EP397: Michael Douglas — Serving Consumers, or Selling Out? You Decide.

Where can a career in hair really take you? That’s the question at the heart of this episode—and why I’m sharing a special Whair To (W-H-A-I-R To) sampler with you. Whair To is the new short, punchy, question-led podcast from the soon to launch hair industry opportunity platform Spotd, built around real stories from people working across our industry. No heavy studio chat. No host. Just straight-to-the-point answers that show the many different routes a hairdressing or barbering career can open up. In this best-of selection, you’ll hear: Paul Corbett (Director of Advanced Education at Francesco Hair Salons) on going from apprentice to creative director, salon owner and international educator—and why simply showing up to events, learning from others, and committing to mentorship can change everything. Lawson Bliss on entering the industry almost by accident, finding his feet in Birmingham, and discovering that understanding the business side of hair can be the difference between a job and a long-term career—plus what it meant to open a salon with his mum. Jax Hirst (founder of the Never Just Hair Facebook group) on freelancing, running a home studio, building education and mentoring projects, and the realities of boundaries, energy, communication—and knowing when to ask for help. Rob Howes (Wella Professionals) on a journey that’s taken him from college to cruise ships, salon life and education, into digital and data—alongside a setback that taught him resilience and proved just how many directions this industry can take you. If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible in hair beyond the chair—or you’re looking for that spark of motivation—this one’s for you. And if you want the full stories, you can find the complete episodes by subscribing to Whair To? wherever you get your podcasts. Hit play, and see WHAIR hair can take you!   CHAPTERS 0:10 Podcast Intro 0:57 Introducing WHAIR To? 2:34 Spotd Launch 5:00 Paul’s Career Journey 8:56 Lawson’s Salon Story 11:14 Jax Builds Community 15:04 Rob’s Education Path 18:23 Wrap-Up   RESOURCES Learn more on Spotd by going to getspotdapp.com Connect with Spotd on Instagram @getspotdapp Listen and subscribe to WHAIR To? podcast on Apple Podcasts HERE Listen and subscribe to WHAIR To? podcast on Spotify HERE Connect with Rob Howes on Instagram @thewellahairguy Connect with Jax Hirst on Instagram @jaxrhair Connect with Lawson Bliss Instagram @lawsonbliss  Connect with Paul Corbett Instagram @paulcorbett.hairdresser

Can a hairdresser and brand truly serve both consumers and the industry? That’s the hook of this episode—and the focus of our follow-up to our most-downloaded podcast of 2025. Recorded live at HairCon, with renowned celebrity hairstylist and founder of mdlondon, Michael Douglas. Friend of the How To Cut It podcast, Michael Douglas is back to share why he’s returned to an industry event after building a consumer-led platform and launching mdlondon tools and styling products. He argues there’s no real divide between “professional” and “consumer” because it’s the same client, and says his lockdown Instagram Lives proved that sharing expertise fuels salon bookings rather than replacing them. Michael addresses the industry backlash he faced, charts mdlondon’s evolution—from a shelved cordless concept during lockdown supply issues to early sales struggles and a Black Friday turnaround—and urges hairdressers to share knowledge, go live to attract clients, and help bring new talent into the industry. This is a conversation you’ll have an opinion on, either way!   Chapters   4:19 Lockdown Consumer Pivot 11:12 Lives Build Demand 15:58 MD London Origin 18:47 Shampoo Myths 20:05 Retailing in Salons 25:22 Building the Next Generation 27:17 Breaking Into Celebrity 29:14 Education and Opportunity 31:04 Salon Partnership Deal     Resources MD London Website: mdlondon.com  MD London on Instagram: @mdlondon HairCon on Instagram @hairconshow Spotd App find out more getspotdapp.com Connect with Spotd on Instagram @getspotdapp How To Cut It on Instagram @howtocutit

