In this episode of Trendy with Kim Allison, Kim sits down with salon owner and educator Erin Ray for a candid conversation about the beauty industry, social media, and what it takes to build a career behind the chair that actually lasts. Erin shares pieces of her journey into hairstyling later in life and brings her signature no-nonsense perspective to topics many stylists think about but rarely say out loud. From salon culture to the realities of the industry today, this episode blends honesty, humor, and a few spicy moments you won’t want to miss.

✨ Erin Ray – Salon Owner, Educator & Founder of The Business of Blend

Owner of Obsidian Salon | Bethel, Connecticut

IG: @erinrayhair

Website: www.erinrayhair.com

🛍️ Shop Virtue Labs through my link:

www.virtuelabs.com/en/stylist/Kim-Allison

✅ Subscribe for more conversations with the voices reshaping the beauty industry.

Click Here For More Info: https://linktr.ee/TrendywithKimAllison

– Listen on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast platforms.

– Follow @trendywkimallison on Instagram and TikTok.

In this episode of Trendy with Kim Allison, Kim sits down with Gloria Tabi — author, researcher, and natural hair advocate from Sydney, Australia.

Gloria shares her powerful journey of wearing wigs for over 25 years before finally embracing her natural hair and reclaiming her identity. Together, Kim and Gloria discuss hair freedom, cultural conditioning, systemic bias around Black hair, and the deeper meaning behind Gloria’s book “Enough.”

This conversation explores what it truly means to show up as your authentic self — without apology.

Gloria also shares the mission behind her foundation Enable Women Africa, which works to challenge hair discrimination and inspire the next generation of women to embrace their natural beauty.

✨ Gloria Tabi – Author, TedX Speaker & Natural Hair Advocate

Based in Sydney, Australia

IG: @gloriabinks

LinkedIn: Gloria Tabi

Website: www.enablewomenafrica.com

Gloria's Book

Enough: How One Woman’s Truth Became a Roadmap for Change:

https://www.amazon.com/ENOUGH-Womans-Became-Roadmap-Change-ebook/dp/B0FSLC1GFS

TIME STAMPS:

0:00 - Intro – Meet Gloria Tabi

1:39 - Gloria’s Journey: Ghana to Australia

5:51 - Wearing Wigs for 25 Years in Professional Spaces

10:46 - The Pressure Black Women Face Around Hair

16:02 - The Moment Gloria Took Off the Wig

19:07 - Why People Misunderstand Natural Hair

22:21 - Hair Discrimination & Systemic Bias

27:28 - Are Women Moving Toward Self-Acceptance?

31:48 - Gloria’s Book “Enough”

36:36 - The First Time Gloria Went Out Without a Wig

41:40 - The Mission Behind Enable Women Africa

46:36 - Hair Freedom Expo in Sydney

51:47 - Rapid Fire Questions with Gloria

53:39 - What “Enough” Really Means

54:45 - Where to Find Gloria Tabi

TITLE:

Why Your Hair Is Thinning After 40 (And What Actually Helps)

DESCRIPTION:

If you’re over 40 and your hair feels thinner, drier, or just different - you’re not imagining it.

In this solo episode, I share what menopause has actually done to my hair at 58: thinning, breakage, gray growth, and density changes - and what I’m doing about it.

Here are the supplements and hair products I’m personally using and discussing in this episode:

http://bit.ly/4kYgEhA

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Always consult your doctor before starting any supplements, especially during menopause or if you have underlying health conditions.

🛍️ Shop Virtue Labs through my link:

www.virtuelabs.com/en/stylist/Kim-Allison

✅ Subscribe for more conversations with the voices reshaping the beauty industry.

Click Here For More Info: https://linktr.ee/TrendywithKimAllison

– Listen on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast platforms.

– Follow @trendywkimallison on Instagram and TikTok.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Hair Changes After 40

04:00 Why My Density Changed

07:00 Labs To Request From Your Doctor

09:00 Supplements I’m Taking

16:00 Breakage From Ponytails + Wigs

20:00 Tools I Swear By

30:00 Considering K-Tips

36:00 Gray Coverage Strategy

In this episode of Trendy with Kim Allison, Kim sits down with Hunter Donia to talk pricing strategy, salon culture, SEO, AI, and what it really takes to build a sustainable beauty business.

From emotional pricing and gender-neutral models to client boundaries and long-term trust, this conversation is a real look at how modern stylists can grow, adapt, and thrive in today’s industry.

✨ Hunter Donia – Salon growth strategist, educator & speaker

Host of The Modern Hairstylist podcast

Based in the U.S.

IG: @hairbyhunty

Podcast: The Modern Hairstylist

Website: hunterdonia.com

🛍️ Shop Virtue Labs through my link:

www.virtuelabs.com/en/stylist/Kim-Allison

✅ Subscribe for more conversations with the voices reshaping the beauty industry.

