EP360: Beyond the Grid – Sarah Louise Keane’s Journey from Struggles to Success

 Join us for Part 2 of our conversation with Sarah Louise Keane, better known on social media as @slkbleachexpert! Get ready for a journey of resilience and authenticity with Sarah's inspiring story—it's all about finding strength through personal battles and professional triumphs. Discover how hairdressing became her lifeline, the turning point of choosing sobriety, and why keeping it real on social media is her superpower. This episode is bursting with lessons for everyone in the hairdressing industry who's ever doubted themselves. Don't miss out—tune in, be inspired, and share your biggest takeaways! We want to hear from YOU. Slide into our DMs or tag us on socials @howtocutit. Let's keep this meaningful conversation alive and support each other in our amazing community! Full show notes and resources visit howtocutit.com/ep360 Visit Youtube for our previous interview with Sarah here

In this two-part series, I chat with Sarah Louise Keane (SLK), a scalp bleach expert and influencer in the hairdressing world. Co-founder of Host Manchester, Sarah has created a pioneering co-working space designed for freelance hairstylists. In this episode, we revisit her journey, dive into the challenges of creating a supportive salon space, and explore how Host Manchester redefines independence, creativity, and community for independent hairstylists. Stay tuned for part two, where Sarah shares a raw look into the pressures of success. Show notes and more at howtocutit.com/ep359 A podcast produced and published by How To Cut It Media

Dive into the heart of Sassoon with Mark Hayes, Senior International Creative Director, as we bring you a podcast recording from the House of Sassoon, Soho, London. Mark unveils its I-Conic Spring/Summer 2025 Collection, and the future of hairdressing education with Sassoon Connect. Plus discover how Vidal Sassoon’s legacy continues to shape modern hair trends, refine techniques, and inspire creativity in today’s hairdressing landscape. Hairdressers, you will gain actionable insights on merging foundational skills with contemporary styling, embracing innovation, and elevating their craft through mentorship and education. Perfect listening for fans of hairdressing, Sassoon, and all things hair! Full show notes and links from this episode can be found here: howtocutit.com/ep358

In this episode of "How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry Podcast," Katy Grimshaw, the founder of Spectrum One Salon and Academy, and Spectrum One Hair Extensions, shares her inspiring journey from a passionate freelancer to a successful salon owner, entrepreneur and innovator. Katy discusses her transition, early challenges, and the importance of continual education and high standards in the hairdressing industry and as salon owners. Later into the episode Katy highlights the significance of hair extensions as a high-ticket service for salon businesses, and offers practical tips for aspiring stylists and salon owners. The episode also features an exclusive discount code for Katy's Spectrum One Hair Extensions and courses. Join us for an engaging conversation that showcases Katy's dedication, passion, and valuable insights for success in the hairdressing community and for your salon business. For todays full episode shownotes  visit howtocutit.com

In today’s solo episode, I share my personal reflections on the evolution and future of the How To Cut It: In The Hairdressing Industry Podcast. This marks a significant milestone as we celebrate eight years of engaging content and community building. I recount how a conversation with my family at the age of 13 changed my career path from wanting to be a train driver (yes a train driver I see you smile) to embarking on a journey in hairdressing. This pivotal moment altered my career trajectory forever. Now, I’m ready to embrace a new direction for the podcast, despite the inherent fears and uncertainties that accompany change. This reflection isn’t just about reshaping the podcast; it symbolises the larger theme of embracing change to foster growth in your career and life. By sharing my personal story, I hope to illustrate the importance of taking risks and venturing into the unknown. Today, you’ll be the first to learn about my new vision for the podcast’s future. I am committed to bringing you high-caliber guests who will share their stories and expertise, panel discussions on pressing industry topics, and a monthly residency featuring diverse voices. Additionally, our new Platform Podcast episode will bring exclusive clips from the How to Cut It: Platform community platform, solo episodes, live shows, on-location recordings, and more. There are many changes coming for this award-winning podcast, myself personally, and the experiences I bring you. However, just like my early career change and the launch of this podcast eight years ago, the uncertainty won’t hold me back. At the core of it all, I remain dedicated to delivering the insights, inspiration, and information needed to elevate your hairdressing and barbering careers. Hit play, and let’s set off on this journey of change together Please note we have now moved to our new site at howtocutit.com.  Here you will find the full show notes to todays episode at howtocutit.com/ep356

Today’s guest Michael Gray has transitioned from working behind the salon chair to building a successful career as an editorial and special occasion hair stylist. His talent and passion have led him from styling beautiful brides to perfecting the looks of A-list celebrities on the red carpet and creating looks for hair brand campaigns. Michael's impressive achievements include being a regional finalist in the South East London Heat at The 2017 Wedding Industry Awards and winning first place at The Welsh Open Hairdressing Championships. Now, he's a sought-after figure in the editorial and special occasion hairstyling world. In this episode, Michael shares insights into breaking into the editorial and red carpet niches. He discusses his candid experiences, career-defining moments, and the dedication needed to succeed in this exhilarating field. Whether you dream of styling for high-fashion editorials or creating memorable looks for special events, this episode offers valuable inspiration and practical advice. This interview is part of our new monthly Out and About series, where we record interviews in exciting locations. We’re starting at The Travel Cafe in Lambeth, London—a cozy spot for an intimate and inspiring chat about all things hair. Whether you're an aspiring hairstylist looking to enter the editorial scene or passionate about red carpet glamour, this episode with Michael Gray provides tips on niching down, the importance of manifestation, and the dedication required to succeed in this glamorous yet challenging field. Please note we have now moved to our new site at howtocutit.com.  Here you will find the full show notes to todays episode at howtocutit.com/ep355

