The Messy Hairstylist

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2035560/open_sms] Ever feel like quality hairstyling education has become impossible to find? You're not alone. After a brief podcast hiatus (our sincere apologies!), we're tackling the dramatically changed landscape of professional education while sharing our excitement about teaching at the Orlando Premiere Show. The education ecosystem has transformed over the past five years. What once felt abundant and accessible now requires more effort to discover. Through our social media research, we found stylists primarily taking classes at local distributors, bringing educators to their salons, or attending hair shows. Yet alongside these findings came frustrating comments like "classes suck" or "they're too expensive" – reflecting a broader industry challenge. We dive deep into the realities of modern education options, from distributor classes (often under $100) to salon-hosted sessions (many product companies offer these for free if you carry their line), to the renaissance of hair shows. While some lament that shows aren't what they used to be, we challenge stylists to look beyond nostalgia and recognize the incredible learning opportunities still available at both major events like Orlando and smaller regional shows. The key difference? Today's education requires more proactive pursuit. Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at https://www.instagram.com/abbywbalayage/@theabbywarther [https://www.instagram.com/theabbywarther/] Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair [https://www.instagram.com/kelseymorrishair/]

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2035560/open_sms] Every stylist goes through seasons—times of rapid growth, total burnout, quiet rebuilding, or big, bold change. In this episode, we’re breaking down the four phases of a stylist’s career (spring, summer, fall, and winter) and what each one can teach you. Whether you're just starting out or feeling the urge to pivot, you’ll walk away with clarity, encouragement, and ideas for how to grow through whatever season you're in. Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at https://www.instagram.com/abbywbalayage/@theabbywarther [https://www.instagram.com/theabbywarther/] Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair [https://www.instagram.com/kelseymorrishair/]

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2035560/open_sms] In this “Dear Messy” episode, Abby and Kelsey team up to answer a message from a nail tech who’s opening a full salon — but struggling to find the right team. Together, they unpack practical, creative, and realistic ways to approach hiring in 2025, including: * How to brand your salon to attract stylists who fit * Why building relationships is more effective than cold job posts * The power of reaching out in your local community (yes, old-school works!) * Creative ideas beyond Indeed: school visits, open house, and meet & greets * Strategies for the short game and long-term growth If you’re building a team or dreaming of opening your own salon one day, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to start strong. Got a “Dear Messy” question you want answered on the pod? Text us with the link above — we might feature you next! Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at https://www.instagram.com/abbywbalayage/@theabbywarther [https://www.instagram.com/theabbywarther/] Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair [https://www.instagram.com/kelseymorrishair/]

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2035560/open_sms] I booked 6 new clients in 2 weeks. My Protégé Stylist booked 5.  And the best part? We didn’t spend a dime on ads. In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the super simple email + social media strategy I’ve been using since December that’s finally paying off—and how using the same exact strategy helped Cede, a brand-new stylist, fill her books too. I’ll walk you through: * Why email should be your #1 marketing tool * How to repurpose your emails into consistent social content * Why repeating yourself is not annoying—it’s smart * The importance of making booking ridiculously easy If you’re stuck in a marketing rut or trying to help a new stylist grow, this is the episode to tune into. Want the insider scoop on my emails? You can subscribe to my salon email list HERE [https://abby-warther.kit.com/9d9e3391f0] and gain inspiration every week.  Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at https://www.instagram.com/abbywbalayage/@theabbywarther [https://www.instagram.com/theabbywarther/] Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair [https://www.instagram.com/kelseymorrishair/]

Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2035560/open_sms] It’s just Abby on the mic today while Kelsey is enjoying spring break with her kids—and we’re diving into a super real question from a listener: “How do I find a mentor?” Abby’s sharing how she went over 10 years in her career before finding her first true mentor and how mentorship doesn’t always look the way you expect. In this episode, you’ll learn:  • What a mentor really is (and isn’t) • Different ways to find one—even without a formal relationship • Why mentors can come from podcasts, classes, and programs • How to get the most out of the guidance you already have access to Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow in new ways, this episode will help you see mentorship from a whole new perspective. Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at https://www.instagram.com/abbywbalayage/@theabbywarther [https://www.instagram.com/theabbywarther/] Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair [https://www.instagram.com/kelseymorrishair/]