Still guessing your prices? If you’re a freelance hairdresser or salon owner who feels guilty raising rates, this episode is your permission slip—and your plan. In this How To Cut It panel, Georgia Bell, Ruth Lundstrum (Freelance Suite), Samantha Toogood, and Samantha Blues reveal why hair pros undercharge and how to price with confidence. We strip emotion from money, swap rigid menus for bespoke, hair-type packages, and build pricing that covers wages, tax/VAT, profit, pensions, sick pay, education, and cancellations. Ruth busts the “clients can’t afford it” myth—spending is a choice—and shares real numbers, including intentionally outpriced services that prove value sells. Learn when to raise prices, how to stay booked, and the differences between salon and solo realities, plus the financial gaps NVQs leave behind. CHAPTERS 0:05: Pricing Playbook Kickoff 7:47: VAT, Value, and Priorities 11:19: Real Rates, Real Services 18:10: Fear, Packages, and Price Hikes 20:31: Money, Greed, and Freedom 24:40: Educate, Earn, and Level Up 25:54: Business Basics and Profit 27:34: Comfortable Living Defined 28:36: Property, Branding, and Pensions 31:16: Financial Education for All RESOURCES REGISTER TO JOIN SPOTD HERE FREELANCER SUITE CLICK HERE SAMANTHA BLUES CSI CLICK HERE GEORGIA BELL EDUCATION CLICK HERE @georgiagracebell/ @ruth__lund @samanthabluescolourcoach @toogood_hair_well_being_

In today’s episode, Dom chats with Darren Cunningham and George Waterfield, owners of Leicester’s The Secret Garden, on building a truly welcoming, LGBTQ+ inclusive salon—and why inclusion is both practical and profitable. Hear how they opened at speed, navigated Leicester’s lockdown from a family garage, and replaced “ladies/gents” with gender‑neutral, length‑ and time‑based pricing. They share lessons on risk‑taking, constant education, and turning hate toward their Pride flag into powerful community solidarity, culminating in a 140‑person drag‑queen re‑raising. Plus, their growth playbook: DMing influencers, smart pro bono collabs that led to Netflix premiere work and headline moments, and brand partnerships with L’Oréal. If you want culture, pricing, and marketing strategies that actually move the needle, this one’s for you. Hit Play!     CHAPTERS 2:36: Pricing Without Labels 5:02: Hairdressing Journeys 8:03: How They Met 9:13: Strengths In Partnership 13:01: From Idea To Salon 15:00: COVID Garage Pivot 17:46: Influencer Wins 20:26: Kate Price Event 22:57: Finding Inclusive Pricing 24:56: Gender-Neutral Pricing 28:02: Brand Impact 29:16: Hate And The Flag 30:53: Community Support Rally: 32:50: Simple Inclusion Steps 34:07: Rethinking The Menu 36:13: Awards And Brands 38:35: Saying Yes To Growth 39:41: Dreaming Bigger 43:36: Future Goals   EPISODE RESOURCES Connect with The Secret Garden on Instagram @thesecretgardenhair DISCOVER TODAY SPONSORS KERATIN COMPLEX PRODUCTS HERE

Are scary ingredient headlines warping your colour decisions? In this episode brought to you by Wella Professionals UKI, we’re joined by Ursus Schweitzer—an R&D connector who bridges the lab and the salon floor. He observes how productsare really used, then translates complex chemistry into clear, salon-ready truths. Ursus cuts through the noise and decode what’s really inside the bottle so you can make smarter choices and educate clients with confidence. You’ll learn how to separate study-based evidence from clickbait, why full formulations and purpose-built systems (including alkalizers) matter more than single “hero” or “villain” ingredients, how credible sourcing, biodegradability, and sustainability guide modern development, and practical ways to translate science into salon language. An episode perfect for hairdressers and salon owners who are ready to swap noise for knowledge. Hit play!     CHAPTERS 6:32: Why Ingredients Matter Now 10:54: Ammonia Versus MEA 16:15: The Truth About Controversial Ingredients 21:06: Talking Confidence With Clients 23:08: Busting Ammonia Myths 26:05: Responding To Ingredient Concerns 28:24: The Future Of Formulation 33:13: Curiosity Over Caution   RESOURCES FOR MORE ON WELLA EDUCATION CLICK HERE VISIT WELLA STORE HERE CONNECT WITH WELLA PROFESSIONALS UKI ON INSTAGRAM @WELLAPROFESSIONALSUKI

