The Hair Game

Hosted by Salon Republic

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Episodes

646

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The Hair Game is a series brought to you by Salon Republic and hosted by founder Eric Taylor, who, after 25 yrs in the hair game, has seen a lot of s#!@ go down. We go deep with the beauty industry's most interesting players, we educate and tell stories about the things you care about, and we get into the business side of the game so you can earn more and keep more. Also check out the video content on salonrepublic.com/thehairgame.

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60 recent

August 31, 2026Episode 44755 min

Ep. 447 • How Breaking the Rules Can Transform Your Style w/ Bethanie Jean

Stylist, interior designer, style expert, and author @bethaniejeanofficial shares her unique journey through the beauty and design industries, exploring how personal style, creativity, and individuality shape the way we see ourselves and connect with others. Bethanie dives into the philosophy of self-expression, breaking traditional fashion and hair rules, and finding confidence in your own unique aesthetic. She also shares insights on creativity, client relationships, social media, and the importance of balancing style with real life. This Week's Topics • Bethanie Jean's Journey from Hairstylist to Interior Designer, Style Expert, and Author • The Philosophy of Personal Style as a Form of Self-Expression • Breaking Traditional Fashion and Hair Rules • Building Confidence Through Individual Style Choices • The Importance of Creativity and Individuality in Hair Artistry • Collaborating With Clients to Create a Style That Feels Authentic to Them • The Impact of Social Media on Beauty Standards and Personal Style • Balancing Aesthetics, Comfort, and Lifestyle • Building Strong Client Relationships Through Trust and Communication • Embracing Your Uniqueness in the Beauty and Fashion Industries Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist. Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes! Here's what you do: Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)! Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most! Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance! FOLLOW US @thehairgamepodcast @salonrepublic @loveerictaylor FOLLOW BETHANIE @bethaniejeanofficial

August 31, 2026Episode 4474 min

HIGHLIGHTS • How Breaking the Rules Can Transform Your Style w/ Bethanie Jean

These are clips highlighting some of the topics discussed in the full episode! Check it out if you want a bite-sized version of the full episode. Stylist, interior designer, style expert, and author @bethaniejeanofficial shares her unique journey through the beauty and design industries, exploring how personal style, creativity, and individuality shape the way we see ourselves and connect with others. Bethanie dives into the philosophy of self-expression, breaking traditional fashion and hair rules, and finding confidence in your own unique aesthetic. She also shares insights on creativity, client relationships, social media, and the importance of balancing style with real life. This Week's Topics • Bethanie Jean's Journey from Hairstylist to Interior Designer, Style Expert, and Author • The Philosophy of Personal Style as a Form of Self-Expression • Breaking Traditional Fashion and Hair Rules • Building Confidence Through Individual Style Choices • The Importance of Creativity and Individuality in Hair Artistry • Collaborating With Clients to Create a Style That Feels Authentic to Them • The Impact of Social Media on Beauty Standards and Personal Style • Balancing Aesthetics, Comfort, and Lifestyle • Building Strong Client Relationships Through Trust and Communication • Embracing Your Uniqueness in the Beauty and Fashion Industries Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist. Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes! Here's what you do: Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)! Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most! Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance! FOLLOW US @thehairgamepodcast @salonrepublic @loveerictaylor FOLLOW BETHANIE @bethaniejeanofficial

August 17, 2026Episode 4461 hr 6 min

Ep. 446 • How to Master Social Media Marketing Behind the Chair w/ Tyler Carlson

Scissor cutting specialist, hair educator, and entrepreneur @tylerrcarlson shares his journey from Massachusetts to Huntington Beach, California, where he built a new clientele from scratch in just six months. Tyler discusses the power of social media, finding your niche, rebooking clients, pricing with confidence, and creating a strong client experience. He also shares valuable insights on staying consistent, understanding your value, and navigating the challenges of building a successful career in the hair industry. This Week's Topics • Tyler's Journey from Massachusetts to California and Building a New Clientele • The Challenges and Rewards of Starting Over in a New Market • Using Social Media to Attract the Right Clients and Grow Your Business • Finding Your Niche and Marketing Specifically to Your Ideal Client • The Importance of Consistency in Content Creation and Marketing • Rebooking Strategies and Building Long-Term Client Relationships • Understanding Your Value and Developing a Confident Pricing Strategy • The Role of Education, Growth, and Continued Learning in the Hair Industry • Overcoming Industry Challenges and Staying Authentic in Your Business Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist. Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes! Here's what you do: Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)! Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most! Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance! FOLLOW US @thehairgamepodcast @salonrepublic @loveerictaylor FOLLOW TYLER @tylerrcarlson For information on Tyler's upcoming 2-Day Hands-On Precision Cutting Course in Boston, MA on September 20–21 , as well as additional education and business mentorship opportunities, visit tylercarlsonhair.com .

