In this episode, we’re diving into the three big ways salon hiring has changed in 2025 and what you can do to adapt. Kayla Swanson sits down with Jason Everett, founder of the High Performance Salon Academy, to talk about how salons can attract and keep great stylists in today’s market. From offering better benefits to creating Instagram pages just for recruitment, Jason shares practical tips you can start using right away. Plus, we talk about why some booth renters are coming back to commission salons and how you can position your salon as the place everyone wants to work. If hiring has been a challenge or you want to take your recruitment strategy to the next level, this episode is for you. What We Cover: - What stylists are looking for in 2025 - How to stand out with flexible benefits - Why an Instagram career page could be a game-changer - The real reason booth renters might want to come back - How to create a salon culture stylists love
2025 Hiring Changes: Salon hiring has evolved, requiring flexibility, tailored benefits, and innovative recruitment strategies to attract top talent.
Flexible Rewards: Employees value benefits like 401(k)s, health insurance, vacation time, and educational opportunities over just high commission rates.
Dedicated Recruitment Channels: Creating Instagram pages specifically for career opportunities helps attract stylists and stand out to potential hires.
Understanding Generational Shifts: Younger stylists, especially recent beauty school graduates, are looking for workplaces that offer both professional growth and lifestyle alignment.
Customized Employment Models: Salons should identify whether they cater to full-time (40 hours) or part-time (20 hours) employees and tailor their hiring strategies accordingly.
Rehiring Booth Renters: Many independent stylists in suites struggle with management and profitability. Offering them structure, income stability, and benefits can encourage them to return to salons.
Selling Through, Not To: Using a “sell through” approach—asking current stylists for referrals instead of directly poaching—creates goodwill and uncovers talent.
Showcase Successful Stylists: Celebrating milestones like $100k in take-home pay helps attract talent by demonstrating a salon’s ability to foster professional growth.
Intentional Leadership: Salons must establish systems to ensure stylists can achieve their financial and professional goals, making them desirable workplaces.
Community and Culture: A strong team culture and intentionality in hiring create a noticeable difference, helping salons attract and retain top talent.