How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry

Welcome to the first special episode of our August Takeover, “Women in Business.” Hosted by Samantha Cusick, owner of both Samantha Cusick salon in Notting Hill and Sta Studios.

This series shines a spotlight on the trailblazing women redefining what it means to lead in our hair industry. Kicking things off features a compelling conversation between Samantha and her special guest Ashleigh Hodges, the youngest female president of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing and founder of MASH Studios London, a creative space for freelancers.

In this insightful episode, Ashleigh shares her journey from working in her mother’s salon to becoming a leader in a male-dominated industry. Explore the challenges women face, including self-doubt and microaggressions, and discover how mentorship and community support can make a difference.

Gain valuable leadership insights as Ashleigh emphasises the importance of authenticity, creativity, and passion. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring female leaders and hairdressers!

Join Samantha again next week for more inspiring conversations celebrating women in business, with Jordanna Cobella.

Samantha Cusick salon website click HERE

Sta Studios visit sta-studios.com

Silly Little Girls Club podcast on Spotify click HERE

Samantha Cusick on Instagram @smantha.cusick

Sta Studios on Instagram @sta__studios

Fellowship for British Hairdressing visit HERE

Ashleigh Hodges on Instagram @ashleigh_hodges_hair

Ashleigh Hodges website visit HERE

Mash Creative visit mash-creative.co.uk

Celebrity hairdresser Michael Douglas joins the How To Cut It podcast in this blockbuster episode! From his early days in hairdressing to becoming a well-known TV personality (BBC1’s One Show), Instagram influencer (@mdlondon), and the partner of Davina McCall (co-host of the Making The Cut podcast), Michael’s journey has been anything but ordinary.

We explore his career-defining moments, including the controversial advice he gave on The One Show during lockdown that led to industry backlash, lost brand contracts, death threats, and an Ofcom investigation. Despite this, Michael continued to build on his true passion of helping people feel their best by becoming the leading hair care consumer-focused hairdresser, building his award-winning mdlonondon styling tools brand, sharing expert insights on his Instagram lives with his 236K Instagram loyal legion of followers, and inspiring consumers to look and feel their very best with their hair.

This raw, candid conversation highlights resilience, risk-taking, hard work, and why Michael believes bridging the gap between hairdressers and consumers is vital for the industry. Whether you’re a hairdresser seeking inspiration or just curious about his story, this episode is packed with lessons and powerful takeaways.

Don’t miss it!

In this episode brought to you by Wella Professionals UK & Ireland, we explore the resurgence of perming and texture services within the hairdressing industry, joined by experts Charlie Taylor, Sarah Mason, and Suki Supermama.

We discuss the evolution of modern perms using the relaunched Wella Perm, moving beyond their outdated 80s reputation to become a versatile, fashion-forward option that highlights personalisation and diversity in hair types. The conversation highlights the cultural influences driving younger generations towards curls and waves, the improvements in perming techniques and products, and the importance of education for stylists.

We delve into the potential for increased salon revenue through perm services and the necessity for professionals to adapt to changing client desires. Concluding on an empowering note, we emphasise that the resurgence of perms signifies a cultural shift, inviting hairdressers to embrace curls for their clients as a form of dynamic self-expression and style.

Links & Resources

Education: Contact your local Wella Studio for information on perming education.

Product information CLICK HERE

To discover the world of texture on Wella.com

Purchase full range of perming products from Wellastore

Connect with Wella Professionals UKI on Instagram @wellaprofessionlasuki

Find Wella Professionals on TikTok @wellauki

In this episode of How To Cut It In A Hairdressing Industry Podcast, I speak with Kieran Tudor, co-founder of Centred, a brand dedicated to enhancing hair health through internal wellness.  We discuss Kieran’s inspiring journey from being named British Hairdresser Newcomer of the Year to navigating personal challenges that led to the creation of Centred.

He shares the emotional impact of stress-related hair loss on his wife and how it sparked an innovative approach to hair care centered on nutrition and scalp health. Kieran also highlights the research behind Centred’s products, the importance of mentorship in the industry, and his vision for expanding the brand beyond the UK. His story emphasises the connection between personal experiences and professional growth, showcasing resilience in the pursuit of meaningful change within the hairdressing community.

LEARN MORE ON CENTRED ONLINE AT WEARECENTRED.COM

CONNECT WITH CENTRED ON INSTAGRAM @WEARECENTRED

FIND CENTRED ON FACEBOOK HERE

SEE THE FULL PODCAST EPISODE ON YOUTUBE HERE

LEARN MORE ON JOINING HTCI PLATFORM HERE

Ready to elevate your teaching skills and become a leader in hair education? In this episode, we sit down with renowned educators coach Chris Moody to explore his 5-Week Educators Training Programme, crafted specifically for hairdressers and barbers aiming to excel as standout educators.

