How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry

Sick of the Algorithm? Meet Spotd — Opportunity App for the Hair Industry!

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 [https://howtocutit.com/how-to-cut-it-hairdressing-industry-podcast/], and I’m joined by my fellow Spotd [https://instagram.com/getspotdapp] co-founders Richard England-Lee and Ollie Johns [https://howtocutit.com/ep203-creating-a-brand-identity-with-ollie-johns-of-zero-sugar/] to break down Spotd [https://instagram.com/getspotdapp]—our soon to launch iOS and Android opportunity platform designed for hairdressers [https://howtocutit.com/ep195-the-mindful-hairdresser-with-jordanna-cobella/], barbers [https://howtocutit.com/ep055-alan-beak-makes-great-barber/], salon owners [https://howtocutit.com/colin-mcandrew/], educators [https://howtocutit.com/become-ahair-educator-with-chris-moody/], and brands [https://howtocutit.com/your-brand/]. 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 [https://howtocutit.com/james-busby-hairdresser-tiktok/]. We’re building Spotd [https://getspotdapp.com/] in public, and your feedback matters. Want early access (and a chance to test it)? Join the waitlist at getspotdapp.com [https://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 [https://getspotdapp.com/] * CONNECT WITH SPOTD ON INSTAGRAM @GETSPOTDAPP [http://instagram.com/getspotdapp] * FOLLOW SPOTD ON TIKTOK @GETSPOTDAPP [https://www.tiktok.com/@getspotdapp] * GET TICKETS FOR HAIRCON VISIT HERE :  [https://haircon.co.uk/](USE CODE HTCI10 FOR 10% DISCOUNT) * CONNECT WITH HAIRCON ON INSTAGRAM @HAIRCONSHOW [https://instagram.com/hairconshow] * FOLLOW HOW TO CUT IT ACROSS SOCIALS @HOWTOCUTIT [https://instagram.com/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 *

EP390: The Real Business of Hair Extensions | Victoria Lynch (Remi Cachet)

Ever thought about adding hair extensions to your menu, but stopped because you’re not sure how to learn them properly, the return on investment, or whether the hair is ethically sourced? In this HTCI x Remi Cachet [https://www.remicachet.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnaJcg_keeeLLTPrtddExtNQkkYT7j3N20uIipPR8mRGFZ8k_1kYxTkhWVW3c_aem_2Q8lMES35sAcJSIlf3qjTw] partnered episode, I sit down with Remy Cachet  [https://www.instagram.com/remicachet/]founder Victoria Lynch [https://www.instagram.com/victoriaremicachet/] to get into the real questions: what responsible sourcing and sustainability actually mean in the extensions world, what salons should be asking suppliers, and where the red flags are. We also break down the learning curve—how to move from “extensions-curious” to confidently offering them as a professional service, what training should include, and why consistency, standards and support matter just as much as the hair itself. If you want to build a new revenue stream without compromising your values, this conversation will give you clarity and a practical way forward.   Chapters * 4:53: Understanding Hair Issues * 6:52: Passion for Hairdressing * 8:25: The Rise of Remi Cachet * 9:55: Ethical Considerations in Hair Extensions * 12:20: Achieving B Corp Certification * 14:51:  Sustainable Practices in Packaging * 17:17: Global Expansion Plans * 18:57: Supporting the Next Generation * 20:11: Red Flags in Choosing Suppliers * 28:23: Innovation and Adaptation in Extensions * 38:12: The Super Stylist Community * 43:55: Education and Training Changes * 49:58: Giving Back Through Change A Girl’s Life * 1:00:05: Future Aspirations and Market Growth   Resources from todays episode * FOR MORE ON REMI CACHET VISIT REMICACHET.COM [https://www.remicachet.com/account/register?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17081882767&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17081882767&gbraid=0AAAAAolJHiqSTpfqV41vbDOLOFZFhLtPZ&gclid=CjwKCAjw5NvPBhAoEiwA_2egfkMnsX7boxMS1akqX3WcKHetjtaaZJwSHREKHwbd4ewRaNr2ukIvtxoCb3UQAvD_BwE] * CONNECT WITH REMI CACHET ON INSTAGRAM @REMICACHET [https://instagram.com/remicachet] * CONNECT WITH VICTORIA ON INSTAGRAM @VICTORIAREMICACHET [https://www.instagram.com/victoriaremicachet/]

