Ever wondered what really happens in hair school? In this episode of Mane Talk, host Laura Bell sits down with junior stylist Teå to spill the truth - from crooked mannequin cuts to first client nerves and hilarious shampoo disasters. They dive into what you don’t learn in class, how to handle real salon life, and the unforgettable moments that shape every stylist’s journey.

Between lice scares, rogue hoses, and gum-in-the-hair moments, Laura and Teå remind us that behind every confident stylist is a long line of lessons, laughs, and maybe a few tears. Whether you’re behind the chair or just curious what goes on before the magic happens, this one’s a must-listen.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome to Mane Talk and intro to Téa

01:00 – First haircut disasters and learning to consult properly

03:30 – Shampoo hose chaos and rookie mistakes

04:45 – Wildest hair school moments and lessons learned

07:00 – The lice incident and why consultations matter

09:30 – Constructive criticism and constant learning in the salon

12:00 – “It’s not about being fast, it’s about getting it right.”

14:00 – The surprises of real salon life vs. mannequin heads

16:00 – Managing energy, burnout, and stylist “reset” moments

17:30 – Building client trust and working as a salon team

18:00 – Funny hair school fails - razors, gum, and nails in the sink

22:00 – The bleaching and bob disaster that started it all

24:00 – Advice for new stylists: jump in, try everything, keep learning

26:00 – The truth about growth and career longevity

27:30 – Final reflections and sneak peek at the next episode

Key Takeaways:

• Every stylist starts somewhere – The shaky hands, mannequin cuts, and awkward first clients are part of the journey.
• Consultations matter – Ask detailed questions and confirm every step before you start.
• Mistakes are lessons – Every hose mishap, haircut mix-up, and shampoo slip builds confidence and skill.
• Client happiness > speed – Take the time to get it right; quality and care build loyalty.
• Salon life is real life – It’s fast, emotional, rewarding, and yes—sometimes chaotic.
• Stay humble and curious – Great stylists never stop learning.
• Confidence grows with experience – Keep showing up, keep practicing, and remember why you started.

Quotes:

“No one tells you how nerve-wracking that first mannequin haircut is. You’re sweating, trying to look confident, the line’s crooked, and your mannequin is definitely giving you the side-eye.” – Laura

“Always have a very thorough consultation and ask questions like, how much are we taking off the top? Do you even have a picture of what you liked from last time?” – Téa

“It’s not about being the fastest stylist in the room; it’s about being the one who cares enough to get it right.” – Laura

“ Always be confident and just put yourself right in there. Do everything, like as much as you can in school, and I think it'll work out great for you. Like honestly, the way you learn is just by doing it.” – Téa

🔗 Follow Salon 21 for More:

🌐 Website: salon21.ca

📸 Instagram: @‌salon21hairandesthetics

📘 Facebook: Salon 21 by Laura Mills

Salon ownership might look like latte runs, great hair, and upbeat music—but the real story lives in the moments you don’t see. In this unfiltered solo episode, host Laura Bell pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to run a thriving salon. From fixing WiFi mid-foil to ordering wax at 9pm after bath time, Laura shares the reality of juggling clients, a team, a family, and a dream.

This isn’t just a business—it’s a heartbeat. Get ready for laughs, relatable chaos, and a whole new appreciation for your stylist.

Notable Quotes:

• “You picked the time, confirmed the text, and then vanished like a bad Tinder date.”
• “Salon ownership is freedom—but it’s not off-duty freedom.”
• “The glam side would never exist without the grind.”
• “Running a salon is a full-time juggling act… with a little bit of magic sprinkled in.”
• “What really makes a salon work is the people inside. Without that, it’s just a space with chairs.”

Key Takeaways & Resources:

The Hidden Hustle of Salon Life:

• Salon ownership means doing everything: ordering supplies, fixing tech, managing schedules, parenting, and yes—plunging sinks.
• Behind every beautiful transformation is a whirlwind of logistics, teamwork, and after-hours planning.

The True Cost of Service:

• Pricing isn’t just about the haircut—it reflects education, rent, tools, product, and the energy poured in daily.
• Stylists constantly reinvest in themselves to stay sharp, educated, and elevated.

Business + Balance:

• Flexibility often means responding to DMs late at night and budgeting on Sundays.
• “Free time” looks different when your name is on the door.

Teamwork = Magic:

• The unsung heroes are the stylists who jump in to sweep, mix color, or finish a blow dry.
• Salon 21 thrives because of its strong, supportive team culture.

🔗 Follow Salon 21 for More:

🌐 Website: salon21.ca

📸 Instagram: @‌salon21hairandesthetics

📘 Facebook: Salon 21 by Laura Mills

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ManeTalkpoweredbysalon21

Ready for your most flawless glow yet? In this episode of Mane Talk, host Laura Bell sits down with stylist and aesthetician Madi to spill the secrets behind perfect spray tans and sugaring services. From prepping like a pro to making your results last, Madi shares everything you need to know—plus a few laugh-out-loud stories from behind the treatment room curtain.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned client, you’ll walk away with tips, confidence, and maybe a reminder that beauty blunders happen to everyone.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ The must-do prep steps before your spray tan or sugaring appointment

✅ Why aftercare is just as important as the service itself

✅ How to make your glow last longer and your skin stay smoother

✅ Funny and unforgettable client (and stylist!) mishaps

✅ Why comfort and confidence always come first at Salon 21

Notable Quotes

“If you want that glow to look flawless and actually last, your prep is everything.” – Madi

“Fear hurts a lot more than the wax itself.” – Laura

🔗 Follow Salon 21 for More:

🌐 Website: salon21.ca

📸 Instagram: @‌salon21hairandesthetics

📘 Facebook: Salon 21 by Laura Mills

If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your beauty crew!