Small Town Stylist

Morbid Hair History of the Holocaust

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0600

Thank you for listening to this heavier episode of Morbid Hair History where I aim to expose the the disturbing use and weaponization of hair during WWII, and the importance of understanding the role hair plays throughout history.

SOURCES:

Women’s hair in Lager narratives by Barbara Czarnecka

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/6cd4/72dd68945907e28373aace2e71a1ec87342e.pdf

Nazi Recycling and the Remnants of Genocide

Anne Berg

https://journals.openedition.org/temoigner/12913

Sydney Jewish Museum - Blanket

Donated by Olga Horak (née Rosenberger)

https://sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au/collection/collection-item-5/.

Morbid Hair History of maggot infested hair extensions

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

SOURCE:

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/the-writhing-weave/

How I'm setting goals for 2026

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

That's a wrap on season 2 of Small Town Stylist podcast! be sure to follow me @caseytaylorstylist for updates on my life and business. I will still be sharing Morbid Hair History episodes on Monday's, this is just a break from the regular wednesday episodes.

Morbid Hair History of large foreheads

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

SOURCES:

https://resolve.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/medieval-clothing-and-textiles/eyebrows-hairlines-and-hairs-less-in-sight-female-depilation-in-late-medieval-europe/098B680153352A9D81BF7AE6B4148FBF

https://artwithtosca.com/on-renaissance-gentlewomen-receding-hairline/

https://www.eternalgoddess.co.uk/posts/medieval-body-hair-and-the-curious-practice-of-forehead-plucking

My top 5 books fo 2025

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy this casual holiday episode where I share my favorite books of the year.

Morbid Hair History of eating mummies

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Sources:

https://www.sciencealert.com/europeans-used-to-eat-dug-up-mummies-cause-of-course-they-did

https://www.history.com/articles/mummy-unwrapping-parties-egyptomania

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/mummy-eating-medical-cannibalism-gory-history

It's ok to call out sick before Christmas

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Is my immune system not as resilient in my 30s as it was in my 20s or am I just more aware of how my body feels? I'm not exactly sure, but I do know that I have a much healthier relationship with calling out sick from the salon when necessary.

Morbid Hair History of the "Karen" cut (from the vault)

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

this from the vault episode of Morbid Hair History is the first one I ever recorded and posted to social media before uploading them to the podcast. Unfortunately I caught a nasty cold this week and couldn't record a new episode, but that doesn't mean you should miss out on your favorite morbid content. I hope you enjoy this episode that started it all!

What Mad Men can teach us about marketing in the beauty industry

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Have you watched the iconic series Mad Men? It has a ton of lessons about marketing and you won't even feel like you're trying to learn anything while you binge watch this addictive series. I'm almost wondering if we should do a mini podcast series on the marketing lessons that stand out and tie back into your business strategy as a hairstylist. If you're interested in the idea, let me know!

Morbid Hair History of Cleopatra

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Did The Queen of The Nile use a hairpin to administer her final act of defiance?

SOURCES:

https://www.immortalegypt.co.uk/post/hidden-histories-of-the-hair-pin-starring-cleopatra-the-wearers-of-black

https://penelope.uchicago.edu/encyclopaedia_romana/miscellanea/cleopatra/rixens.html

https://www.history.com/articles/10-little-known-facts-about-cleopatra

https://www.britannica.com/story/what-did-cleopatra-look-like

https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2006/03/20/1595873.htm

Is the Holiday rush overrated?

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Let me know if you try this approach to your holiday schedule and what you think! send a DM to @caseytaylorstylist or @smalltownstylistpodcast

Charging 4k for hair isn't the problem

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Learn more about the Small Town Marketing Method: www.caseytaylorstylist.com/method

Casey, where have you been loca?

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 03:30:00 -0600

learn more about the Small Town Marketing Method: www.caseytaylorstylist.com/method

Use code PODCAST for 10% off

The overcommitted stylist podcast

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0600

TLDR; I am a glutton for punishment and have overcommitted myself... again. So for now I'm putting the Morbid hair History Series on hold while i create some bomb education! Don't worry, this si super short term and temporary, but I need a little extra time to make sure this new education resource is perfect for you to get time back in your business and attract clients without passing out business cards or spending hours on social media every week.

Morbid Hair History of Rapunzel

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0600

SOURCES:

https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/grimm012a.html

https://fostercuriosity.com/series/the-dark-side-of-disney/the-dark-side-of-rapunzel

https://kitdunsmore.com/2019/02/20/rapunzel-failure-of-overprotection/

Taking time off for the holidays

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0600

I hope this episode gives you some tips for setting aside time for yourself this holiday season. I will be on vacation next week so there will be no regular episode, but I will still have Morbid Hair History on Monday!

Morbid Hair History of Captain Blackbeard

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Sorry for the background noise, I didn't realize my external mic wasn't working until I was editing.

SOURCES:

https://www.nps.gov/caha/learn/historyculture/blackbeard-edward-teach.htm

https://www.nps.gov/people/blackbeard.htm

https://www.historyextra.com/period/stuart/golden-age-piracy-when-what-where-facts-timeline/

https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1127&context=vulcan

Feeling isolated as a small town stylist

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0600

I hope this episode helps you feel more unity and kindness amongst a world full of division. Don't let media win. It might feel like there is a lack of diversity within small towns, but I promise there are more rational thinkers than you realize, you just can't hear them through the noise. You hold a power within yourself to do good within your everyday life by focusing on the things you can control.