Click Here For More Info: https://linktr.ee/TrendywithKimAllison

– Listen on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast platforms.

– Follow @trendywkimallison on Instagram and TikTok.

TIME STAMPS:

00:14 — Intro + welcome back

04:21 — Emotional pricing + gender-neutral pricing

09:47 — Price-per-minute debate + package pricing solution

14:05 — Suites vs salons + the community shift

20:16 — Social media vs SEO + how AI is changing search

27:45 — AI in business: what to use, what to avoid

37:26 — Sponsor: Virtue Labs

39:48 — Game begins: “Say It To My Face” role-play

45:40 — Price shock + trust-building response

50:05 — When to refuse a service for hair health + saying no professionally

53:45 — Where to find Hunter + outro

In this episode of Trendy with Kim Allison, special guest Kym Jones aka Tweet joins the conversation to break down the real truths about the hair industry.

From rising prices and healthy hair goals to protective styles, scalp care, and social media expectations, the hosts dive into what clients need to understand and what stylists wish more people knew. They talk about why education matters, how consultations build trust, and why not every stylist is trained for every texture.

If you’ve ever wondered why services cost what they do, how to truly maintain healthy hair, or how social media is shaping beauty standards, this episode is for you.

✨ Kym Jones aka Tweet – Master Stylist & Owner of Salon Kym Belle

Based in Tampa, FL

IG: @tweet_the_stylist

Facebook: Tweet “The Stylist”

Website: www.salonkymbelle.com

🛍️ Shop Virtue Labs through my link:

www.virtuelabs.com/en/stylist/Kim-Allison

✅ Subscribe for more conversations with the voices reshaping the beauty industry.

Click Here For More Info: https://linktr.ee/TrendywithKimAllison

– Listen on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast platforms.

– Follow @trendywkimallison on Instagram and TikTok.

TIME STAMPS:

0:14 – Intro + cheers vibe + answering real hair questions

1:05 – Guest intro: Kym “Tweet” Jones (20+ years, Salon Kym Belle, Tampa)

2:50 – Pricing conversation: why salon services cost more now

9:30 – Social media impact on client expectations

18:59 – Shift to hair health discussion

20:44 – Oil for dry scalp? Myth vs reality

31:53 – How often should you shampoo?

36:16 – Do protective styles actually protect?

41:42 – Role play: DIY bangs + box dye disaster

46:05 – Role play: Skeptical client afraid of extensions

51:19 – Fine hair vs thick hair explained

52:47 – Why curly-cut specialists don’t cut all curl types

58:53 – Closing + where to find Tweet

In this episode, Kim Allison sits down with master blonding specialist Amy Whitaker to unpack what blonde really looks like in 2026. From the shift away from icy, over-toned hair to the rise of buttercream, teddy bear, and cashmere glow blondes, they explain why healthy, expensive-looking hair is the new standard of luxury.

They dive into what clients are Googling, how to navigate the anti-ash conversation, and why warmth is no longer something to fear—along with bigger industry topics like silent appointments, luxury service expectations, and professional boundaries behind the chair.

The episode also features two fan-favorite games, Fix the Formula and The Consultation Carousel, plus real client questions on hair porosity, multi-session blonding, and how hair history impacts results.

A must-watch for stylists and clients who want honest insight into modern hair and luxury salon culture.

✨ Amy Whitaker – Master blonding specialist and Owner of Trend Lab Salon

Based in San Antonio, TX

IG: @hairbyamyw

TikTok: @hairbyamyw

🛍️ Shop Virtue Labs through my link:

www.virtuelabs.com/en/stylist/Kim-Allison

✅ Subscribe for more conversations with the voices reshaping the beauty industry.

Click Here For More Info: https://linktr.ee/TrendywithKimAllison

– Listen on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast platforms.

– Follow @trendywkimallison on Instagram and TikTok.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – Blonde in 2026: From icy trends to healthy, luxury hair

01:10 – Buttercream, teddy bear & cashmere glow blondes explained

04:10 – Why ash tones age the face (the “gray construction paper” rule)

06:20 – Modern money piece placement & lower-maintenance blonding

08:15 – Luxury hair services & evolving client expectations

09:15 – Silent appointments: helpful or harmful for long services?

14:30 – Professional boundaries: why clients aren’t your friends

18:10 – Product spotlight: Virtue Labs & real hair repair science

20:30 – Game: Fix the Formula (high-risk blonding scenario)

23:50 – Game: Consultation Carousel (TikTok-inspired client myths)

27:15 – DIY hair hacks vs licensed professionals

32:20 – Client Q&A: What hair porosity really means

36:15 – Why some hair lifts in one session—and others don’t

43:25 – Where to find Amy & closing thoughts

In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest and UK hairdresser Joseph I’Anson for a real conversation on salon pricing, client expectations, and being worth what you charge — UK vs US style.

