Hair Smarter

What do stylists and therapists have in common? We both hold everyone’s stories while trying not to lose ourselves. On this episode of HairSmarter, Gretchen Williams joins us to unpack perfectionism, boundaries, grief, and how to stop tying your self-worth to every haircut. If you’ve ever apologized five times in one appointment—you need this one.

“Boundaries Are Not a Bad Word”dives into one of the most underrated skills behind the chair—setting healthy boundaries. Sarah and Sarajane unpack what the research says about why boundaries matter, how to write clear policies, and how emotional regulation protects your creativity and longevity. From saying no with kindness to creating space for recovery, this episode blends real stylist stories with behavioral psychology and workplace science to help you protect your craft without guilt. Because

When a client sits in your chair unhappy with their cut—whether it’s one you did or one you’re fixing—the emotional energy can feel intense. In this episode, “The Razor’s Edge: When Clients Aren’t Happy—and It’s Your Chair They’re In”, Sarah and Sarajane unpack how to handle those fragile moments with empathy, skill, and professionalism. Backed by research on emotional intelligence, growth mindset, and polyvagal theory, they share tools to stay calm, lead with confidence, and keep your boundaries

What does Harvard brain science have to do with hairdressing? A lot more than you think. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gabrielle Rappolt-Schlichtmann – Harvard-trained learning scientist – to uncover how stress, emotion, and design shape the way stylists actually learn. From why most classes don’t stick, to the neuroscience of joy and mastery behind the chair, this conversation will change the way you think about education. If you’ve ever left a class thinking “Why didn’t that stay in my