Sources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10202797/

Morbid Hair History of WWII Hair Propaganda

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0600

SOURCES:

https://vintagehairstyling.com/bobbypinblog/2022/03/victory-bobs-and-v-modes-wwii-hairstyles-named-for-morale.html

https://vintagehairstyling.com/bobbypinblog/2022/03/history-of-the-victory-roll-hairstyles.html

https://warhawkairmuseum.org/blog/the-patriotism-of-beauty-grooming-fashion-during-wwii/

https://vintagehairstyling.com/bobbypinblog/2022/03/victory-bobs-and-v-modes-wwii-hairstyles-named-for-morale.html

https://vintagehairstyling.com/bobbypinblog/2025/04/victory-hairs-pins-and-the-wartime-beauty-routine-what-wwii-teaches-us-about-resourcefulness.html

https://vintagehairstyling.com/bobbypinblog/2012/03/convenient-salon-for-the-women-at-war-1940s.html

https://www.thevintagenews.com/2021/09/21/veronica-lake-hairstyle-wwii/

Are you living your life to it's fullest potential?

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Check out Tips From Dead People:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipsfromdeadpeople?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tipsfromdeadpeople?lang=en

SubStack: https://tipsfromdeadpeople.substack.com/

Morbid Hair History of Ancient Egyptian Hairstylists

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Sources:

https://totftm.org/lecture-20230312

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6706986/

https://www.jstor.org/stable/40000202?mag=hair-gender-and-social-status-in-ancient-egypt&seq=10

https://intarch.ac.uk/journal/issue42/6/4.cfm

https://ancientegyptalive.com/2023/07/21/hair-of-the-pharaohs/

https://egittolizzando.altervista.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/The-Social-and-Ritual-Contextualisation-of-Ancient-Egyptian-Hair-and-Hairstyles.pdf

https://isiopolis.com/2020/01/18/the-magic-of-the-hair-of-isis-2/

https://the-past.com/feature/the-magic-and-power-of-hair-in-ancient-egypt/

Stop with the "Boss Babe Hairstylist" brand photoshoots

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Branding is such an intentional process and I've been doing a lot of work to really refine my branding to make it resonate with my identity, values, and personality. I hope this episode helps you find some inspiration for your personal brand so that you can be authentic to you rather than a knock off of someone else.

Morbid Hair History of Marie Antoinette's wigs

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600

They say higher the hair, closer to God... but for Marie Antoinette it was closer to the guillotine.

I included pictures on my Instagram and TikTok if you're interested in seeing this with added visuals.

www.instagram.com/caseytaylorstylist

https://www.tiktok.com/@caseytaylorstylist

Sources:

https://lisawallerrogers.com/2018/10/29/marie-antoinette-queen-of-the-pouf/

https://www.thecollector.com/marie-antoinette-death/

https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/en/2023/02/the-power-and-pomp-of-the-wig/

http://www.thefashionhistorian.com/2014/12/coiffure-la-fill-in-blank.html

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2099/trial-and-execution-of-marie-antoinette/

You need to be weirder online

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600

The more I embrace my inner weirdo, the easier social media and business gets. Do with that information what you will.

Morbid Hair History of mourning hair jewelry

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 07:30:00 -0600

Here is a hair anthropologist and artist keeping this tradition alive: https://www.instagram.com/hairanthropology?igsh=dzJzNXM2eGhkYjdi

Sources:

https://waltonsjewelry.com/blogs/style/the-fascinating-world-of-mourning-jewelry?srsltid=AfmBOoqFmUe0J6MMWb5wr4oKcYJDfKrxJd50DhSLYTtrD_HfKNOSettY

https://www.ericaweiner.com/history-lessons/hair-jewelry

https://www.orderofthegooddeath.com/article/theyre-not-morbid-theyre-about-love-the-hair-relics-of-the-midwest/

Ammonia vs. MEA in hair color

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Sources:

https://organichaircolorreview.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/mea/

https://www.combededucation.com/post/ammonia-vs-mea-what-s-the-difference

https://iris.epa.gov/static/pdfs/0422_summary.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK598714/

https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/resorcinol/

https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/p-phenylenediamine/

Morbid Hair History of tuberculosis chic (extended version)

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0600

This is the slightly extended version of Morbid Hair History. If you watched this on social media it had to be cut down to 3 minutes to meet platform requirements, but lucky for you I don't have time constraints on the podcast

Sources:

Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green (the audio version is well done if you prefer audiobooks, but its available in all other formats as well)

https://a.co/d/eGLGxt4

John's youtube video:

https://youtu.be/CCbDdk8Wz-8?si=FUJGjCOcbSgBtTc3

https://mollybrown.org/beauty-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder-how-victorians-used-common-poisons-to-become-drop-dead-gorgeous/

https://asm.org/articles/2025/may/tuberculosis-and-fatal-beauty-romanticism

https://www.revivalabs.com/7-fascinating-and-dangerous-beauty-trends-of-the-victorian-era/?srsltid=AfmBOopdLxYFAUkRdQ5rjgxn51lc4V88maSk9h4ybWVBVJkALH