EP389: The Brutally Honest Reality of Becoming a Session Stylist with Anna Chapman

Want to become a session stylist [https://howtocutit.com/ep063-anna-cofone-what-it-really-takes-to-become-a-session-stylist/]? This episode with Anna Chapman is the practical route in — not the fantasy. I’m back in the HTCI PodShed with Anna Chapman, a leading session hair stylist with an instinctive understanding of hair and over a decade in top salons before moving into the session world [https://howtocutit.com/the-eugene-souleiman-story-podcast-special-bonus-episode/]. Todaywe’re to have real catch-up since we last spoke in 2020 podcast episode [https://howtocutit.com/ep180-anna-chapman-from-salon-hairdresser-to-international-session-stylist/]. Anna  [https://instagram.com/annachapmanhair]breaks down the actual steps to get into session work [https://howtocutit.com/rachael-gibson-hair-historian/] today: how to position yourself if you’re coming from salon, why session styling [https://sessionkit.com/] is a different job entirely, and what you need to do first to get on set. We get into the assisting ladder (what assistants really do, how to reach out, how to follow up, and how to get yourself rebooked), plus the skills that matter when the pressure’s on for major brands. Anna also shares what to post on Instagram [https://instagram.com/annachapmanhair] if you want work—how to show range, not just “glam”—and why persistence, visibility and standards are the long game. If you’re serious about building a career in session hair [https://howtocutit.com/being-session-stylist-anna-chapman/], start here.   CHAPTERS * 1:25: Breaking into Session Styling * 6:47: The Reality of Assisting * 12:21: Getting Paid as an Assistant * 15:04: Defining Session Stylists * 19:35: The Importance of Communication * 23:11: Challenges for Women in the Industry * 27:20: The Competitive Landscape * 34:33: The Path to Success * 37:49: The Importance of Apprenticeships * 43:09: The Role of Social Media * 50:26: How to Become an Assistant   RESOURCES FROM TODAYS EPISODE * FOLLOW ANNA CHAPMAN ON INSTAGRAM @ANNACHAPMANHAIR [https://instagram.com/annachapmanhair] * FOR EVERYTHING SESSION KIT CLICK HERE  [https://sessionkit.com/] * CONNECT WITH SESSION KIT ON INSTAGRAM @SESSIONKIT [https://instagram.com/sessionkit] * GET TICKETS FOR HAIRCON VISIT HERE :  [https://haircon.co.uk/](USE CODE HTCI10 FOR 10% DISCOUNT) * CONNECT WITH HAIRCON ON INSTAGRAM @HAIRCONSHOW [https://instagram.com/hairconshow] * FOLLOW HOW TO CUT IT ACROSS SOCIALS @HOWTOCUTIT [https://instagram.com/howtocutit]

EP388: James Earnshaw & Jordanna Cobella – Hair Innovations Led (What Hairdressers Need to Know)

