Are you secretly giving yourself a pay cut? This week, I’m calling out one of the salon industry’s worst habits — working for free. Your costs have gone up, your rent’s gone up, your products have gone up… and if your prices haven’t, you’re quietly earning less for the same hours. It’s time to fix that.

In this episode, I’m walking you through when and how to raise your salon prices without losing clients or feeling guilty. We’ll cover what to say, how to handle pushback, and how to make sure your new prices reflect the quality you deliver every day. No drama, no apologies — just smart business and confident communication.

If you’ve been avoiding your price review, consider this your nudge to take action. You deserve to be paid properly for your time, skill, and service. Let’s make sure your next pay rise comes from you, not your clients’ good will.

🎧 Episode title: Stop Working for Free: Why It’s Time to Raise Your Salon Prices
📅 Published: 11 November 2025
🏷️ Tags: salon pricing, raise prices, salon profits, confidence, business strategy

Most salon owners wait until January to face their finances — and that’s exactly why profits slip away. In this episode, Phil Jackson reveals five powerful money moves you can make before the year ends to protect your profit and start 2026 ready to earn properly.

• How to identify your true profit — not just your turnover
• Silent costs that quietly drain your bottom line
• How to plan your 2026 price increases without losing clients
• Why reflection beats reaction when it comes to your numbers
• The simple financial routine that keeps your cash flow strong

🎧 Listen and take control of your salon’s finances before the year ends.

Time to Step Up: Ambition Isn’t a Dirty Word

Hosted by: Phil Jackson — Salon Business Coach & Founder of Build Your Salon

Follow the podcast: buildyoursalonpodcast.com

Money isn’t the only motivator — and chasing it might be what’s burning out your team.

In this episode, Phil Jackson tackles one of the toughest salon leadership challenges: keeping your team engaged and loyal when pay rises aren’t an option. Learn how recognition, honest communication, and growth opportunities can do more for morale than an extra 5% commission ever could.

What you’ll learn:
– The six real reasons people leave your salon (and it’s not about money)
– How to build loyalty through appreciation and trust
– Ways to make learning and development work on a tight budget
– How transparency creates stronger, happier teams
– When to let go of toxic or disengaged staff

Listen now and learn how to motivate your team the smart way — no pay rise required.

Next episode to explore:
How to Grow Your Salon Team Successfully

More from Phil:
queenofmemberships.com/podcast

Every missed appointment costs more than just money — it chips away at your sanity.

In this episode, Phil Jackson tackles one of the biggest profit-killers in the salon industry: no-shows and last-minute cancellations. You’ll learn how to set boundaries that make clients respect your time without awkward confrontations or guilt.

What you’ll learn:
– The 4-layer system to cut no-shows by up to 70%
– How to use deposits without losing clients
– The right reminder timing (and the words that actually work)
– How to enforce policies confidently and fairly

Whether you’re tired of chasing clients who ghost you, or you’re ready to turn chaos into calm, this episode gives you the structure you need for consistency and confidence.

Listen now and reclaim your time, your income, and your sanity.

Next episode to explore:
Salon Retail Excellence with Arif Isikgun — learn how to boost retail sales without sounding salesy.

More from Phil:
queenofmemberships.com/podcast

Where to Start with Salon Memberships (Without Overwhelming Yourself)

You’re working your socks off — long hours, juggling clients, stock orders, and marketing — yet your bank balance still doesn’t show it. Let’s fix that, darling. In this episode, I’ll walk you through how to build simple, sustainable salon memberships that create steady income without turning your business into a spreadsheet nightmare.

We’ll talk about why pricing comes first, who your ideal membership clients really are (hint: your 7s and 8s!), and how to make recurring income feel effortless.

Ready to build predictable, profitable salon income? Join my Memberships Made Easy programme and start transforming your business today.

Listen now and start your journey toward financial calm — because boring income is beautiful.

Pressure is rising in our industry—clients expect more, teams are stretched, and burnout is creeping in. In this episode, I talk with licensed therapist and workshop creator Tina Schrader about how salon professionals can protect their mental health, set healthier boundaries, and build more sustainable client relationships. Tina shares how self-regulation, emotional awareness, and team culture can transform your workday from draining to deeply rewarding.

Learn more about Tina Schrader’s workshops and therapy resources at tinapower.com.

Feeling strung out by your business? If you're juggling every task in your salon or clinic and wondering why you're completely wiped out, this episode is your wake-up call.

I’m breaking down five clear strategies to tackle burnout from the inside out—starting with the bold truth that you might be the problem (but also the fix). We’ll talk pricing, delegation, boundaries, and how to stop being everything to everyone.

It’s time to make your business feel energising again, not like it’s sucking your soul dry.

What you’ll learn:

• How to spot real burnout vs. just being tired
• Why your current pricing might be making it worse
• How to systemise and delegate like a boss
• Setting boundaries that actually stick
• One simple shift you can make this week

🎧 Listen now and reclaim your business mojo.

🔥 Also mentioned: My Memberships Made Easy programme – for steady income and less hustle. Don’t miss it.

Innovation doesn’t always mean reinventing the wheel—sometimes it means borrowing brilliance from other industries. In this episode, I’m joined by Will Hall and Arjun Saluja, the Ivy League duo behind Booko, a new salon booking software that introduces dynamic pricing to help you maximise profits and fill your appointment book with ease.

We dive into how flexible pricing—like you see with airlines and Uber—can work in your salon without annoying your clients. Whether you're drowning in demand on Saturdays or desperate to fill Tuesday mornings, this episode is packed with game-changing insights.

We talk:

• How surge and discount pricing works in a service business
• Why your empty chair is costing you more than you think
• The psychology behind client pricing decisions
• How Booko protects your margins while increasing bookings
• What it really takes to shift salon owner mindsets about business

If you’ve been craving smarter ways to run your salon like the powerhouse it is—this is your episode.

Head to bookoapp.com for the details, email Will at [email protected] or connect to the Booko team on Instagram @bookoapp.

Does it feel like every time you build the perfect team, someone hands in their notice? You're not alone. In this episode, Phil Jackson dives into why good salon staff leave—and what you can do to keep them.
From toxic culture to burnout and poor recruitment, discover the hidden reasons behind staff turnover and the practical steps you can take to build a loyal, thriving team. If you're tired of empty chairs and constant hiring headaches, this is the episode for you.

🎙️ Staying Ahead of the Game with Sue DaviesIn this episode, I’m joined by Sue Davies—editorial director of Salonpreneur Magazine and long-time salon industry mentor. We dig into the shifting landscape of salon ownership, the pitfalls of outdated business models, and the mindset shifts needed to thrive in 2025 and beyond.💡 You’ll learn:What’s really driving the salon industry’s changes (and what’s not)How younger pros are rewriting the rules of successWhere traditional education is failing us—and what to do insteadThe role of visibility, community, and continual learningWhy staying in your lane might actually hold you back🔗 Connect with Sue Davies:Instagram: @salonpreneurmagazineFacebook: facebook.com/salonpreneurmagazineLinkedIn: linkedin.com/salonpreneurmagazinePersonal Links: linktr.ee/Sue_Davies🛎️ Don’t forget to like and subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode of Build Your Salon!#SalonBusiness #SalonMarketing #BuildYourSalon #SueDavies #Salonpreneur #BeautyBusiness #SalonEducation #SalonSuccess