Chris shares practical insights on simplifying content, engaging learners, building confidence, and creating transformational teaching experiences. Whether you’re just starting your journey in education or looking to sharpen your skills, this programme provides the tools and support to help you inspire and lead the next generation of hair professionals. Tune in and start your path to greatness!

How to Enrol: Enrolment details, pricing, and additional benefits are shared at the end of the episode. Don’t miss this chance to take your teaching to the next level and make a bigger impact in the hair and beauty industry.

Links & Resources:

Recorded live in front of an audience at Grid Studios, London, this How To Cut It podcast features industry icon Sophia Hilton. Sophia unveils her transformative journey, from founding the groundbreaking Not Another Salon to making the courageous decision to close it, despite its success. Sophia reflects on leadership, personal growth, and redefining success. Hear exclusive insights on her newest venture, Not Another Club, a transformative space for hairdressers worldwide. The goal? To uplift, inspire, and guide professionals as they refine their skills and navigate their careers.. This inspiring live event reminds us of the power of authenticity, embracing change, and dreaming big.

Don’t miss this landmark episode of How To Cut It—you’ll feel like you’re right there at Grid Studios, witnessing a fearless industry leader share her story like never before.

Sophia Hilton may have closed the doors of Not Another Salon, but this is just the beginning of a brand-new chapter for her—and the industry she’s dedicated her life to shaping.

For todays show notes visit HERE

For more information on and becoming a member of Not Another Club click HERE

For more information on Grid Studios London visit HERE

Special thanks to our Ollie at Smokin Mirrors. To learn more on getting branding for your hair business click HERE 

In this episode, I chat with Nicola Steinbach and Annette Tattersall about the evolving landscape of hairdressing education and essential skills for modern professionals. We discuss insights from a VTCT Skills survey, emphasising hands-on training, soft skills, and the trend of lifelong learning among newly qualified stylists.

We also explore the VTCT Skills membership platform, which is designed to support new professionals with resources and networking opportunities while highlighting the entrepreneurial aspirations of today’s learners.

This episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for anyone who wants to succeed in the hairdressing industry.

For todays show notes visit HERE

Connect with VTCT Skills on Instagram @vtctskills

Learn more on VTCT Skills online HERE

Register your interest on VTCT Skill membership platform HERE

In this episode of How To Cut It: In The Hairdressing Industry Podcast, we learn about Richard Ashforth’s prestigious new appointment to International Creative Director at Sassoon—and why he has decided to returnto the iconic brand he started with.

With over 30 years of industry experience, Richard dives into blending tradition with innovation, mentoring the next generation of stylists, and the power of continuous learning. From founding SACO Hair to creating Noise Events that push creative boundaries. Expect insights on Sassoon’s evolution, advice for aspiring hairdressers, and a dose of inspiration to elevate your craft.

Don’t miss this dynamic conversation!

For todays show notes visit HERE

Connect with Richard on Instagram @richardashforth

For more on education with Sassoon Academy CLICK HERE

Become a free member of the HTCI Platform community CLICK HERE

Become a Pro member of the HTCI Platform Community CLICK HERE

In this week’s podcast, we’re joined by transformative hair colour expert and a leader in precision consultations, Holly Fairley. Holly is to  share her journey from early struggles to becoming a top hairdressing influencer.

Learn how she uses social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to transform careers in the barbering and hairdressing industry. Holly reveals her proven strategies for standing out in the digital space and emphasises the importance of authenticity over perfection. Packed with tips for aspiring influencers and actionable advice for professionals, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow their presence in the hair industry. Tune in now to uncover Holly’s inspiring story and expert insights!

For todays show notes visit howtocutit.com/ep362

Connect with Holly on TikTok @rio_hair_hf

Connect with Holly on Instagram @_riohair_

Courses and more with Holly click here

In this episode of “How To Cut It In A Hairdressing Industry Podcast,” brought to you by Wella Professionals UKI we explore the inspiring world of  Wella Trend Vision Awards UK and Ireland , with last year’s winners, Alex White, Maggie Grant, and Corinne McNaughton.

We dive into their personal experiences leading up to the competition, discussing the critical importance of creativity, thorough preparation, and team support. Each winner shares their journey, from crafting cohesive visions to the emotional highs of the awards ceremony. We also reflect on the long-lasting effects of winning, including career advancements and mentorship, emphasising the awards’ role in fostering community within the industry.

We encourage aspiring hairstylists to participate in this exciting competition experience, highlighting the boundless opportunities for growth and recognition in the hairdressing industry. Join our guests to be inspired by the passion that drives success in the hairdressing world.