How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry

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

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

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

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

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