This weeks episode we sit down with the highly respected  Lorraine Matic, Insight Professional Education Manager with over 38 years of global experience in the hairdressing industry. Lorraine has a proven track record of designing transformative educational programs, events, and shows for top-tier corporate companies, distributors, and salon groups. In this episode, you’ll discover what it takes to grow your hairdressing skills from good to truly remarkable. Lorraine shares her expertise on various career pathways within the hair industry, focusing on the role of an Education Manager for a leading hair brand. She provides valuable insights on the experience and dedication required to thrive in this role. Additionally, Lorraine discusses her inspiring journey and how the hair industry has afforded her incredible travel opportunities around the world. This episode is packed with practical advice, inspiring stories, and a deep passion for education and empowerment. Don’t miss this insightful conversation that has the potential to shape the future of your career. To connect with Lorraine and explore more of her work, follow her on Instagram at @Lm_haireducation. For the shownotes and links mentioned in todays episode visit howtocutit.com/ep354

In this week’s episode, we are to be joined with Keith Owen, a renowned independent hair educator, as he shares his journey from the roots of hairdressing to becoming a respected figure in hair cutting education. Keith is to share some gold strategies for distinguishing yourself as an independent hair educator in a market saturated with talent. He emphasises the significance of understanding the 'why' behind hairdressing techniques and discusses the power of personal identity in education. You can expect valuable insights into navigating the saturated market of hair education, the importance of specialisation, and what it truly takes to become an independent hair educator. Keith also offers thoughtful advice for aspiring educators, drawing on his time at Vidal Sassoon and sharing how these experiences have shaped his evolving teaching methods. Throughout the conversation, Keith’s humour and passion bring a lively perspective to the world of hair education, making this a must-listen for anyone keen on the craft as an independent hair educator. For the shownotes and links mentioned in todays episode visit howtocutit.com/ep353

Becoming a freelance hairdresser and educator is this week’s podcast conversation with Norman Boulton—currently one of the UK’s most exciting rising stars in the hair industry. Norman, formerly a senior stylist and educator at the world famous Not Another Salon in London, recently ventured into freelance work at Glitterdoll Balayage—nestled in the vibrant heart of Highgate. We explore Norman’s decision to leave a well-known salon atmosphere and strike out on his own, a new journey of exciting opportunities and formidable challenges that lie ahead Norman discusses his recent transition into freelancing, detailing the mixture of excitement and anxiety that accompanied it. This includes a steep learning curve of managing everything from client relations to finance, as well as the omnipresent pressures of social media. This episode provides a more in-depth look at Norman’s early story and the pivotal career moments that shaped his fledgling career. Norman shares his goals and excitement for the future, his education business, touring the US and emphasising the significance of maintaining balance to avoid burnout. Join us for a conversation with Norman Boulton, who will share his invaluable advice and heartening inspiration for those contemplating or embarking on a similar path. To see the full shownotes and links mentioned in this episode, visit howtocutit.com/ep352 on our new website.

This week's episode, we've got a truly inspiring episode lined up for you in collaboration with VTCT Skills! We're diving into the world of hairdressing education with Nicola Steinbach,Business Development Manager at VTCT Skills, and Marie Nieuwoudt, Group Education Manager at Cloud Nine Hair. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one! In this episode, we’re addressing some of the biggest misconceptions about hairdressing as a career. Nicola and Marie share their insights on why our profession is so much more than just cutting, styling and colouring hair—it’s about transforming lives. They emphasise the immense satisfaction that comes from making a difference in someone’s day, hour by hour, cut by cut. A career in hair is all about the emotional and human connections that simply cannot be replaced by technology. We'll also explore the incredible potential this industry holds for those dedicated to perfecting their craft. Nicola and Marie are confident that with the right mindset and continuous learning, anyone can thrive in this dynamic field. As the episode wraps up, Nicola and Marie deliver some fantastic advice for aspiring hairdressers and barbers. They highlight the importance of embracing lifelong learning and honing those all-important communication skills. In our industry, personal connections and a passion for growth are key! Salon owners, managers, training providers, and colleges, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration just for you. Discover how VTCT Skills is shaping the future of hairdressing education and ensuring the next generations can navigate their career pathways effectively. Whether you’re nurturing new talent or advancing your own career, there’s something here for everyone. So, hit that play button and join us in celebrating an industry that’s evolving, adapting, and bursting with opportunities. Don’t forget to share your thoughts on social media, tag @howtocutit and keep the conversation going. Let’s make the future of hairdressing and barbering even brighter together!To see the full shownotes and links mentioned in this episode, visit howtocutit.com/ep351 on our new website.