In this weeks episode we go behind the scenes of hair colour innovation in a podcast partnership with Wella Professionals UKI [https://wella.com]. We’re joined by James Earnshaw [https://howtocutit.com/the-career-of-a-content-hairdresser-with-james-earnshaw/](Global Wella Professionals Ambassador) and Jordanna Cobella [https://howtocutit.com/wella-colour-blocking/] (award-winning salon owner and Wella Colour and Trends Ambassador) and together they’ll be breaking down what really happens when hairdressers help shape professional hair products. They’ll be talking BlondorPlex [https://www.wella.com/professional/en-EN/hair-color/blondor/blondorplex/1000#/?_k=gyspuo]developments, Ultimate Colour [https://www.wella.com/professional/en-GB/products/collections/hair-care/ultimate-color], and the real-world feedback that changes formulas, speeds up services, and improves consistency behind the chair. You’ll hear how to translate “new tech” into simple client language, protect your results between visits, and position professional products without awkward selling. If you want stronger blonding [https://howtocutit.com/daisy-goord-hair-salon-plymouth/] outcomes, cleaner toning workflows, and a smarter way to explain fade, maintenance, and pricing—this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can use in the salon straight away. Hit play and enjoy!     CHAPTERS * 3:08: Behind the Scenes with Wella Professionals * 3:16: Insights from R&D Development * 6:32: Collaboration for Product Innovation * 9:38: Creating Unique Toner Shades * 18:45: Bridging Science and Hairdressing * 21:42: The Importance of Client Communication * 22:54: Packaging and Pricing Strategies * 25:25: Understanding Color Longevity * 28:29: The Evolution of Hairdressing Careers     RESOURCES FROM TODAYS EPISODE: FOR MORE ON BLONDORPLEX CLICK HERE [https://www.wella.com/professional/en-EN/hair-color/blondor/blondorplex/1000#/?_k=qgpf2p] FOR MORE ON ULTIMATE COLOR CLICK HERE [https://www.wella.com/professional/en-US/products/collections/hair-care/ultimate-color] VISIT WELLA STORE HERE [https://www.wella.com/professional/en-GB] WELLA EDUCATION CLICK HERE [https://education.wella.com/] CONNECT WITH WELLA PROFESSIONALS UKI ON INSTAGRAM @WELLAPROFESSIONALSUKI [https://instagram.com/wellaprofessionalsuki] FOLLOW WELLA PROFESSIONALS UKI ON TIKTOK @HOUSEOFWELLAUKI [https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofwellauki] WATCH THE PODCAST INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE HERE @HOWTOCUTIT [https://youtu.be/E7b_skhD7wI?si=wLTBkVOh6JKr0IkL] CONNECT WITH HOW TO CUT IT ON INSTAGRAM @HOWTOCUTIT [https://instagram.com/howtocutit] FOLLOW HOW TO CUT IT ON TIKTOK @HOWTOCUTIT [https://www.tiktok.com/@howtocutit]

EP387: Broke, Bruised, and BACK! – Alex Walker’s No-Excuses Return to the Top

Welcome to Part 1 of a two-part series where I’m joined by Alex Walker—a Torquay-based haircutting specialist, educator and the founder of AW Hair and Alex Walker Education. We recorded this episode inside Alex’s purpose-built education studio in Torquay, Devon (UK)—a dedicated space away from the salon where hairdressers can learn through in-person sessions, small groups, and online education, while staying connected to real, commercial salon work. Alex’s journey began at 17, when he fell into hairdressing almost by accident. What started as a job became a craft. He went all-in on haircutting—especially short hair—with a mission to raise standards and help hairdressers understand the why behind what they do. We dig into the realities of ambition, rapid growth, and salon ownership—and the moment everything changed. After his businesses went into liquidation, Alex was left asking: “I haven’t got five days’ worth of clients… what am I gonna do now?” This is a powerful conversation on resilience, rebuilding, and staying commercially relevant.     CHAPTERS: * 11:11: The Journey of Self-Belief * 21:27: Transitioning from Hairdresser to Salon Owner * 22:54: The Hard Lessons of Business * 27:55: The Shift to Education * 32:34: Financial Insights and Stability * 38:30: Balancing Family and Career Dreams     RESOURCES FROM TODAYS EPISODE: * Join the waitlist for Spotd HERE [https://getspotdapp.com/] * Follow Spotd on Instagram @getspotdapp [https://instagram.com/getspotdapp] * Alex Walker Salon CLICK HERE  [https://alexwalkerhair.co.uk/] * Connect with Alex on Instagram @alexwalkereducation [https://www.instagram.com/alexwalkereducation] * Alex Walker online haircutting education HERE [https://stan.store/alexwalkerhaircutting] * For everything else Alex Walker CLICK HERE [https://linktr.ee/alexwalkerhair] * View our video podcast with Alex Walker on YouTube @howtocutit [https://www.youtube.com/@howtocutit] * Connect with How To Cut It on Instagram @howtocutit [https://instagram.com/howtocutit]