Are scary ingredient headlines warping your colour decisions? In this episode brought to you by Wella Professionals UKI, we’re joined by Ursus Schweitzer—an R&D connector who bridges the lab and the salon floor. He observes how productsare really used, then translates complex chemistry into clear, salon-ready truths. Ursus cuts through the noise and decode what’s really inside the bottle so you can make smarter choices and educate clients with confidence. You’ll learn how to separate study-based evidence from clickbait, why full formulations and purpose-built systems (including alkalizers) matter more than single “hero” or “villain” ingredients, how credible sourcing, biodegradability, and sustainability guide modern development, and practical ways to translate science into salon language. An episode perfect for hairdressers and salon owners who are ready to swap noise for knowledge. Hit play!     CHAPTERS 6:32: Why Ingredients Matter Now 10:54: Ammonia Versus MEA 16:15: The Truth About Controversial Ingredients 21:06: Talking Confidence With Clients 23:08: Busting Ammonia Myths 26:05: Responding To Ingredient Concerns 28:24: The Future Of Formulation 33:13: Curiosity Over Caution   RESOURCES FOR MORE ON WELLA EDUCATION CLICK HERE VISIT WELLA STORE HERE CONNECT WITH WELLA PROFESSIONALS UKI ON INSTAGRAM @WELLAPROFESSIONALSUKI

Are scary ingredient headlines warping your colour decisions? In this episode brought to you by Wella Professionals UKI, we’re joined by Ursus Schweitzer—an R&D Product Developer who bridges the lab and the salon floor. He observes how products are really used, then translates complex chemistry into clear, salon-ready truths. Ursus cuts through the noise and decode what’s really inside the bottle so you can make smarter choices and educate clients with confidence. You’ll learn how to separate study-based evidence from clickbait, why full formulations and purpose-built systems (including alkalisers) matter more than single “hero” or “villain” ingredients, how credible sourcing, biodegradability, and sustainability guide modern development, and practical ways to translate science into salon language. An episode perfect for hairdressers and salon owners who are ready to swap noise for knowledge. Hit play!   CHAPTERS 6:32: Why Ingredients Matter Now 10:54: Ammonia Versus MEA 16:15: The Truth About Controversial Ingredients 21:06: Talking Confidence With Clients 23:08: Busting Ammonia Myths 26:05: Responding To Ingredient Concerns 28:24: The Future Of Formulation 33:13: Curiosity Over Caution   RESOURCES FOR MORE ON WELLA EDUCATION CLICK HERE VISIT WELLA STORE HERE CONNECT WITH WELLA PROFESSIONALS UKI ON INSTAGRAM @WELLAPROFESSIONALSUKI

What if colour work could be approached less like guesswork and more like investigation? In this episode I'm joined by Samantha Blues, founder of Colour Science Investigation, who explains her crime-scene-style framework for helping stylists move from guessing to predicting in colour. Samantha discusses why many stylists are taught to focus on the finished look rather than what is happening inside the hair, and why hair reading, residue, underlying pigment and consultation questions are essential. She also covers toners, colour correction and the limits of relying on formulas alone, saying the goal is to build confidence, structure and better client communication. Hit Play!   CHAPTERS 5:03: Why the Industry Fails Stylists 10:10: Toning Without Panic 12:24: Samantha’s Personal Turning Point 14:43: What Makes Great Colour 15:44: Stronger Consultations, Better Results 18:19: Hidden Colour Problems Exposed 20:15: Simplifying the Science 22:24: Inside the Six-Week Course 22:56: Why This Course Matters 25:27: Finding Time to Learn 27:11: Confidence, Loyalty, and Pricing Power 30:10: Facing Embarrassment and Learning 31:22: Brand Neutral and Accessible 33:09: Why Guessing Leads to Disaster     EPISODE RESOURCES FOR ALL COURSES AND MORE WITH SAMANTHA BLUES VISIT HERE CONNECT WITH SAMANTHA ON INSTAGRAM @SAMANTHABLUESCOLOURCOACH DISCOVER TODAY SPONSORS KERATIN COMPLEX PRODUCTS HERE TICKETS TO HAIRCON CLICK HERE USE CODE HTCI10 FOR 10% DISCOUNT