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-poisonous-beauty-advice-columns-of-victorian-england

How personal is your salon marketing strategy?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600

My tattoo artist located in Austin, Texas:

Lane Hahn

https://lanehahnart.wixsite.com/lane-hahn

https://www.instagram.com/lane.hahnn/

https://www.tiktok.com/@lanehahnn

Morbid Hair History of Barber-surgeons

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Welcome to The Morbid Hair History mini-sode of barber-sugeons

Sources refferenced:

https://uppercutdeluxe.com/blogs/blog/barber-pole-history-uppercut-deluxe

https://www.theshavecave.com/blog/barber-shop-pole

https://www.nationalbarbermuseum.org/about/barbering-timeline

https://constitutioncenter.org/amp/blog/the-mysterious-death-of-george-washington

https://associatedbarbercollege.edu/the-rich-history-of-barbers-in-america/

https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2022/01/benjamin-rush-george-washington-and-manhattan-leeches/

Updates for the mortals that listen to this podcast

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0600

I look forward to sharing mini-sodes of Morbid Hair History on this podcast every Monday, and also updating my posting schedule of these main episodes to better fit my lifestyle. If I've learned anything from hosting this weekly podcast and being a content creator for the past 5 years, it's that sometimes you have to start a little messy in order to let things evolve into something better long term (a lesson my friend Misty reminds me of every day)

Are salon brands selling out?

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0600

You know I love chatting about the latest viral video, so here is a little commentary about the recent OPI video that I believe ultimately comes back to conversations around diversion in the beauty industry.

Growing your wedding business with Amber McKinney @vow.to.grow

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Do you love weddings and bridal hair? In this episode I'm meeting with Amber McKinney, a venue owner and mentor, who truly understands what it means to run an sustainable business and support your local wedding industry at it's core. You can connect with her further on Instagram at @vow.to.grow

How to diagnose what is wrong with your own marketing strategy

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Do you feel like you've been marketing your business but something just isn't working? Here is my advice for a little market research experiment to learn what marketing strategy resonates with you and how you can improve your client experience for new clients searching for a hairstylist.

Are salons slow or are you burned out on marketing?

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode we are uncovering recent trends in client spending habits, and uncovering the most important thing I focus on to maintain consistency in my business throughout an evolving economy.

Are you talking politics in the hair salon?

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0600

In cosmetology school we are taught to avoid taboo topics like politics in the salon, but how do you completely avoid politics when hair itself has a history of being politically influenced? In this episode I get a little nerdy about the dark history of hair trends influenced by the guillotine (yes, the beheading machine used in the french revolution) and my best advice for gauging how to navigate political conversations behind the chair.

SOURCES (I know there are alot, but honestly I had so much fun reading all of them. There are many more stories included in these articles that I did not fit into this episode that I highly recommend learning about)

Wigs and hair powder:

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/head-tilting-history/rise-and-fall-powdered-wig

https://www.cutmytax.org/post/the-hair-powder-tax-the-reason-why-we-have-short-hair

A la victime : http://www.fashionencyclopedia.com/fashion_costume_culture/European-Culture-18th-Century/Fashion-la-Victime.html

1920s bob and present day:

https://www.stylist.co.uk/beauty/beautys-role-in-social-rebellion-activism-body-hair-red-lips-feminism-protest-history-suffragettes/137928

https://www.europenowjournal.org/2017/01/12/2158/

https://www.vogue.in/beauty/content/the-politics-of-hair-how-protest-hair-became-a-form-of-political-expression

https://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5117/

https://fashionista.com/2017/04/bob-short-haircut-hairstyle-history

https://venturamuseum.org/research-library-blog/the-bad-bob/#:~:text=The%20new%20generation's%20bobbed%20hair,new%20fashion%20styles%20and%20attitudes.

Native American hair:

https://sistersky.com/blogs/sister-sky/america-s-native-american-boarding-schools-hair-cutting?srsltid=AfmBOooWrSRMh5pi3bxDC1hmlZTut1EXV4LXXRHkGRz2pTjGeGmuNAfG

Civil rights:

https://daily.jstor.org/how-natural-black-hair-at-work-became-a-civil-rights-issue/

CROWN Act:

https://www.epi.org/publication/crown-act/#:~:text=Over%2020%25%20of%20Black%20women%20ages%2025–34,to%20their%20hair%20(Dove%20and%20LinkedIn%202023).&text=While%20the%20Civil%20Rights%20Act%20of%201964,that%20manifest%20race%2C%20such%20as%20hair%20texture.

Feelin' feisty, might delete later...

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0600

I know better than to comment on posts I don't agree with, but sometimes journalism is more important than avoiding the trolls in the comment section. So here I am in my inevitable demise. My eye twitching from some of the dumbest arguments from people just looking for a fight, and avoiding my IG notifications like the plague. Maybe I should have recorded something better this week, but I'm a little distracted by the Karen Read trial verdict watch, the heaviness of the world, and blinded by my frustrations of the misinformation being spread by platforms that should know how to fact check their articles– becuase it's not that difficult! But my topic for next week is a good one, so don't worry we won't be playing this ranty game again.

