it might make you look? Or maybe you've wanted to try a new service, post your work, show your face online, share what you know, or put yourself out there in a bigger way...but then you started thinking about what everyone else might think. Sometimes the thing keeping us from growing isn't a lack of knowledge. It's the fear of being judged. In this episode of Cutting Through It, I'm sharing something personal: I thought about starting this podcast for years. And one of the things holding me back wasn't whether I could actually do it, it was knowing that my family, friends, and people who knew me were going to hear it. I had to learn something I'm still reminding myself of today: You don't have to stop being nervous before you allow yourself to be seen. We'll talk about how fear of judgment shows up behind the chair and in your business—and I'll give you a simple way to work through it when it does. You'll learn how to: Name the fear instead of letting it quietly make the decision for you Shift from "What will they think of me?" to "Who could this help?" Take one small action instead of waiting until you suddenly feel confident Because confidence doesn't always come before action. Sometimes action is how we build the confidence. Your challenge this week What's one thing you've been holding yourself back from doing because you're worried about what someone else might think? Name the fear. Think about who could benefit if you did it anyway. Then take one small step. You don't have to feel completely ready. Sometimes you just have to do it nervous. Let's keep the conversation going I'd really love to hear what you're going to do nervous. Come join me in the FREE On Point Pro community and tell me. I want this to be a place where hairstylists can ask questions, share what they're working through, learn from one another, and realize they're not the only ones figuring things out along the way. You can join the community and find all of my other resources on my Links & Resources page. While you're there, grab my FREE tutorial, Four Ways to Get Clients in Your Chair Fast, with simple, actionable steps you can start using today to help get more clients into your chair. onpointhairbysherri.com/links If this episode made you think of another hairstylist who's been holding herself back, send it to her. And make sure you follow or subscribe to Cutting Through It so you don't miss what's coming next.

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Are you a hairstylist who's doing everything right... but your chair still isn't full? Struggling to get clients, keep them coming back, or make consistent money behind the chair? Maybe you feel awkward talking to clients, unsure what to say… or wondering why it seems so much easier for everyone else. “If that’s you, you’re not alone and I want to help you understand what’s really going on. I'm Sherri, a hairstylist, educator, and business coach with over 40 years of experience. After rebuilding my salon business and clientele from scratch multiple times, I know what it takes to grow a loyal clientele and create lasting success behind the chair. In each episode, I share practical strategies for haircutting confidence, client consultations, client retention, marketing, communication, and building a profitable salon career. New episodes weekly.

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