What if the thing holding your career back isn't your skill—but your fear of being seen? In this episode, I break down why stage work matters for hairdressers and barbers. It builds confidence, sharpens your communication, and transforms how you show up behind the chair. I explore how performing unlocks creativity you didn't know you had. How it opens doors to educator roles, brand work, and art teams. And why live visibility still hits different in a world dominated by algorithms. I also share my own journey learning stage craft—and introduce SHAIR! UNDRGRND, a raw, unfiltered stage format I created for rising talent. Plus, I announce SHAIR! UNDRGRND at HairCon Manchester, 14-15 June. Ready to take your first step onto stage? Hit play.     EPISODE RESOURCES APPLY FOR A STAGE SPOT AT SHAIR! UNDRGRND HERE GET TICKETS TO HAIRCON HERE (USE CODE HTC10 FOR 10% OFF ALL TICKET PURCHASE) FOLLOW SHAIR! ON INSTAGRAM @WEARESHAIR CONNECT WITH DOM ON INSTAGRAM @DOMLEHANE CONNECT WITH HOW TO CUT IT ON INSTAGRAM @HOWTOCUTIT FIND OUT MORE ON TODAYS PAID SPONSORS KERATIN COMPLEX HERE     CHAPTERS 0:11: Stage Work Matters 2:41: Better Behind the Chair 4:25: Creative Freedom Onstage 4:55: Getting Noticed Live 7:01: Why Live Still Wins 7:41: My Stage Journey 9:42: Creating New Platforms 11:11 SHAIR! UNDRGRND Explained 12:16: Community and Culture 13:52: HairCon Takeover 16:52: Bigger Plans Ahead

What if your next job, chair, brand deal, or education booking didn’t come from battling an algorithm—but from one app built only for the hair industry? Meet Spotd! In this episode of How To Cut It, I’m Dom Lehane, and I’m joined by my fellow Spotd co-founders Richard England-Lee and Ollie Johns to break down Spotd—our soon to launch iOS and Android opportunity platform designed for hairdressers, barbers, salon owners, educators, and brands. We share why we built it, what problems it solves, and what you can expect at launch. Think location-based opportunity alerts, curated profiles that work like a portfolio/CV, and a cleaner, more professional way to connect—without the noise of social media. We’re building Spotd in public, and your feedback matters. Want early access (and a chance to test it)? Join the waitlist at getspotdapp.com. If you’re ready for your next big move in the hair industry—or just want to learn more—press play!     Episode Resources JOIN THE SPOTD WAITLIST: VISIT GETSPOTDAPP.COM CONNECT WITH SPOTD ON INSTAGRAM @GETSPOTDAPP FOLLOW SPOTD ON TIKTOK @GETSPOTDAPP GET TICKETS FOR HAIRCON VISIT HERE : (USE CODE HTCI10 FOR 10% DISCOUNT) CONNECT WITH HAIRCON ON INSTAGRAM @HAIRCONSHOW FOLLOW HOW TO CUT IT ACROSS SOCIALS @HOWTOCUTIT     Chapters 0:40 Introducing Spotd 2:27 Meet the Co-Founders 3:47 The Importance of Spotd 5:40 Transitioning to the Hair Industry 7:02 What Is Spotd? 8:59 Solving Industry Problems 11:58 How Does Spotd Work? 12:33 User Experience and Profiles 15:09 Opportunities and Connections 19:04 Building the App 22:43 Building In Public 25:46 Project Features 30:12 Engaging with the Community 34:57 Event Management on Spot 38:58 Future Plans for Spotd 48:15 The Game-Changing Vision