Episodes

  • Sick of the Algorithm? Meet Spotd — Opportunity App for the Hair Industry!

    Sick of the Algorithm? Meet Spotd — Opportunity App for the Hair Industry!
    May 11 2026
    What if your next job, chair, brand deal, or education booking didn’t come from battling an algorithm—but from one app built only for the hair industry? Meet Spotd! In this episode of How To Cut It, I’m Dom Lehane, and I’m joined by my fellow Spotd co-founders Richard England-Lee and Ollie Johns to break down Spotd—our soon to launch iOS and Android opportunity platform designed for hairdressers, barbers, salon owners, educators, and brands. We share why we built it, what problems it solves, and what you can expect at launch. Think location-based opportunity alerts, curated profiles that work like a portfolio/CV, and a cleaner, more professional way to connect—without the noise of social media. We’re building Spotd in public, and your feedback matters. Want early access (and a chance to test it)? Join the waitlist at getspotdapp.com. If you’re ready for your next big move in the hair industry—or just want to learn more—press play! Episode Resources JOIN THE SPOTD WAITLIST: VISIT GETSPOTDAPP.COM CONNECT WITH SPOTD ON INSTAGRAM @GETSPOTDAPP FOLLOW SPOTD ON TIKTOK @GETSPOTDAPP GET TICKETS FOR HAIRCON VISIT HERE : (USE CODE HTCI10 FOR 10% DISCOUNT) CONNECT WITH HAIRCON ON INSTAGRAM @HAIRCONSHOW FOLLOW HOW TO CUT IT ACROSS SOCIALS @HOWTOCUTIT Chapters 0:40 Introducing Spotd 2:27 Meet the Co-Founders 3:47 The Importance of Spotd 5:40 Transitioning to the Hair Industry 7:02 What Is Spotd? 8:59 Solving Industry Problems 11:58 How Does Spotd Work? 12:33 User Experience and Profiles 15:09 Opportunities and Connections 19:04 Building the App 22:43 Building In Public 25:46 Project Features 30:12 Engaging with the Community 34:57 Event Management on Spot 38:58 Future Plans for Spotd 48:15 The Game-Changing Vision
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    50 mins
  • EP390: The Real Business of Hair Extensions | Victoria Lynch (Remi Cachet)

    EP390: The Real Business of Hair Extensions | Victoria Lynch (Remi Cachet)
    May 4 2026
    Ever thought about adding hair extensions to your menu, but stopped because you’re not sure how to learn them properly, the return on investment, or whether the hair is ethically sourced? In this HTCI x Remi Cachet partnered episode, I sit down with Remy Cachet founder Victoria Lynch to get into the real questions: what responsible sourcing and sustainability actually mean in the extensions world, what salons should be asking suppliers, and where the red flags are. We also break down the learning curve—how to move from “extensions-curious” to confidently offering them as a professional service, what training should include, and why consistency, standards and support matter just as much as the hair itself. If you want to build a new revenue stream without compromising your values, this conversation will give you clarity and a practical way forward. Chapters 4:53: Understanding Hair Issues 6:52: Passion for Hairdressing 8:25: The Rise of Remi Cachet 9:55: Ethical Considerations in Hair Extensions 12:20: Achieving B Corp Certification 14:51: Sustainable Practices in Packaging 17:17: Global Expansion Plans 18:57: Supporting the Next Generation 20:11: Red Flags in Choosing Suppliers 28:23: Innovation and Adaptation in Extensions 38:12: The Super Stylist Community 43:55: Education and Training Changes 49:58: Giving Back Through Change A Girl's Life 1:00:05: Future Aspirations and Market Growth Resources from todays episode FOR MORE ON REMI CACHET VISIT REMICACHET.COM CONNECT WITH REMI CACHET ON INSTAGRAM @REMICACHET CONNECT WITH VICTORIA ON INSTAGRAM @VICTORIAREMICACHET
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • EP389: The Brutally Honest Reality of Becoming a Session Stylist with Anna Chapman

    EP389: The Brutally Honest Reality of Becoming a Session Stylist with Anna Chapman
    Apr 28 2026
    Want to become a session stylist? This episode with Anna Chapman is the practical route in — not the fantasy. I’m back in the HTCI PodShed with Anna Chapman, a leading session hair stylist with an instinctive understanding of hair and over a decade in top salons before moving into the session world. Todaywe’re to have real catch-up since we last spoke in 2020 podcast episode. Anna breaks down the actual steps to get into session work today: how to position yourself if you’re coming from salon, why session styling is a different job entirely, and what you need to do first to get on set. We get into the assisting ladder (what assistants really do, how to reach out, how to follow up, and how to get yourself rebooked), plus the skills that matter when the pressure’s on for major brands. Anna also shares what to post on Instagram if you want work—how to show range, not just “glam”—and why persistence, visibility and standards are the long game. If you’re serious about building a career in session hair, start here. CHAPTERS 1:25: Breaking into Session Styling 6:47: The Reality of Assisting 12:21: Getting Paid as an Assistant 15:04: Defining Session Stylists 19:35: The Importance of Communication 23:11: Challenges for Women in the Industry 27:20: The Competitive Landscape 34:33: The Path to Success 37:49: The Importance of Apprenticeships 43:09: The Role of Social Media 50:26: How to Become an Assistant RESOURCES FROM TODAYS EPISODE FOLLOW ANNA CHAPMAN ON INSTAGRAM @ANNACHAPMANHAIR FOR EVERYTHING SESSION KIT CLICK HERE CONNECT WITH SESSION KIT ON INSTAGRAM @SESSIONKIT GET TICKETS FOR HAIRCON VISIT HERE : (USE CODE HTCI10 FOR 10% DISCOUNT) CONNECT WITH HAIRCON ON INSTAGRAM @HAIRCONSHOW FOLLOW HOW TO CUT IT ACROSS SOCIALS @HOWTOCUTIT
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • EP388: James Earnshaw & Jordanna Cobella – Hair Innovations Led (What Hairdressers Need to Know)

