“Show me the data; a person without data is just another person with an opinion.” - W. Edwards Deming

In some areas of the hair and beauty sector, there is a lot of accurate data. But in other areas, there’s a lot of opinion and perception. And while I can be as guilty of that as anyone, it’s also important to separate fact from fiction. 

My guest on today's podcast is Gordon Miller, who always has a good overview of what’s happening in the hairdressing industry from a business perspective.  

Gordon has held many different roles throughout his career, and today he is the Chief Engagement Officer of Hairbrained (hairbrained.me).

Although our conversation today is based primarily on trends and data from the United States, most of it has relevance no matter where in the world you are based.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

• What the data says about how the industry is in a post covid world
• The current trends in evolving business models
• The changes happening to the professional retail model…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[03:57] Gordon shares an overview of his career in the hairdressing industry. 

[10:24] The problem of “fake beauty news.”

[11:45] What the data tells us about the current state of the hairdressing industry (you may be pleasantly surprised by the answer!).

[14:48] Examples of the various niches that exist within the salon industry, and the importance of acknowledging the differences between them. 

[19:18] Staff turnover in the hairdressing industry, and how to deal with it better.  

[23:41] Surprising findings from the Professional Beauty Association’s fall 2021 report. 

[26:15] Data around the shift from salon to suite models in the post-COVID era.  

[31:36] How the mindset of employees in the salon industry differs from employees in other industries. 

[33:43] The approximate percentage of salons that reopened after the pandemic. 

[33:59] Gordon’s thoughts on why the suite model has gained traction in recent years although it has been around for a long time. 

[38:53] Trends that Gordon has noticed taking place in the blowdry bar and barber shop spaces. 

[44:56] The future of the salon industry through Gordon’s eyes.

[52:00] The percentage of hairdressers who work less than 30 hours a week. 

[59:06] Comparing how different population groups have responded to changes that have taken place in the retail space since the pandemic, and what this likely means for salon retail. 

Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  

They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. 

I also love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Just click here to review, scroll to the bottom, tap “Ratings and Reviews” tap to rate with 5 stars and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you for your support! 

Special thanks to Gordon for sharing his insights with me for this week’s episode. Until next time! 

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business 

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Hairbrained

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