Mortuary cosmetics and my experience styling hair for funerals

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Have you ever been curious about what it's like to style hair for a funeral or if you could use your cosmetology license to become a full time hair and makeup artist for the deceased? In this episode I am sharing about my own experience styling hair after someone has passed, as well as what you need to know if mortuary cosmetics is something you would like to pursue in a more official capacity.

My favorite resources and media mentioned in the episode ⬇️

Bernie - a comedy/thriller starring Jack Black that's based on a true story. Currently available to watch on Amazon Prime

Books by Caitlin Doughty: https://caitlindoughty.com/books/ all of these are available on Amazon, and if you prefer audio books they are perfectly narrated by Caitlin herself and available on Audible— with Smoke Gets In Your Eyes being included in the Audible plus library for free with a subscription. I have read all 3 and enjoyed every single one, although From Here To Eternity is by far my favorite!

Videos by Caitlin Doughty about hair and makeup for funerals:

Part 1 https://youtu.be/tMyzwMCGl-k?si=Ubsmmn1ji8L5if4r

Part 2 https://youtu.be/4NYQ2aM13Hc?si=KV-MRx9xWbPUcH2V

Caitlin also has many more videos as part of her Ask A Mortician series that very educational and entertaining.

A Good Cry podcast by Michael Cruz Kayne and his audible comedy special Sorry For Your Loss (included for free with and Audible Plus subscription) —if you cope with humor you will greatly appreciate this host!*

Death in the Afternoon podcast hosted by The Order of the Good Death*

*Neither of these podcasts have been updated since 2023, but I still highly enjoy listening to the past episodes

Is deregulation the worst thing that could happen in the beauty industry?

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0600

On today’s agenda, we are talking about Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma vetoing house bill 1030 which would have extended the life of the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering until July 1, 2028. By vetoing the bill, the current expiration date is set for July 1, 2025 which has sparked a lot of controversy amongst the beauty industry about deregulation and the potential domino effect of this action.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/cosmetologists-try-convince-lawmakers-override-215350000.html

https://oklahoma.gov/governor/newsroom/newsroom/2025/gov--stitt-s-2025-veto-list.html

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm

What the No Tax On Tips Act means for the beauty industry

Tue, 27 May 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Everything you need to know about the "No Tax On Tips Act" as a hairstylist or beauty pro so that you don't accidentally commit tax fraud... becuase you actually do still have to claim tips on your taxes.

Sources:

S. 129 - No Tax On Tips Act https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/129

IRS definition of tips https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/tip-recordkeeping-and-reporting#:~:text=Cash%20tips%20include%20tips%20received,directly%20and%20indirectly%20tipped%20employees.

PBA Economic Snapshot of the Salon Industry https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eoDownloadDocument?pubId=&eodoc=true&documentID=212246#:~:text=One%20in%20Three%20Salon%2DIndustry,of%20Labor%20Statistics;%202021%20data

How to get people to respect your career

Tue, 13 May 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Have you ever felt frustrated by people not respecting your decision to be a hairstylist or all of the work you have done to build your salon into what it is today? Well hopefully this episode can give you some insight into my theory on how to actually gain the respect for your career that you're craving, and it might not be what you think.

Cosmetology students sue beauty school for having to "fold towels"

Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Lawsuits are full of allegations and shade, but they also reveal a lot of the nuance that surrounds the truth. If you would like to read more about this case you can visit the links below 👇

https://www.cosmetologyschoolsettlement.com/home/documents/

https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mied-5_14-cv-10887/USCOURTS-mied-5_14-cv-10887-3/context

Fatherly advice with a special mystery guest

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0600

I hope you enjoy this special episode of The Small Town Stylist Podcast with a very special guest and possibly the biggest fan of the podcast, my Father-in-law.

How reading romantasy books have made me a better hairstylist

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0600

The magical worlds of fae romances and dragons might have nothing to do with hair... and yet these stories have made me a better hairstylist. The theme of this episode is all about having some fun and growing your business in the process.

Rabbit trail about personal style, branding, and authenticity behind the chair

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Can you keep up with my ADHD rabbit trail that somehow started with jury duty and seamlessly rolled into personal style, branding, and authenticity behind the chair as a hairstylist? Becuase this was the exact way my brain worked when planning this episode and I'm not mad at where the journey led us.

Should hairstylists worry about bladder cancer?

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0600

Have you seen the recent lawsuit about a link to haircolor and bladder cancer? Although this is still an ongoing case, I've seen a lot of conversations online about it within the beauty industry. However social media tends to lack nuance so in this episode I wanted to share on the perspective I felt like is missing from the main conversation.

Here are links for further details about the lawsuit and risk factors for bladder cancer:

https://arkansasurology.com/3-ways-to-prevent-bladder-cancer/

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna191706

Authenticity and client experience with Britt Reno @brittrockshair

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Britt Reno is a Small Town Stylist Collective Alumni member that I have had the honor of coaching over the past few years. She is a small town stylist who understands the value of creating a memorable client experience, infuses her personality into every aspect of her brand, and relies on her authenticity to attract a loyal and aligned clientele.

Follow Britt on Instagram @brittrockshair

Salon design and organization with Aly McKinnon @theorganizedhairstylist

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Aly is an expert when it comes to salon design and organization, and in this episode she goes deeper into why having a well curated space is important for growing your business and your income behind the chair.