    EP388: James Earnshaw & Jordanna Cobella – Hair Innovations Led (What Hairdressers Need to Know)
    Apr 20 2026
    In this weeks episode we go behind the scenes of hair colour innovation in a podcast partnership with Wella Professionals UKI. We're joined by James Earnshaw (Global Wella Professionals Ambassador) and Jordanna Cobella (award-winning salon owner and Wella Colour and Trends Ambassador) and together they'll be breaking down what really happens when hairdressers help shape professional hair products. They'll be talking BlondorPlex developments, Ultimate Colour, and the real-world feedback that changes formulas, speeds up services, and improves consistency behind the chair. You’ll hear how to translate “new tech” into simple client language, protect your results between visits, and position professional products without awkward selling. If you want stronger blonding outcomes, cleaner toning workflows, and a smarter way to explain fade, maintenance, and pricing—this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can use in the salon straight away. Hit play and enjoy! Chapters 3:08: Behind the Scenes with Wella Professionals 3:16: Insights from R&D Development 6:32: Collaboration for Product Innovation 9:38: Creating Unique Toner Shades 18:45: Bridging Science and Hairdressing 21:42: The Importance of Client Communication 22:54: Packaging and Pricing Strategies 25:25: Understanding Color Longevity 28:29: The Evolution of Hairdressing Careers Resources from todays episode: FOR MORE ON BLONDORPLEX CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON ULTIMATE COLOR CLICK HERE VISIT WELLA STORE HERE WELLA EDUCATION CLICK HERE CONNECT WITH WELLA PROFESSIONALS UKI ON INSTAGRAM @WELLAPROFESSIONALSUKI FOLLOW WELLA PROFESSIONALS UKI ON TIKTOK @HOUSEOFWELLAUKI WATCH THE PODCAST INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE HERE @HOWTOCUTIT CONNECT WITH HOW TO CUT IT ON INSTAGRAM @HOWTOCUTIT FOLLOW HOW TO CUT IT ON TIKTOK @HOWTOCUTIT
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    34 mins
  • EP387: Broke, Bruised, and BACK! – Alex Walker’s No-Excuses Return to the Top

    EP387: Broke, Bruised, and BACK! – Alex Walker’s No-Excuses Return to the Top
    Apr 13 2026
    Welcome to Part 1 of a two-part series where I’m joined by Alex Walker—a Torquay-based haircutting specialist, educator and the founder of AW Hair and Alex Walker Education. We recorded this episode inside Alex’s purpose-built education studio in Torquay, Devon (UK)—a dedicated space away from the salon where hairdressers can learn through in-person sessions, small groups, and online education, while staying connected to real, commercial salon work. Alex’s journey began at 17, when he fell into hairdressing almost by accident. What started as a job became a craft. He went all-in on haircutting—especially short hair—with a mission to raise standards and help hairdressers understand the why behind what they do. We dig into the realities of ambition, rapid growth, and salon ownership—and the moment everything changed. After his businesses went into liquidation, Alex was left asking: “I haven’t got five days’ worth of clients… what am I gonna do now?” This is a powerful conversation on resilience, rebuilding, and staying commercially relevant. Chapters: 11:11: The Journey of Self-Belief 21:27: Transitioning from Hairdresser to Salon Owner 22:54: The Hard Lessons of Business 27:55: The Shift to Education 32:34: Financial Insights and Stability 38:30: Balancing Family and Career Dreams Resources from todays episode: Join the waitlist for Spotd HERE Follow Spotd on Instagram @getspotdapp Alex Walker Salon CLICK HERE Connect with Alex on Instagram @alexwalkereducation Alex Walker online haircutting education HERE For everything else Alex Walker CLICK HERE View our video podcast with Alex Walker on YouTube @howtocutit Connect with How To Cut It on Instagram @howtocutit
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    46 mins
  • EP386: (Classic Rerun 2019) The Eugene Souleiman Story

