How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry

Kick off 2026 with Dom as he reflects on How To Cut It’s journey—from a 2017 solo start to Hairbrained Podcast of the Year 2024—and invites hairdressers, barbers, educators, and salon owners to reset, refocus, and map bold goals for the year ahead. Discover what’s next for the community: a smarter way to pause and reset, deeper education, more live events, and Spotd—an upcoming platform designed to connect you with right-fit opportunities. You’ll also hear dreams and lessons from HTCI Platform members Jacqueline Hirst, Chris Grimley, Sarah Dawes, Emma Seldon, Francesca Rivetti, and Vicky Lane.

Lastly, Dom asks you to get involved by sharing your 2026 goals by tagging Dom on Instagram @domlehane using the hashtag #mygoals2026, and join us on a fresh path of growth in a fast-changing industry.

You’ll learn:

* A simple reset approach to clarify your 2026 vision and priorities
* How the show’s evolution unlocks new learning and community support for you
* What Spotd is and how it can match you to culture-fit roles and teams
* Where we’re heading with deeper education and live events—and how to get involved
* Real-world insights and 2026 goals from our community to inspire your next steps



Chapters

1:29: Reflecting on Dreams
7:57: Launching Spotd App
8:22: Evolving the Podcast
9:58: Community Voices



Resources

Spotd: Join the wait list getspotdapp.com
Join HTCIN Platform Community HERE
Follow Spotd on Instagram @getspotdapp

British hairdressing treasure Andrew Barton returns for Part 2 as he celebrates 40 years behind the chair and beyond. In this episode with Andrew, we dig into his education philosophy, how he keeps standards high, and the mindset that’s powered him from prime-time TV to today’s social-first world.

Andrew lifts the lid on Split Ends with Andrew and Olga—his storytelling podcast born from his anti-bullying advocacy—and why purpose, service and great communication are the future of salon success. He shares candid reflections on brand, consultancy, mentoring the next generation, and the projects giving him fresh energy. Plus: a must-hear big news announcement. If you’re a salon owner, educator or creative pro, this episode is packed with practical insight, inspiration and heart. Listen now.
Chapters
4:41: The Launch of Split Ends Podcast
6:11: Transitioning to Social Media
10:50: The Impact of Social Media
12:41: Evolving Industry Standards
14:25: The Role of Salons in Communities
17:53: Challenges Facing Salon Owners
20:30: The Future of Training in Hairdressing
24:28: The Importance of Education
28:51: Engaging the Next Generation
31:59: Charity Work and Impact
36:01: Exciting News Ahead
 



 
Resources

WATCH SPLIT ENDS WITH ANDREW AND OLGA HERE
LEARN MORE ON KIDSCAPE HERE
MORE ON THE LITTLE PRINCESS TRUST HERE
FIND OUT MORE ON ABLE - ANDREW BARTON HERE
FIND ANDREW BARTON ONLINE AT ANDREWBARTONLONDON.CO.UK
CONNECT WITH ANDREW ON INSTAGRAM @ANDREW_BARTON_HAIR
EP003: Andrew Barton – An Interview with a Celebrity Hairstylist
EP071: Andrew Barton – Creating Inspirational, Motivational and Empowering Training (ABLE)
EP379: Celebrating 40 Years – Andrew Barton, An Industry Treasure

Celebrating 40 years in hairdressing, British icon Andrew Barton joins Dom Lehane to share the mindset, craft and stories that shaped one of the UK’s most loved hairdressers.

From his Yorkshire apprenticeship and the mantra “never accept OK,” to winning British Hairdresser of the Year and defining a signature of healthy, shiny, glamorous hair, Andrew unpacks what lasting success behind the chair really takes. Recorded at Andrew's Brighton home, expect candid insights on confidence, education, elevating the narrative of hairdressing, and why the salon remains his true north.

If you’re a hair pro or just love great hair, this is essential listening. Get ready for Part Two next week. Search How To Cut It to subscribe. Listen now.
Chapters
1:52: Celebrating Andrew Barton's 40 Years
3:03: Andrew's Early Days in Hairdressing
11:10: The Importance of Awards
12:58: Career Before British Hairdresser of the Year
15:43: Defining Andrew's Signature Style
18:25: Andrew's Childhood and Adoption
22:48: The Salon as a Safe Space
30:47: The Power of Now
32:57: Exercise and Mental Health
37:51: Balancing a Busy Life
40:16: Understanding Consultancy Work
45:22: The Impact of 10 Years Younger


Resources from todays episode
Andrew Barton on Instagram @andrew_barton_hair
www.andrew-barton.com
25% off all Keratin Complex products use code HTCI25 Rebelbeautybrands.com (offer ends 5/12/2026

Think Keratin Complex is only for straightening? Think again. Join Zoe Hyams of Keratin Complex, Tom Kimber of Rebel Beauty Brands, and educator and salon owner Sam Pitham as they reveal how these treatments strengthen *all* hair types.