August 17, 2026Episode 4464 min

HIGHLIGHTS • How to Master Social Media Marketing Behind the Chair w/ Tyler Carlson

These are clips highlighting some of the topics discussed in the full episode! Check it out if you want a bite-sized version of the full episode. Scissor cutting specialist, hair educator, and entrepreneur @tylerrcarlson shares his journey from Massachusetts to Huntington Beach, California, where he built a new clientele from scratch in just six months. Tyler discusses the power of social media, finding your niche, rebooking clients, pricing with confidence, and creating a strong client experience. He also shares valuable insights on staying consistent, understanding your value, and navigating the challenges of building a successful career in the hair industry. This Week's Topics • Tyler's Journey from Massachusetts to California and Building a New Clientele • The Challenges and Rewards of Starting Over in a New Market • Using Social Media to Attract the Right Clients and Grow Your Business • Finding Your Niche and Marketing Specifically to Your Ideal Client • The Importance of Consistency in Content Creation and Marketing • Rebooking Strategies and Building Long-Term Client Relationships • Understanding Your Value and Developing a Confident Pricing Strategy • The Role of Education, Growth, and Continued Learning in the Hair Industry • Overcoming Industry Challenges and Staying Authentic in Your Business Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist. Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes! Here's what you do: Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)! Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most! Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance! FOLLOW US @thehairgamepodcast @salonrepublic @loveerictaylor FOLLOW TYLER @tylerrcarlson For information on Tyler's upcoming 2-Day Hands-On Precision Cutting Course in Boston, MA on September 20–21 , as well as additional education and business mentorship opportunities, visit tylercarlsonhair.com .

August 3, 2026Episode 44541 min

Ep. 445 • Why Embracing Discomfort Is the Key to Growth in the Beauty Industry w/ Donovan Mills

Hairstylist, educator, and entrepreneur @donovanmillshair shares his journey from a small town in Oregon to building a successful career in Los Angeles. Donovan discusses the importance of hard work, taking risks, embracing discomfort, and continuously evolving in the beauty industry. He shares valuable insights on building a clientele organically, mastering hair extensions, navigating multiple salon locations, and creating meaningful connections with clients while growing as a beauty professional. This Week's Topics • Donovan's Journey and Growth as a Hairstylist in the Beauty Industry • The Challenges and Rewards of Working Across Multiple Salon Locations • Embracing Discomfort as a Pathway to Growth • Taking Risks and Creating New Opportunities in the Beauty Industry • The Importance of Persistence, Passion, and Consistency • Overcoming Challenges and Finding Your Purpose Behind the Chair • The Importance of Education, Growth, and Evolving as a Beauty Professional • Words of Wisdom and Encouragement for the Next Generation of Hairstylists Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist. Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes! Here's what you do: Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)! Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most! Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance! FOLLOW US @thehairgamepodcast @salonrepublic @loveerictaylor FOLLOW DONOVAN: @donovanmillshair

August 3, 20267 min

HIGHLIGHTS • Why Embracing Discomfort Is the Key to Growth in the Beauty Industry w/ Donovan Mills

These are clips highlighting some of the topics discussed in the full episode! Check it out if you want a bite-sized version of the full episode. Hairstylist, educator, and entrepreneur @donovanmillshair shares his journey from a small town in Oregon to building a successful career in Los Angeles. Donovan discusses the importance of hard work, taking risks, embracing discomfort, and continuously evolving in the beauty industry. He shares valuable insights on building a clientele organically, mastering hair extensions, navigating multiple salon locations, and creating meaningful connections with clients while growing as a beauty professional. This Week's Topics • Donovan's Journey and Growth as a Hairstylist in the Beauty Industry • The Challenges and Rewards of Working Across Multiple Salon Locations • Embracing Discomfort as a Pathway to Growth • Taking Risks and Creating New Opportunities in the Beauty Industry • The Importance of Persistence, Passion, and Consistency • Overcoming Challenges and Finding Your Purpose Behind the Chair • The Importance of Education, Growth, and Evolving as a Beauty Professional • Words of Wisdom and Encouragement for the Next Generation of Hairstylists Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist. Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes! Here's what you do: Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)! Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most! Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance! FOLLOW US @thehairgamepodcast @salonrepublic @loveerictaylor FOLLOW DONOVAN: @donovanmillshair