    EP386: (Classic Rerun 2019) The Eugene Souleiman Story
    Apr 3 2026
    In this How To Cut It 'Classic Rerun' podcast recording from April 2019, we revisit a powerful conversation with Eugene Souleiman, one of the world's most respected session hairstylists in the fashion world. Eugene shares his journey from humble beginnings in South East London to becoming a global icon in editorial and runway hairdressing. He reflects on training with legendary hairdresser Trevor Sorbie and explains why mastering technical skills is essential before breaking creative boundaries. We dive into the fast-paced world of session styling — from preparing for runway shows to making quick decisions under pressure. Eugene discusses designer collaborations and why creating a complete look goes beyond just hair. Perfect for hairdressers, session stylists, and hair artists seeking inspiration to grow their craft and think bigger creatively. #EugeneSouleiman #SessionStylist #Hairdressing #HairPodcast #RunwayHair Chapters 2:31: The Launch of Spotd 5:11: Introducing Eugene Souleiman 6:06: Eugene's New Studio 8:50: Moving to the Countryside 10:06: Working on a Book 13:45: Reflecting on Early Career 17:37: Discovering Hairdressing 21:19: Treasuring Client Relationships 23:16: Working with Trevor Sorbie 27:57: The Journey of Creativity 30:35: Session Styling Realities 35:39: Passion for Hair 37:45: Finding Your Mojo 49:17: Understanding the Culture Shift 56:27: A Return to Education 1:01:45: Quick Fire Questions Resources from todays episode JOIN THE WAITLIST TO THE NEW SPOTD APP LAUNCHING SUMMER 2026 GETSPOTDAPP.COM CONNECT WITH SPOTD ON INSTAGRAM @GETSPOTDAPP FOLLOW SPOTD ON TIKTOK @GETSPOTDAPP CONNECT WITH EUGENE SOULEIMAN ON INSTAGRAM @EUGENSOULEIMAN FOR MORE ON HAIR MASTERY WITH EUGENE SOULEIMAN CLICK HERE CONNECT WITH HAIR MASTERY ON INSTAGRAM @HAIR_MASTERY
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • EP385: Next-Gen Legacy (Part 3) — Strategy, Culture & Growth with Tash Grossman + Tilly Capel

    EP385: Next-Gen Legacy (Part 3) — Strategy, Culture & Growth with Tash Grossman + Tilly Capel
    Mar 23 2026
    We wrap up our “Next Gen Legacy” mini-series, created in collaboration with Wella Professionals UKI, with hosts Tasha Grossman (CEO, Hobbs Salons) and Tilly Capel (Operations Director, Lara Johnson Lifestyle). In this final episode, we explore how modern salons are evolving and why ongoing education is essential to staying relevant. From guest-artist swap days to smarter training, we share practical ways to keep teams inspired and skills sharp. We also dive into rebuilding client visit frequency post-COVID and making sure services and pricing reflect today’s expectations. Tasha shares what’s worked with subscription offers like the Blow Dry Club, while Tilly reveals plans for a retail subscription. Throughout the conversation, we focus on what fuels sustainable growth: continuous learning, strong direction, and a community-first salon culture that keeps clients loyal and teams motivated. Chapters 9:17: Focus on Education for 2026 14:52: Driving Client Frequency 19:45: The Importance of Feedback Resources from todays episode Wella Professionals Store HERE Wella Professionals UKI on Instagram @wellaprofessionalsuki Wella Professionals Education HERE Wella Professionals UKI on TikTok HERE HOB Salons on Instagram @hob_salons Lara Johnson Lifestyle on Instagram @larajohnsonlifestyle Watch on How To Cut It YouTube Channel HERE How To Cut It on Instagram @howtocutit How To Cut It on TikTok @howtocutit
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    24 mins
  • EP384: Next-Gen Legacy (Part 2) —Stepping Into Leadership in Family-Run Salons with Tash Grossman + Tilly Capel

    EP384: Next-Gen Legacy (Part 2) —Stepping Into Leadership in Family-Run Salons with Tash Grossman + Tilly Capel
    Mar 16 2026
    Episode two of our three-part mini-series Next Gen Legacy explores leadership in family-run salon businesses. A How To Cut It podcast series in partnership with Wella Professionals UKI, this episode features its hosts Tash Grossman (CEO, HOB Salons) and Tilly Capel (Operations Director, Lara Johnson Lifestyle) on what it takes to step into authority, modernise operations, and protect a legacy. In today's conversation Tash opens up about moving beyond “the founder’s daughter,” driving performance, and making tough calls—including closing the HOB Camden Academy and launching a new education partnership with Wella Professionals. While Tilly reveals how feedback-led culture, flexible policies, and smart structures help retain talent and support teams. Expect honest lessons on identity, change management, and building a salon that works for today’s clients and careers. Hit play. Chapters 16:29: Leadership in Family Businesses 28:40: Closing the HOB Camden Academy 32:59: Partnership with Wella Professionals 37:44: Challenges and Opportunities in Business Resources from todays episode Wella Professionals Store HERE Wella Professionals UKI on Instagram @wellaprofessionalsuki Wella Professionals Education HERE Wella Professionals UKI on TikTok HERE HOB Salons on Instagram @hob_salons Lara Johnson Lifestyle on Instagram @larajohnsonlifestyle Watch on How To Cut It YouTube Channel HERE How To Cut It on Instagram @howtocutit How To Cut It on TikTok @howtocutit
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    43 mins