328 Is Self-Employment Really the Answer for Hairdressers?

Not every hairdresser wants to be self-employed, and in this episode, I explain why that’s not only okay, but why it creates a real opportunity for salon owners to rethink what an employee-employer-based business can and should look like today.

Too often, self-employment is sold as the only path to freedom, flexibility, and financial success, without anyone stopping to talk honestly about the real costs involved.

In today's episode, I talk about what many stylists don’t calculate before they make the leap: rent, tax, product, tech, training, marketing, lost holiday pay, and the time spent working on the business instead of in it.

For plenty of people, the reality is that they end up earning about the same or less than they did as an employee, but with a lot more responsibility and pressure.

I also talk about what salon owners must do if they want to attract and keep great people in 2026 and beyond. The old rules don’t apply anymore. Being good at hair isn’t enough. If you want to build a business that thrives, you need leadership skills, business skills, and the willingness to adapt.

On a final note. Whether you are a returning listener or perhaps this is your first time, either way, thank you for trusting that we bring you the people and the insights that are needed to grow your salon business.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Welcome to the podcast

[01:00] Not everyone wants to be self-employed, and that’s okay
[01:31] Why hairdressers want teams, security, and belonging
[02:16] When self-employment is the wrong move
[02:44] The myth of “keeping all the money”
[03:32] The real expenses of working for yourself
[05:33] Freedom vs. the reality shown on social media
[05:53] Why many stylists return to employment
[07:00] Technology, the pandemic, and changing work attitudes
[07:33] Why traditional salon models started pushing people away
[08:00] Flexibility, resistance to change, and the perfect storm
[08:43] Why salon owners must adapt to survive
[09:00] Leadership, respect, and treating your team as clients
[10:00] What having a team makes possible
[11:28] Looking ahead to 2026

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Until next time!
Antony

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