Check our her FREE class on March 27th and 30th

Follow Aly on Instagram

Becoming an educator with Jodie Brown

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Have you ever wondered about becoming an educator, but you weren't sure where to start? In this episode I've invited my friend and mentor Jodie Brown onto the podcast to talk about how to get started in education if that's a path you've been considering, even in your small town.

You can follow Jodie on Instagram @itsjodiebrown and learn more about how to work with her in her highlights.

My thirty, flirty, and thriving life lessons.

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0600

A fun little episode diving into some of the life lessons I've learned as I enter into my third decade on this silly spinny rock.

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss next week's episode where I'm interviewing Jodie Brown all about becoming an educator in the beauty industry.

Why does raising your prices feel like a mistake? Part 2 with Misty jayne @_mistyjayne_

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Price increases can feel scary even after you commit—especially when schedule gaps appear. But what if they were a sign of growth? In this episode, Casey Taylor and Misty Jayne dive into the emotions behind pricing, the power of rest, and how to reframe discomfort for success.

Do price increases make you feel anxious? Part 1 w/ Misty Jayne @_mistyjayne_

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Struggling to raise your prices as a hairstylist? Misty Jayne and Casey Taylor break down the emotional side of pricing, how to understand your numbers, and ways to charge with confidence—without fear or guilt. Enjoy Part 1 of this series and come back next week for Part 2

price increases, small town stylist, business coaching, emotional impact, money management, client value, confidence in pricing, hairstylist success, pricing strategy, salon business

Live Q+A with small town hairstylists

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:15:00 -0600

Watch the free training: www.caseytaylorstylist.com/freetraining

Want to learn more about working directly with me to simplify your business strategies and take the stress out of charging luxury prices in a small town? Vist www.caseytaylorstylist.com/collective

Building a luxury beauty business without leaving your small town

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Save your seat inside of the FREE zoom training: www.caseytaylorstylist.com/freetraining

The worst thing that could happen when firing a client and how to navigate it.

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Hopefully I do this story justice. There are definitely some details that I left out that led me to ultimately feel like there was nothing more I could do for this client, but to be honest most of the reason I decided to fire this client is irrelevant to how I handled the situation and the subsequent aftermath.

I hope this episode can be a reminder to stand firm in your boundaries, trust your intuition, and don't let the fear of push back prevent you from addressing situations head on… and also, don't wait 2 week before calling police because this could have ended way worse than it did.

If you want access to all of the boundaries, policies, scripts, and systems I put in place to avoid repeating this situation, add your name to the waitlist for the Small Town Stylist Collective. Details will be sent soon!!

www.caseytaylorstylist.com/waitlist

The science of Olaplex and why it's my ride or die

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Because I value transparency, it's only fair for me to share that I have been part of the Olaplex Advocate program for 2 years now, which means I receive some free product from them. But I have been a fully invested Olaplex user for 10 years now and all of my thoughts and opinions existed long before partnering with them.

In this episode I'm breaking down the science of Olaplex so that we can clear the air about common misconceptions I often see online about the product line and how to incorporate the line into a broader curated hair care routine in order to see the best results.

I'm curious to know if you enjoy these more sciency deep dives or if you prefer more business focused episodes. Let me know by sending a DM to @caseytaylorstylist or @smalltownstylistpodcast on Instagram.

What makes a hair product "professional"?

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Some hairstylists are going to hate this, but I don't think we need to be demonizing all drugstore products or praising all "professional" products. In my experience and research there are good and bad products at the drug store just as there are good and bad products in the pro stores, but so often stylists repeat misinformation about certain ingredients without getting a better understanding of the science and chemistry behind those ingredients. It's not your fault, some brands rely more on flashy marketing instead of educating stylists. But in this episode I'm breakdown some of the reasons why I think we have been led astray as stylists, how I vet the products I use and recommend, and sharing some of my favorite resources for product research and hair science below 👇🏻

Wong M. Sulfate-Free Shampoo? The Science. Lab Muffin Beauty Science. May 14, 2023. Accessed December 2, 2024 https://labmuffin.com/sulfate-free-shampoo-science/

Wong M. The Science of Hair Products: Shampoo and Conditioner. Lab Muffin Beauty Science. August 15, 2022. Accessed December 2, 2024 https://labmuffin.com/the-science-of-hair-products-shampoo-and-conditioner-with-video/

Wong M. Amodimethicone: The Science of My Favourite Hair Ingredient. Lab Muffin Beauty Science. April 12, 2024. Accessed December 2, 2024. https://labmuffin.com/amodimethicone-my-new-favourite-hair-ingredient/

Wong M. Can you test heat protectants with fire? The Science. Lab Muffin Beauty Science. February 19, 2024. Accessed December 2, 2024. https://labmuffin.com/can-you-test-heat-protectants-with-fire-the-science/

https://askmags.com/what-to-know-about-shampoo-ingredients/

https://askmags.com/to-sulfate-or-not-to-sulfate-2/

https://askmags.com/surfactants-and-silicones-by-perry-romanowski-2/

https://askmags.com/oils-which-ones-soak-in-vs-coat-the-hair/

Stop failing at your goals in 2025

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0600

I am in love with this trend of turning your new years goals into a bingo board! It not only helps me create a visual of my goals and my progress for the year, but it also gives me more tangible steps towards reaching my overall intentions.