For hairdressers, this is a business masterclass. Learn to leverage fast services like KC Express to fill your book, use the complete 360° system to guarantee client return, and confidently explain the science behind resurfacing damaged hair. Unlock a powerful new revenue stream and build unbreakable client loyalty with the full potential of keratin.

Click the play button to listen to a podcast episode brought to you by Keratin Complex.
Chapters

4:41: Understanding Keratin's Importance
8:31: Misconceptions About Keratin Treatments
11:07: The Evolving Business of Smoothing
12:49: Supporting Independent Businesses
14:39: The Importance of a Complete System
17:05: Launching New Products
18:18: Integrating Bond Rebuilding Technology
19:34: Profitability and Business Growth
21:28: Exploring System Kits
22:39: Profit Margins Explained:
24:50: Engaging Your Junior Staff
26:18: Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways


Resources from todays episode
Keratin Complex online keratincomplex.com

Keratin Complex on Instagram @keratincomplex

Keratin Complex UKI on Instagram @keratincomplex_uki

Use code HTCI25 to get 10% off all Keratin Complex orders at Rebel Beauty Brands online: rebelbeautybrands.com 

Rebel Beauty Brands on Instagram @rebelbeautybrands

Erica Liburd joins the show today to explain to us hairstylists and salons on how to say yes to every client, from afro and curl to all textured hair. We unpack consultation, timing, pricing, and training that build real confidence on the floor. Erica shares the story of Texture Unravelled and why inclusive education is essential for growth, retention, and standards.Learn how to move from fear to fluency, close skill gaps across teams, and future‑proof your chair with services that welcome everyone. If you’re ready to raise your texture game, fill your books, and deliver consistent results, this episode is your roadmap. Listen and level up.Chapters

3:47 The Importance of Textured Hair Education
8:09 Erica's Journey in Hairdressing
11:18 Breaking Down Barriers in the Industry
19:44 The Role of City and Guilds
22:25 Opening a Salon
23:41 The Clientele Experience
30:02 Continuous Learning in Hairdressing
33:48 Personal Experiences with Hair Salons
35:49 Social Media Impact on Education
38:45 The Conversation Around Texture Education
45:10 Practical Learning at Texture Unraveled
58:41 Legacy and Mentorship in Hairdressing
1:01:55 Collaborative Opportunities in the Industry
1:03:51 Quick Fire Questions
1:09:17 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans



Resources from todays episode

FOR MORE ON TEXTURE UNRAVELLED CLICK HERE

CONNECT WITH ERICA ON INSTAGRAM @ERICALIBURDOFFICIAL

FOLLOW TEXTURE UNRAVELLED ON INSTAGRAM @TEXTUREUNRAVELLED

SHAIR! UNDRGRND EVENT: BOOK TICKETS HERE

 

 

 

 

 



Erica Liburd joins the show today to explain to us hairstylists and salons on how to say yes to every client, from afro and curl to all textured hair. We unpack consultation, timing, pricing, and training that build real confidence on the floor. Erica shares the story of Texture Unravelled and why inclusive education is essential for growth, retention, and standards.

Learn how to move from fear to fluency, close skill gaps across teams, and future‑proof your chair with services that welcome everyone. If you’re ready to raise your texture game, fill your books, and deliver consistent results, this episode is your roadmap. Listen and level up.

 

Chapters

3:47 The Importance of Textured Hair Education
8:09 Erica's Journey in Hairdressing
11:18 Breaking Down Barriers in the Industry
19:44 The Role of City and Guilds
22:25 Opening a Salon
23:41 The Clientele Experience
30:02 Continuous Learning in Hairdressing
33:48 Personal Experiences with Hair Salons
35:49 Social Media Impact on Education
38:45 The Conversation Around Texture Education
45:10 Practical Learning at Texture Unraveled
58:41 Legacy and Mentorship in Hairdressing
1:01:55 Collaborative Opportunities in the Industry
1:03:51 Quick Fire Questions
1:09:17 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans



 

Resources from todays episode

FOR MORE ON TEXTURE UNRAVELLED CLICK HERE

CONNECT WITH ERICA ON INSTAGRAM @ERICALIBURDOFFICIAL

FOLLOW TEXTURE UNRAVELLED ON INSTAGRAM @TEXTUREUNRAVELLED

SHAIR! UNDRGRND EVENT: BOOK TICKETS HERE