July 20, 2026Episode 44446 min

Ep. 444 • How Taking Risks Creates Greater Opportunities w/ Danielle Nishiyama

Salon owner, founder of The Hair Symposium, hairstylist, and mentor @danielle.nishiyama shares her journey from a Spokane-based stylist to a leader creating change in the hair industry. She discusses the power of education, community, and innovation while sharing valuable insights on business growth, industry evolution, and building meaningful experiences that bring hairstylists together. This Week's Topics: • Journey From Behind the Chair to Industry Leader • The start of the Hair Symposium • Planning and Challenges of the Symposium • The Growth of The Hair Symposium • Building Community Through Education and Connection • Taking Risks and Creating Bigger Opportunities • The Evolution of Hair Trends, Services, and Client Expectations • Using Technology and Marketing to Grow a Modern Salon Business • The Future of Apprenticeships, Mentorship, and Industry Growth • The Challenges Behind Creating a Large-Scale Industry Event • Innovating the Future of the Hair Industry Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist. Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes! Here's what you do: - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)! - Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most! Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance! FOLLOW US @thehairgamepodcast @salonrepublic @loveerictaylor FOLLOW DANIELLE: @danielle.nishiyama @thehairsymposium @craftstudiospokane Tickets for The Hair Symposium are available now — grab yours here: https://www.thehairsymposium.com/event-details/the-hair-symposium-october-25-26 The Hair Symposium will take place October 25–26, 2026, at the Montvale Event Center in Spokane, WA.

July 20, 2026Episode 4448 min

HIGHLIGHTS • How Taking Risks Creates Greater Opportunities w/ Danielle Nishiyama

July 6, 2026Episode 44347 min

Ep. 443 • Why Confidence Changes Everything in the Beauty Industry w/ Amber Hopson

Hair salon owner, educator, and book author @hairescapades Amber Hopson shares her inspiring journey from success in the music industry to building a thriving beauty empire. She breaks down key lessons on entrepreneurship, financial management, and the importance of confidence and a strong online presence for hairstylists. This Week's Topics: • Amber Hopson's transition from the music industry into the beauty industry • Lessons learned from working in and operating multiple salons • Key financial management tips for hairstylists and beauty entrepreneurs • The importance of building a strong online presence and reputation • How confidence and professionalism impact long-term success in beauty • Establishing and scaling a successful salon business • Writing and publishing her book Boss Moves and the financial lessons within it • The role of customer service, cleanliness, and client experience in retention • Investment strategies and financial planning for long-term wealth building • Advice and real-world insights for aspiring hairstylists entering the industry Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist. Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes! Here's what you do: - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)! - Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most! Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance! FOLLOW US @thehairgamepodcast @salonrepublic @loveerictaylor FOLLOW AMBER: @hairescapades @booksbyamber

July 6, 2026Episode 4437 min

HIGHLIGHTS • Why Confidence Changes Everything in the Beauty Industry w/ Amber Hopson

These are clips highlighting some of the topics discussed in the full episode! Check it out if you want a bite-sized version of the full episode. Hair salon owner, educator, and book author @hairescapades Amber Hopson shares her inspiring journey from success in the music industry to building a thriving beauty empire. She breaks down key lessons on entrepreneurship, financial management, and the importance of confidence and a strong online presence for hairstylists. This Week's Topics: • Amber Hopson's transition from the music industry into the beauty industry • Lessons learned from working in and operating multiple salons • Key financial management tips for hairstylists and beauty entrepreneurs • The importance of building a strong online presence and reputation • How confidence and professionalism impact long-term success in beauty • Establishing and scaling a successful salon business • Writing and publishing her book Boss Moves and the financial lessons within it • The role of customer service, cleanliness, and client experience in retention • Investment strategies and financial planning for long-term wealth building • Advice and real-world insights for aspiring hairstylists entering the industry Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist. Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes! Here's what you do: - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)! - Click on 'Write a Review' and let us know what you love most! Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance! FOLLOW US @thehairgamepodcast @salonrepublic @loveerictaylor FOLLOW AMBER: @hairescapades @booksbyamber