The idea behind a goals bingo board is that you take a traditional bingo board with 5 columns and rows to create 25 objectives that you want to accomplish for the year. The columns of each letter are themed to help guide you towards a more fulfilling and well-rounded goal setting strategy

B - balance (physical and mental health)

I - income (earnings and financial stability)

N - nurture (relationships and connections)

G - growth (career development)

O - opportunities (other personal growth hobbies and life experiences

This way if you hit a “bingo” across your board you have made well-rounded progress towards goals in all areas of your life.

If you want a more in depth breakdown of this goal setting strategy, I'm inviting you to watch this month coaching call lesson for free! Just visit www.caseytaylorstylist.com/2025goals

Finding clarity and the end of season one

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Sometimes you need to take a step back in order to find clarity on your goals. I've absolutely loved hosting this first season of The Small Town Stylist Podcast, and I'm looking forward to fresh perspectives and new conversations in 2025.

Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss an episode when I return in the new year, and follow @smalltownstylistpodcast on Instagram to stay in the loop about life updates and more details about season 2

Why the salon holiday rush isn't what it used to be

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode I'm sharing my predictions about a shift in the holiday rush and what this means for salons going into 2025 as we navigate inflation and an evolving economy.

It's never a 50/50 balance

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0600

It might sound counter productive, but you have to go through seasons where your personal life takes priority over your career in order to see impactful growth in your business.

My friend @Iamlauraelizabeth said it best when she posted this to IG: "it doesn't get easier, you get better..."

To be honest this week I had several personal life things happen that put me in a very self reflective headspace completely unrelated to the beauty industry, and although those things are not directly correlated to my career, they are unavoidable influences that make an impact on how I show up in my business.

Why the most successful stylists are asking for help in their salon business

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0600

Have you ever looked at other salons and hairstylists you admire for inspiration or business strategies? I'm not saying it's a bad thing to be inspired by another successful stylist, but I am telling you why you need to create a strategy that is unique to your personal business behind the chair if you want to see real progress towards your goals on both a personal and professional level. listen to this episode for my advice to stop copying anyone else's strategy, and seek out true mentorship from the successful beauty pros you admire.

If you're interested in my mentorship program, you can visit this link to learn more about The Small Town Stylist Collective: www.caseytaylorstylist.com/collective

SOURCES: https://www.deanyeong.com/article/dunning-kruger-effect

Median income doesn't matter when raising your prices in the salon

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0600

Learn why I no longer consider median income when raising my prices in the salon, and you should too.

I am hosting a free training today all about How to build a luxury clientele in a small town. Visit www.caseytaylorstylist.com/free to sign up to join live on Monday October 7th, at 12:00pm Central Time, or grab the replay that will be available for the next 48 hours only!

You don't have to market on social media to be a successful stylist but...

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Would you rather pass out business cards to strangers in the grocery store or post on social media to attract more clients to your salon? There is no right or wrong answer, but you do have to have some kind of marketing strategy if you want to have a sustainable business behind the chair. In this episode I'm breaking down the evolution of marketing strategies in the beauty industry and the importance of maintaining your brand awareness as an independent stylist in the salon.

Come to my FREE TRAINING! ➡️ www.caseytaylorstylist.com/free

Why you feel guilty for cutting back your hours in the salon

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Have you ever felt guilt or shame for cutting back your hours in the salon? Did you believe that reducing your schedule would be the solution you needed to break free from burnout behind the chair, but then you're caught off guard by contradicting emotions to what you imagined those changs would feel like? In this conversation I want to break down the emotional challenges of achieving a healthy work-life balance in the beauty industry, and how you can find clarity and confidence in your decision to pursue a business structure that best supports your values and priorities as an independent stylist.

SIGN UP FOR MY FREE TRAINING ON OCTOBER 7th

www.caseytaylorstylist.com/free

Baking cookies for my first in-person class at my small town salon

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0600

This multi-tasking mini episode is brought to you from my kitchen because it was absolutely necessary for me to bake cookies to bring to class tomorrow (aka the day this episode will come out)

Do you want me to come teach at your salon? Send an email to casey@caseytaylorstylist.com and we can discuss the details!

SIGN UP FOR MY FREE TRAINING ON OCTOBER 7th

www.caseytaylorstylist.com/free

Why hairstylists don't take lunch breaks

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode I'm getting honest about my recent struggles with food and the often unhealthy eating habits of hairstylists in the salon. I am sharing tips to overcome the cycles of skipping lunch breaks, ways to find inspiration for meals when you are too overwhelmed with decisions, and my advice for making lunch breaks something you actually enjoy rather than another inconvenience on your to do list.

Links mentioned:

JOIN THE SMALL TOWN STYLIST COLLECTIVE WAITLIST

Watch the ted talk by Katie Kimball about Picky Eaters

Check out @stealth_health_life on Instagram

SIGN UP FOR MY FREE TRAINING ON OCTOBER 7th

www.caseytaylorstylist.com/free

Preventing burnout and overworking during the holiday rush

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0600

In this conversation, Casey Taylor discusses the holiday rush in the beauty industry and how to regain control over busy seasons in your business. She shares her personal experience of unhealthy work habits and overworking during the holiday season, and how she shifted her perspective to create a healthier work-life balance. Casey emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, recognizing personal triggers, and prioritizing self-care. By gaining clarity on deeper motivations and triggers, stylists can prevent extreme stress and burnout and create greater stability throughout the year.

