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In this episode, Todd and Jen tackle one of the biggest challenges salon owners face: staff retention.

Instead of relying on non-compete agreements or fear-based policies, they share practical, proven strategies for building a culture where stylists genuinely want to stay.

From career growth opportunities to education, mentorship, and financial transparency, you’ll hear exactly what’s worked at Hello Hair Co.—and how you can apply it in your own salon.

What you'll learn:

• Retention starts with culture and leadership, not contracts
• Define retention success as 5–10 years with your team
• Stylists leave when they see no path for growth or opportunity
• One-on-one mentorship unlocks motivation and hidden talents
• Education should be baked into your salon’s daily culture
• Invest in peer-led classes, curated outside educators, and team outings
• Celebrate staff growth beyond KPIs—focus on human value
• Transparency around money builds trust and loyalty
• Recruiting requires adapting to what new grads want today
• Freedom doesn’t have to mean isolation—community matters

Episode Timestamps

• [00:00] – Introduction + why non-competes fail
• [00:02] – Opening takes: profit myths & favorite styles from the past
• [00:07] – Strangest client requests we’ve ever had
• [00:12] – Defining staff retention: why 5–10 years is the goal
• [00:15] – Why stylists leave: lack of growth and opportunity
• [00:18] – How to create real growth paths inside your salon
• [00:20] – Battling the “booth rental is the only path” mindset
• [00:23] – One-on-ones & individualized goal-setting
• [00:25] – Spotting hidden talents and pushing people into growth
• [00:28] – Why levels and titles don’t matter—price points do
• [00:30] – Making education part of your culture (daily + curated)
• [00:33] – Staff-led classes and peer-to-peer education
• [00:35] – Investing in outside educators (the right way)
• [00:36] – Team outings via education + culture building
• [00:37] – Recognition and celebrating growth the right way
• [00:39] – Recruiting: what new grads actually want in 2025
• [00:42] – Why freedom turns into isolation for many stylists
• [00:43] – Positioning your salon as a growth environment
• [00:44] – Transparency around money and profit
• [00:46] – Closing thoughts

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