Connect with Lacie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacie.kushniruk/

Clients are craving more than a great outcome. They want an experience that helps them feel connected, seen, and excited about who they are. In this episode, Jodie sits down with Lacey Kushner to talk about experience-based salon services and the innovation hairstylists can use to stand out in 2026 and beyond.

Lacey breaks down her concept color coding, inspired by the viral color seasons trend, and explains how turning consultation into a paid, high-touch experience can lead to stronger confidence behind the chair, higher pre-booking rates, bigger average tickets, and a referral wave you can actually feel.

In this episode, we cover

1. The industry shift toward experience-based and connective services
2. Why “different is better than better” is the real play for stylists right now
3. How Lacey created color coding using warm, neutral, and cool draping
4. Why this process helps clients “see themselves” in a new way
5. The confidence boost this creates for newer stylists and apprentices
6. The marketing results Lacey saw after running a color coding ad
7. How a paid consultation service can convert into bigger transformations
8. Why mapping out a client’s next few hair moves increases retention

The results Lacey shares

1. She had to shut off an ad early because demand spiked so quickly
2. A significant portion of new clients booked their next appointment on the spot
3. Pre-booking increased over time, especially for newer stylists
4. Average ticket size rose as clients committed to bigger changes

What is color coding

Color coding is a 30 to 45 minute paid service where the client is draped in white and guided through a swatching process to identify warm, neutral, or cool tones that best highlight their features. The goal is to create clarity, confidence, and a visual “aha” moment that makes future hair decisions easier and more exciting.

Resources and links

1. Learn more about color coding: saloncoding.com
2. Connect with Lacey: Lacey.Kushner on social platforms

If you loved this episode

Share it with a stylist friend who’s ready to stand out in 2026 and wants a more elevated client experience behind the chair.