We talk luxury hair tools (are they actually worth it?), pro product favorites, education, boundaries, and why respect for the craft matters. Plus, we have some fun with British Slang: Hairdresser Edition and answer real client questions to wrap it up.

Insightful, funny, and full of pro tips you can actually use.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share.

✨ Joseph I’Anson – Multi award-winning hairdresser, bridal & hair-up specialist

Based in the UK

IG: @josephianson

🛍️ Shop Virtue Labs through my link:

www.virtuelabs.com/en/stylist/Kim-Allison

✅ Subscribe for more conversations with the voices reshaping the beauty industry.

Click Here For More Info: https://linktr.ee/TrendywithKimAllison

– Listen on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast platforms.

– Follow @trendywkimallison on Instagram and TikTok.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – Welcome & Joseph I’Anson returns

03:00 – UK vs US salon pricing & client pushback

07:00 – Respect, worth & entrepreneurship in the hair industry

12:00 – Education, training & why struggle creates better stylists

15:00 – Trendy Game: British Slang – Hairdresser Edition 🇬🇧

24:00 – Are luxury hair tools actually worth it?

30:00 – Pro tools vs at-home tools & heat education

33:00 – Virtue Labs sponsor segment

35:00 – Joseph’s Fab Five favorite tools & products

45:00 – Bridal luxury tips & finishing techniques

50:00 – Client questions (yes… including that one 😅)

53:00 – Traveling clients, gray coverage & maintenance tips

56:00 – Where to find Joseph & closing thoughts

In today’s episode, I sit down with New York stylist Amanda Hyson for an honest, no sugarcoating conversation about the real cost of doing hair. We break down price shaming vs price transparency, why pricing models have changed, and what clients do not see behind the chair. Education, tools, product inflation, policies, and physical wear on the body all factor into the price. Amanda shares her journey from beauty school to booth rent, how social media became a second job, and the moment she finally charged what her work was worth. This episode is for stylists who feel the pressure and for clients who want to better understand what they are really paying for.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro and meet Amanda Hyson

In this episode, I’m joined by celebrity hairstylist Luis Miller for an honest, unfiltered conversation about hair pricing, professionalism, and why the industry is constantly being told we “charge too much.” Together, we break down client entitlement, transparency behind the chair, luxury service standards, and the real cost of education, experience, and expertise. This episode is about respect, boundaries, and understanding the value of the work we do. If you’ve ever questioned pricing in the beauty industry, this conversation is for you.

🛍️ Shop Virtue Labs through my link:

www.virtuelabs.com/en/stylist/Kim-Allison

✅ Subscribe for more conversations with the voices reshaping the beauty industry.

Click Here For More Info: https://linktr.ee/TrendywithKimAllison

– Listen on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast platforms.

– Follow @trendywkimallison on Instagram and TikTok.

In this episode, I am joined by Greg Gilmore, colorist, educator, and brand ambassador for Moroccan Oil, for an honest, thought-provoking conversation about the current state of the hair industry. We talk about the growing disconnect between brands and professional stylists, why hair care is making a comeback, the role of social media in shaping fundamentals, and what’s being lost as salon culture continues to shift. Greg also shares his perspective on relaxers returning, education turning into content, pricing versus experience, and what true legacy in this industry really means. This episode is a must-watch for stylists who care about longevity, integrity, and the future of the profession.

✨ Greg Gilmore – Master colorist, educator & brand ambassador for Moroccan Oil – Based in Atlanta, GA

IG: @greg_gilmore

TikTok: @thegtouch

YouTube: Greg Gilmore Artistry

Website: www.modernhairitage.com

✅ Subscribe for more conversations with the voices reshaping the beauty industry.

Click Here For More Info: https://linktr.ee/TrendywithKimAllison

– Listen on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast platforms.

– Follow @trendywkimallison on Instagram and TikTok.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – Intro

00:15 – Meet Greg Gilmore

01:16 – What the industry is getting wrong

04:00 – Brands vs professional stylists

07:30 – Why clients still need experts

10:00 – Hair care, texture & relaxers returning

13:00 – Say It With Your Chest

13:05 – Skills vs branding

16:00 – Pricing, luxury & value

19:00 – Social media & lost fundamentals

24:00 – Black hair culture & representation

31:30 – Education vs content

35:30 – Longevity vs relevance

38:00 – Is the industry chaotic?

48:00 – What salon culture has lost

54:00 – Greg’s legacy & purpose

01:02:15 – Booked or Bounced

01:05:15 – What’s next for Greg

01:06:25 – Closing/Where to find Greg

01:06:55 – Outro