SIGN UP FOR MY FREE TRAINING ON OCTOBER 7th

www.caseytaylorstylist.com/free

Small town salon ownership with @haleywstyling

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Haley Walker is an alumni student of the Small Town Stylist Collective who has opened a beautiful suite rental salon in rural western Kentucky. She shares a little about her experience opening a high end salon in a small town, how she empowers her stylists to elevate their client experience and income within her salon space, and some of the push back she's received doing business differently in a rural area. Keep listening to this episode to learn some of the most rewarding elements of salon ownership as well as some of the challenges that come along with it.

Connect with Haley on Instagram @haleywstyling and check out her salon @noueveau_salon

Want to join The Small Town Stylist Collective? add your name to the waitlist here

Work life balance as a salon owner

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Did you notice I was MIA for 2 weeks? Well the truth is I overcommitted myself, but in this episode I want to share a little bit of the life update that led to me falling behind on recording, lessons I've been reminded of through this busy season of life and business, and why it's a good thing to prioritize yourself over your business. Sometimes circumstances are out of our control but there is a key difference between toxic overworking cycles and temporary phases of business that require a little bit more of our time and energy.

Should Hair Stylists pick a niche or specialty?

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Is "niching down" the new buzz term in the beauty industry? In this episode I'm chatting about how hairstylists have taken specializing too far. Learn more about my personal experience with exploring different specialties and understand the importance of not limiting your skill set too early in your career. If you've ever been told that you have to specialize in order to be successful, I want to challenge that mindset in favor of supporting more well rounded stylists in the beauty industry. Although there is value in picking a niche in marketing, I encourage you to find balance between doing the services you enjoy without having to sacrifice variety, creativity, and exploration in your career.

Check out my friend Laura on Instagram! @iamlauraelizabeth

Episode swap with The Starting Messy Podcast

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Listen to this episode swap with @_mistyjayne_ from The Starting Messy Podcast.

I always value our conversations about life, the beauty industry, money relationships, and the messy journeys of entrepreneurship.

and if you want to hear more from Misty you can go back and listen to episode 8 of Small Town Stylist Podcast

Why you need to go on vacation, but it isn't going to end your burn out.

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0600

I'm back from a stunning vacation in the Texas HIll Country, but it has me wondering when the last time YOU took a vacation was? Let's dive into how you can afford to take your dream vacation, why taking vacation is important, and why all of the best vacations in the world will still not solve your problems with burn out (but I have a solution that will help!)

Listen to my Instagram Live with Misty Jayne

ENROLLMENT IS OPEN for The Small Town Stylist Collective 👉🏻 www.caseytaylorstylist.com/collective

Want to get started with the Price Increase Masterclass? www.caseytaylorstylist.com/masterclass

Use code PODCAST at checkout to save an additional $25 off the group coaching program when you pay in full

How I accidentally became a salon owner

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0600

This past week marks 6 years since I opened up my dream salon in my hometown, but I used to say that I NEVER wanted to be a salon owner. Sometimes life has different plans for you, and saying yes to things that are outside of your comfort zone can lead to the most rewarding experiences of your life.

SMALL TOWN PRICE INCREASE MASTERCLASS: www.caseytaylorstylist.com/masterclass

Join the waitlist for the Small Town Stylist Collective, your ticket to freedom from the anxiety of an overbooked schedule, the stress of salon finances, and finally remove the limitations of no retirement, PTO, or medical insurance as a self employed stylists 👉🏻 www.caseytaylorstylist.com/waitlist

Breaking down the pros and cons of 4 different salon pricing models

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode I'm breaking down the four most common pricing strategies in the beauty industry: a la carte, hourly, parts and labor, and package pricing. Learn about my personal experiences with each model and highlight the pros and cons of each strategy s that you can determine which one might be the best for your personal business.

SMALL TOWN PRICE INCREASE MASTERCLASS: www.caseytaylorstylist.com/masterclass

Connect on Instagram @smalltownstylistpodcast or @caseytaylorstylist

Why I regret having a friends and family discount, and how to navigate salon boundaries in your relationships

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 01:00:00 -0600

Friends and family are some of the most complicated relationships to navigate in business, especially if they are expecting a discount you no longer feel comfortable giving.

In this episode I'm breaking down why I wish I had never offered a friends and family discount, and how you can politely set boundaries within your business to stop feeling disrespected by the people who you're supposed to be the closest to.

Download this free guide to communicate your boundaries with kindness 👉🏻 www.caseytaylorstylist.com/freeguide

How to build your clientele from zero to fully booked, whether you're just starting out or new to the area

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0600

It doesn't matter if you're a new stylist just building your business, or an established stylist who is moving to a new area or coming back from a leave of absence. This episode details the exact steps I would take to start marketing my business from zero clients to fully booked behind the chair.

