Behind the Chair & Beyond the Paycheck: Financial Basics for Hairstylists

Behind the Chair & Beyond the Paycheck: Financial Basics for Hairstylists

Beauty school taught us how to cut, color, and build clientele. It did not teach us how to build wealth. In this episode of Hair Smarter, Sarah and Sarajane sit down with financial advisor Claire Ross of Edward Jones to break down the financial basics every hairstylist and gig worker should understand. If you’re booth rent, commission, or 1099 — and you don’t have a 401(k) — this conversation is for you. We cover: * Where to start if you’ve never thought about retirement * The difference between saving and investing * What an IRA actually is (and how it works) * Retirement options for self-employed stylists * Budgeting with fluctuating income * Money myths holding hairstylists back * Simple money moves you can make this week This is not financial advice. This is financial literacy — explained clearly and without shame. Because mastery behind the chair also means sustainability beyond the paycheck. 🎧 Listen if you: * Are a hairstylist with no retirement plan * Feel overwhelmed by investing * Keep saying “I’ll start saving when I make more” * Want to build a long-term career, not just a busy year If you'd like to get in contact with Claire to discuss your own situation, goals, or opportunities, feel free to email her at Claire.ross@edwardjones.com. 💬 Join the Hair Smarter community to keep yourself educated about all things hairdressing — craft, business, boundaries, and beyond.

You’re Building an Audience—Not a Career

Social media has changed the beauty industry—but it hasn’t changed what actually builds success. In this episode, Sarah and Sarajane explore the difference between building an audience and building a sustainable career behind the chair. They break down: * Why visibility doesn’t equal skill * How attention differs from trust * What creates long-term client retention * Why service is the foundation of your career If you’ve been focusing on growing online but feel stuck behind the chair, this episode will help you refocus.

Why Most Hairstylists Quit (And How to Build a Career That Actually Lasts)

Most hairstylists don’t leave because they’re not talented—they leave because no one ever showed them how to build a sustainable career. In this episode of Hair Smarter, we break down the real truth about longevity in the hair industry—from burnout and income ceilings to what actually separates stylists who stay and thrive. We talk about: * Why 50–60% of stylists leave within 5 years * The “busy but stuck” phase no one warns you about * The income ceiling behind the chair * How mastery actually develops over time * What it takes to build a career that lasts If you’ve ever wondered how to stay in this industry and still love it, this episode is for you.

How to Find Your Muse (From a Top Model Scout)

Most hairstylists think better work comes from better technique.  But what if the real unlock… is choosing the right people? In this episode, we sit down with NYC model scout Rachel Payne—whose career has been built on identifying talent before the world sees it. From discovering models on Instagram to developing them into editorial talent, Rachel shares how she evaluates potential, approaches strangers, builds trust, and creates long-term working relationships. And the truth is—everything she does applies directly to hairstylists. If you’ve ever: * Struggled to find the right models * Defaulted to friends or “easy yes” clients * Felt creatively stuck This episode will change how you think about your work.

How to Stop Taking Everything Personally at Work as a Hairstylist

One hard client comment can stick with a stylist longer than a full day of wins. In this episode, Sarah and Sarajane talk about why hairstylists take things personally at work — and how to stop spiraling when clients, coworkers, managers, or salon dynamics hit a nerve. They break down the psychology behind it, the soft skills that help, and a simple reset tool for staying grounded behind the chair.