Trophy or Trap? The Truth About Hair Awards

Welcome to the first Hair Life Rewind, where we revisit highlights from past episodes. Today, we’re diving back into our chat with PR expert Sally Learmouth.In this episode you’ll learn how leveraging your salon’s USP can elevate your brand. Sally shares how she transformed freelancer Jack Howard into the “King of Balayage” with savvy PR strategies. This throwback uncovers how bold, decisive action can spark growth for your salon.Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Inspired by my 95-year-old client Leslie, who faces the physical and financial challenges of aging, Callie and I dive into whether we can afford our own futures. We question if retiring at 65 is outdated, especially for hairdressers and small business owners like us with limited pension options.With raw honesty, we unpack the emotional toll of boredom and the search for purpose in later life.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why living to 100 is more likely than ever.How small pension pots could mean working into your 80s.Why inflation and mortgages might force you to rethink downsizing or side hustles to keep your lifestyle.This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who wants to age with dignity, not desperation.Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Are hair industry awards the golden ticket for your salon or just a shiny distraction? In this episode of Hair Life, myself and Callie cut through the noise and get real about the value of chasing awards.In this episode, you’ll learn: How regional wins can amplify your local rep and turn free press into marketing wins.Why awards season can light a fire under your team, boost morale, and spark industry connections.The hidden costs—entry fees, gala tickets, and time—that can drain your focus if you’re not strategic.Packed with honest insights and practical tips, this episode is your guide to deciding whether to chase that trophy or keep your eyes on the salon floor.

Reflecting on our own childhood experiences, we reminisce about the joyous freedom we had back in the '90s, where our outdoor adventures were filled with simplicity and creativity—improvising games, exploring nature, and engaging in hands-on play without the distractions of screens.In this episode, we grapple with the question of whether today's children are, in fact, over-protected from real-life experiences, yet simultaneously under-prepared to handle the digital interactions. I share personal insights, including my son’s first dating experience and my plan to introduce a month-long family experiment to disconnect from screens.

Curious how a Netflix show can reshape your take on parenting teens today? In this episode, we dive into Adolescence—a series sparking buzz among parents and teens alike.We ask: who’s guiding kids through this digital maze—parents, schools, or tech giants?In this episode, you’ll learn:Why Adolescence hits home for parents and teens.The big questions on who shapes kids today.Real ways to spark trust and talks with teens.Raw and relatable, this episode’s for anyone navigating parenting in a digital world.Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Feel like self-doubt’s holding you back? In this episode of Hair Life, Cally and I dive into confidence, unpacking why so many of us—especially women—struggle to feel "enough." From childhood stings to social media’s comparison trap, we get real about what fuels insecurity.We go beyond the why, sharing actionable ways to grow confidence—like Cally’s self-love day or my lessons in coaching my son to stand tall. Expect honest talk on failure as growth, the pressure to do it all, and creating spaces that spark courage over comparison.In this episode, you’ll learn:Where self-doubt comes from—childhood scars, social media traps, and more.Small, actionable steps to build confidence, like power poses or saying no.How failure fuels growth and why perfection is the enemy.Ways to create environments that lift everyone up, from salons to boardrooms.Packed with real stories and practical tips, this episode is for anyone ready to quiet the inner critic and step up.Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Ever let a great idea fester in our heads too long? We’ve been there—overthinking while time slips by. In this episode we’re unpacking why doing beats hesitating, no fluff—just real talk.In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why action always outshines hesitation.  Why fear of judgement is a trap worth dodging.  Why perfect timing is a myth that’s holding us back.  Loaded with real talk and actionable steps, this episode is for anyone ready to ditch the delays and make moves.Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Money does more than pay the bills—it shapes your life. In this episode of Hair Life, we share our real, raw stories about cash, from losing it all to building successful salons.In this episode, you’ll learn:How we turn financial struggles into wins.Why money feels like a blessing and a burden.How it affects choices, relationships, and happiness.Callie’s 11-year plan to gain freedom.Nathan’s dream of sharing salon ownership with his team.With honest tales of resilience and lessons learned, this episode is perfect for salon owners or anyone ready to rethink money’s role in their life.Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

This week, we reveal the secrets to keeping clients loyal and coming back for more.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why retaining clients costs less than acquiring new ones.Why loyalty programmes increase retention.Why understanding client habits leads to loyalty.With actionable tips to maximise your revenue and build lasting client connections, this episode is a must-listen for salon owners ready to kick-start a successful year.Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

What’s ahead for your business in 2025, and how can you use the first few months to set a strong foundation? In this episode, we discuss our plans for the year and share practical tips on setting goals and preparing for challenges, including:The value of having a coachThe power of goal-settingHow small steps lead to big winsTips for maintaining a healthier work-life balanceBy using the early months of 2025 to focus on goal-setting, taking small steps, and prioritising balance, you can build a solid foundation for success.Got a question or a suggestion? Connect with us at hairlifepodcast.com.Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.