Why you're struggling to respond to messages

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0600

This episode discusses texting anxiety, the overwhelming feeling that emerges when your inbox is overflowing, and the solution to overcome this self-sabatoging habit in your business as an independent hairstylist.

The influence of AI in the hair industry

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0600

Is AI taking over the hair industry? This episode explores Casey's predictions of how this technology will influence hair trends, marketing, and the future of the beauty industry.

Empowering yourself with your finances with MIsty Jayne

Mon, 27 May 2024 04:00:00 -0600

Misty Jayne is a life and money empowerment coach and the host of The Starting Messy Podcast. In this episode she is joining Casey Taylor to discuss the importance of personal finances for hairstylists. They explore the mindset around pricing and finances in small towns, overcoming the fear of being selfish, and the impact of personal finances on business finances. Misty emphasizes the need to normalize hairstylists making a living and the power of taking control of your money. They also discuss the importance of mindful spending and empowering yourself with your finances.

Grab MIsty's Assess the Situation FREE Resource here!

Follow Misty on Instagram at @_mistyjayne_

Algorithm updates and what the new Instagram verified tiers mean for hairstylists

Mon, 20 May 2024 04:00:00 -0600

In this conversation, Casey Taylor discusses the updates to Meta's paid verified business tiers and the updated Instagram algorithm. She clarifies the misinformation and fear surrounding these changes, and discusses the impact of the algorithm updates on salon owners. She offers advice for navigating a long-term marketing strategy, and how to determine if paying for a verification badge would benefit your business.... Spoiler alert, you probably don't need it!

Learn how to market your business in a small town👇🏻

https://caseytaylorstylist.com/marketing

Use code: PODCAST for $25 off

Sources:

https://www.facebook.com/business/tools/meta-verified-for-business

TikTok drama and PTO for self-employed stylists

Mon, 13 May 2024 04:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Casey Taylor discusses why so many hairstylists are feeling burnt out from the client vs stylist narrative on TikTok. She shares her perspective on the latest PTO drama, and offers resources on how self employed stylists can implement paid time off, retirement, and insurance into their own small businesses structure.

Join the waitlist for The Small Town Stylist Collective:

www.caseytaylorstylist.com/waitlist

Sources:

https://www.google.com/about/careers/applications/benefits/

Why hairstylists need to stop "charging your worth"

Mon, 06 May 2024 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Casey Taylor has a conversation exploring the topic of "charging your worth" in the beauty industry. She challenges the idea that self-worth is somehow tied to monetary value and emphasizes the importance of separating personal worth from hairstylists pricing. She continues to discuss the negative effects of career enmeshment and the need to rediscover individuality outside of being a hairstylist. She addresses the link of "charging your worth" to emotional discounting and the importance basing your pricing on facts and formulas, rather than emotions and motivational speaking.

SMALL TOWN PRICE INCREASE MASTERCLASS: www.caseytaylorstylist.com/masterclass

What the non-compete ban means for both salons and stylists

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0600

In this episode Casey is breaking down the FTC ruling to ban non-competes and how that will affect both stylists and salon owners in the beauty industry. She outlines potential alternatives that she predicts will become more popular as this new ban goes into effect, and how to navigate those from both a stylist and salon owner perspective. Casey is not a lawyer and this is NOT legal advice. You can find all sources of information and articles cited at the links below, and you should always consult with an attorney before agreeing to any employment contracts.

Why your cancellation policy isn't working

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0600

This episode of the Small Town Stylist podcast discusses cancellation policies in the beauty industry. Casey Taylor shares her observations and offers advice on how to approach cancellation policies in a clear and compassionate manner. She emphasizes the importance of clearly defining policies, having in-person conversations with clients, and enforcing policies consistently but with compassion. She also highlights the need for mutual accountability and respect between stylists and clients. The episode serves as a reminder that hairstylists boundaries are worthy of respect and can be enforced while still being compassionate towards clients in the process.

Don't forget to follow @smalltownstylistpodcast on Instagram for updates and opportunities to give your own feedback and perspective on future topics.

Instagram only marketing doesn't work in a small town salon

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Casey Taylor discusses common misconceptions about social media marketing as a small town stylist and provides strategies for attracting local clients. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on targeted clients rather than vanity metrics and highlights the value of platforms like Facebook and Google for reaching local audiences. Casey also recommends optimizing SEO, creating a professional website, and utilizing social media branding techniques. Additionally, she suggests getting involved in the community, both physically and online, to attract potential clients. Overall, the episode provides practical advice for small town stylists looking to build their clientele.

My small town cosmetology school experience

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

In this episode Casey is sharing a little bit of her journey deciding to go to a small town cosmetology school, the pushback she received from her parents, and the discouraging environment some of her instructors created. She also reflects on the challenges many stylist face through the transition out of cosmetology school and into the salon. She discusses how she has overcome some of the limiting mindsets of others by challenging her perspective and using that empowerment to fulfil her dreams as a small town stylist.

Why Small Town Stylists

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Welcome to the Small Town Stylist podcast. My Name is Casey Taylor and this introduction will let you why I chose to focus on small town hairstylists, a little bit about my back story, and what you can expect out of upcoming episodes.

Subscribe to get all of the weekly episodes dropping on Mondays, and send an Instagram DM letting me know what your thoughts are on the podcast as well as what topics you want to see more of in the future!