326 A Year in Review: Data, AI, and the Direction of the Hairdressing Industry with Gordon Miller

At the end of every year, I like to take a step back and look at what’s really happening in our industry. Not just at a surface level, but underneath it all. In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Gordon Miller for one of our now-regular “state of the nation” conversations, where we dig into the biggest shifts shaping the hairdressing industry right now.

We talk about the growing importance of data, what AI is actually being used for inside real salons, and why understanding the numbers is no longer optional if you want a sustainable, profitable business. Gordon shares practical examples of how salons are using AI to improve communication, training, productivity, and decision-making, not as a replacement for people, but as a tool to make people better at what they do.

We also explore the changing relationship between salons and product companies, the rise of independent and freelance models, and why great commission-based salons are still creating incredible careers for hairdressers who want stability, structure, and serious earning potential. If you care about the future of this industry and your place in it, this is a conversation worth listening to.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Welcome and introduction

[00:24] Why end-of-year reflection matters for salon owners

[02:14] The two biggest changes Gordon's seeing in 2025

[03:02] Data is becoming the decoder ring for everything

[04:23] What's driving the focus on numbers and KPIs

[08:37] The AI revolution in hairdressing salons

[10:17] Real use cases: How top salons are using AI daily

[14:42] Using AI to improve manager-team member communication

[17:05] The connection between data and AI in salons

[18:13] How salon tech companies are integrating AI

[21:24] The evolution of the salon business model

[25:04] Why the commission model isn't going anywhere

[31:02] The truth about working hours in the industry

[36:40] The changing relationship between salons and manufacturers

[42:24] Why salon associations matter more than ever

[45:25] Where to connect with Gordon Miller

Want MORE to help you GROW?

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Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Episode 267 with Maxwell Snow from Van Michael salon in Atlanta

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