In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown sort the myths from the metrics on what should determine your prices. If you have been told to lean on years of experience, awards, or a fancy salon vibe to justify a raise, this conversation shows you a clearer path based on demand, retention, and real numbers. You will also hear Hunter’s take on when competition matters and how to use it without copying your neighbor. 

Whether you are moving to a new city, leaving a team salon, or simply wondering if now is the time to raise prices, you will learn how to evaluate your own data first and then layer in market context so your decisions fit your business and your clients. 

Key Takeaways:

🧪 What does not set your price
 Years behind the chair, awards, and luxe amenities feel great but do not move the numbers by themselves. Look for proof that your experience is creating measurable demand and retention before using it to justify an increase. 

📊 The factors that actually count
 Demand on your time, rebooking and retention, and current booking trends are the signals that you are ready. Decisions should be grounded in data, not guesses. 

🧭 Competition used the right way
 Market rates matter most when you are new to an area or pushing a higher ceiling. Study comparable specialists and structures without crowd sourcing random price threads. 

🧮 Know your numbers first
 Compare profit by service using real timing and product cost so you can choose sustainable prices or decide when hourly makes sense for complex work. 

🔁 Smart transitions without drama
 If you leave a team salon, match existing pricing to retain clients, then recheck demand and adjust within three to six months based on your actual results. 

🧠 Ignore the noise
 Trendy advice and cute quotes are not a strategy. Use nuance and evidence to choose what serves your business right now. 

Why You Should Listen:

If pricing still feels fuzzy or emotional, this episode gives you a calm checklist for what truly matters and what does not. You will leave with a simple way to evaluate your readiness for a raise, how much to move, and how to factor in your market without second guessing every decision. 

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