How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry

In this weeks episode we go behind the scenes of hair colour innovation in a podcast partnership with Wella Professionals UKI. We’re joined by James Earnshaw (Global Wella Professionals Ambassador) and Jordanna Cobella (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 developments, Ultimate Colour, 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 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!

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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.

In this How To Cut It ‘Classic Rerun’ podcast recording  from April 2019, we revisit a powerful conversation with Eugene Souleiman, one of the world’s most respected session hairstylists in the fashion world.

Eugene shares his journey from humble beginnings in South East London to becoming a global icon in editorial and runway hairdressing. He reflects on training with legendary hairdresser Trevor Sorbie and explains why mastering technical skills is essential before breaking creative boundaries.

We dive into the fast-paced world of session styling — from preparing for runway shows to making quick decisions under pressure. Eugene discusses designer collaborations and why creating a complete look goes beyond just hair.

Perfect for hairdressers, session stylists, and hair artists seeking inspiration to grow their craft and think bigger creatively.

#EugeneSouleiman #SessionStylist #Hairdressing #HairPodcast #RunwayHair

We wrap up our “Next Gen Legacy” mini-series, created in collaboration with Wella Professionals UKI, with hosts Tasha Grossman (CEO, Hobbs Salons) and Tilly Capel (Operations Director, Lara Johnson Lifestyle).

In this final episode, we explore how modern salons are evolving and why ongoing education is essential to staying relevant. From guest-artist swap days to smarter training, we share practical ways to keep teams inspired and skills sharp.

We also dive into rebuilding client visit frequency post-COVID and making sure services and pricing reflect today’s expectations. Tasha shares what’s worked with subscription offers like the Blow Dry Club, while Tilly reveals plans for a retail subscription.

Throughout the conversation, we focus on what fuels sustainable growth: continuous learning, strong direction, and a community-first salon culture that keeps clients loyal and teams motivated.

Episode two of our three-part mini-series Next Gen Legacy explores leadership in family-run salon businesses. A How To Cut It podcast series in partnership with Wella Professionals UKI, this episode features its hosts Tash Grossman (CEO, HOB Salons) and Tilly Capel (Operations Director, Lara Johnson Lifestyle) on what it takes to step into authority, modernise operations, and protect a legacy.

In today’s conversation Tash opens up about moving beyond “the founder’s daughter,” driving performance, and making tough calls—including closing the HOB Camden Academy and launching a new education partnership with Wella Professionals. While Tilly reveals how feedback-led culture, flexible policies, and smart structures help retain talent and support teams.

Expect honest lessons on identity, change management, and building a salon that works for today’s clients and careers. Hit play.

Inspired by International Women’s Day, Next-Gen Legacy is a new three-part mini-series hosted by Tash Grossman and Tilly Capel, in partnership with Wella Professionals UK & Ireland. The series spotlights the next generation of female leaders modernising family-run salon businesses while protecting what makes them special.

In Episode 1, “Our Story,”Tash (CEO of HOB Salons) shares her rise from Saturday girl to leading a legacy brand. Tilly (Operations Director at Lara Johnson Lifestyle) explains why she first chose law, then returned with a fresh business mindset.

Expect honest lessons on leadership, family dynamics, team culture, and adapting to changing clients. They also discuss maintaining service standards during industry shifts, building trust across generations, and leading with confidence even when you’re not behind the chair. Practical takeaways include communication, decision-making, and creating a clear vision for sustainable growth.

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In this episode brought to you by Wella Professionals, Dom chats with Jon Walker, Education Brand Manager, and Katharina Liebner, Senior Manager of Product Development at Wella Professionals, about the intricate research and development behind new hair care products.

We explore the collaborative process that involves stylists in product creation, addressing hair damage with Wella’s Ultimate Repair line and the growing trend of “skinification.” Jon and Katharina share insights on rigorous testing protocols, the complexities of launching new products, and tease upcoming offerings.

Listening in today you will gain a deeper appreciation for the meticulous work that empowers stylists and enhances your craft.

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Kick off 2026 with Dom as he reflects on How To Cut It’s journey—from a 2017 solo start to Hairbrained Podcast of the Year 2024—and invites hairdressers, barbers, educators, and salon owners to reset, refocus, and map bold goals for the year ahead. Discover what’s next for the community: a smarter way to pause and reset, deeper education, more live events, and Spotd—an upcoming platform designed to connect you with right-fit opportunities. You’ll also hear dreams and lessons from HTCI Platform members Jacqueline Hirst, Chris Grimley, Sarah Dawes, Emma Seldon, Francesca Rivetti, and Vicky Lane.

Lastly, Dom asks you to get involved by sharing your 2026 goals by tagging Dom on Instagram @domlehane using the hashtag #mygoals2026, and join us on a fresh path of growth in a fast-changing industry.

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British hairdressing treasure Andrew Barton returns for Part 2 as he celebrates 40 years behind the chair and beyond. In this episode with Andrew, we dig into his education philosophy, how he keeps standards high, and the mindset that’s powered him from prime-time TV to today’s social-first world.

Andrew lifts the lid on Split Ends with Andrew and Olga—his storytelling podcast born from his anti-bullying advocacy—and why purpose, service and great communication are the future of salon success. He shares candid reflections on brand, consultancy, mentoring the next generation, and the projects giving him fresh energy. Plus: a must-hear big news announcement. If you’re a salon owner, educator or creative pro, this episode is packed with practical insight, inspiration and heart. Listen now.

Celebrating 40 years in hairdressing, British icon Andrew Barton joins Dom Lehane to share the mindset, craft and stories that shaped one of the UK’s most loved hairdressers.

From his Yorkshire apprenticeship and the mantra “never accept OK,” to winning British Hairdresser of the Year and defining a signature of healthy, shiny, glamorous hair, Andrew unpacks what lasting success behind the chair really takes. Recorded at Andrew’s Brighton home, expect candid insights on confidence, education, elevating the narrative of hairdressing, and why the salon remains his true north.

If you’re a hair pro or just love great hair, this is essential listening. Get ready for Part Two next week. Search How To Cut It to subscribe. Listen now.

1:52: Celebrating Andrew Barton’s 40 Years

Andrew Barton on Instagram @andrew_barton_hair