Salon culture looks a little different these days. With the rise of solo suites, hybrid models, and traditional commission salons all coexisting, many are wondering: is the culture we once knew gone for good? In this episode, we chat about how each model is shaping the future of salon culture, the pros and cons of each, and what it means for owners, stylists, and clients alike.

✨ Ready to build a business model that actually works for you? Click the link in the show notes to get started with SalonScale today.

We’re asking the hard question: Are you actually making money—or just fully booked and burning out? We break down the difference between salon busyness and true profitability, uncovering where most owners and stylists get it wrong when it comes to pricing, expenses, and backbar usage. You'll learn how to assess your real profit margins, why being busy doesn't always mean you're successful, and what changes you can make today to stop leaving money on the table.

Whether you're behind the chair or running the whole show, this episode will help you shift your mindset from hustle to healthy growth.

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It's about time we explore the major disconnect between how med spas and salons approach pricing—especially when it comes to variable costs like injectables vs. hair color. While med spas charge by the unit (think: 20 units of Botox = 20 units charged), many salons still guess or undercharge for the amount of color used.

We break down the core pricing equation every salon owner should understand, discuss the most common pricing mistakes that are quietly killing your profits, and offer a better way forward: parts + labor pricing.

You’ll learn:

• Why precision pricing = sustainable profit
• How to navigate fluctuating product usage
• The key to optimizing every service for maximum growth

PLUS — don’t miss our free live webinar on August 11th, where we’ll walk you through exactly how to implement this model in your salon. This is your blueprint for pricing with confidence, boosting your bottom line, and finally saying goodbye to the guesswork.

PARTS+ LABOR 101 COURSE

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Do you get the feeling that your staff mixes extra bowls of color and "forgets" to ring it in? You’re not alone—and it’s costing more than you think. In this episode, Alicia and Whitney unpack four common (but totally fixable) reasons stylists avoid charging for that extra mix. We’re shedding light on the habits that sneakily chip away at a salons profits. Whether you're a stylist or a salon owner, this episode will have you rethinking your next formula top-up.

PARTS+ LABOR 101 COURSE

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In this episode, Whitney and Alicia welcome their very first guest to the podcast—Jason Everett, founder of High Performance Salon Academy (HPSA). Together, they dive into the Profitable Backbar Method—a powerful strategy that helps salon owners turn their backbar from a cost center into a profit driver.

From real-world pricing tips to shifting your mindset around costs and leadership, Jason brings a fresh and motivating perspective on what it really takes to run a financially thriving salon. Whether you're a stylist, owner, or manager, this conversation is packed with practical advice and bold insights you don’t want to miss.

PARTS+ LABOR 101 COURSE

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From the wild idea that sparked it all to becoming a staple in salons across the world, SalonScale just turned seven! 🎉 In this special anniversary episode, Whitney and Alicia sit down to reflect on everything that’s happened over the past seven years—both in the beauty industry and behind the scenes at SalonScale.

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Running a salon can sometimes be about facing the hard truths. In this episode, we’re breaking down 6 tough pills to swallow that every salon owner needs to hear. From navigating price increases and stylist pushback to tackling expired inventory and inflation, we’re holding nothing back. If you’ve ever felt alone in the tough calls or second-guessed your leadership, this one’s for you. Because growth doesn’t happen without a few reality checks—and this episode is packed with them.

PARTS + LABOR 101 COURSE

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From roller sets and perm rods to balayage and backbar breakdowns—this week, Alicia and Whitney take you on a nostalgic (and eye-opening) journey through the eras of the salon industry. In this episode of The Parts + Labor Podcast, we explore the evolution of salon services, pricing strategies, and the rise of different business models—from traditional commission salons to the solo suite boom and the rise of hybrids. Whether you're a seasoned salon owner or a stylist just starting out, this episode offers a fresh perspective on where we've been, where we’re headed, and how to future-proof your business in every era.

PARTS+ LABOR 101 COURSE

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In this episode of The Parts and Labor Podcast, we’re getting into why the beauty industry has been one of the last to adopt technology—and what that means for salon owners and stylists today.

From streamlining pricing to personalizing the guest experience, we explore how embracing tech can transform daily operations and elevate every appointment. It’s not about replacing the artistry—it’s about empowering it.

PARTS+ LABOR 101 COURSE

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Let’s be real—introducing change in your salon can feel like walking into a storm. Stylist pushback is real. In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to handle the “but we’ve always done it this way” mindset.

Learn how to lead with confidence, get your team on board with new systems (like charging separately for color usage), and turn tension into transformation. Real talk, smart strategies, and the tough love you need to move your salon forward.

PARTS+ LABOR 101 COURSE

START YOUR FREE 14-DAY TRIAL TODAY!

BOOK A 1-1 DEMO HERE