The Hair Game

The Hair Game

The Hair Game is a series brought to you by Salon Republic and hosted by founder Eric Taylor, who, after 25 yrs in the hair game, has seen a lot of s#!@ go down. We go deep with the beauty industry's most interesting players, we educate and tell stories about the things you care about, and we get into the business side of the game so you can earn more and keep more. Also check out the video content on salonrepublic.com/thehairgame.

Episodes

February 16, 2026 50 mins

In this episode, Oana Ciofu, @hair_by_oana, shares her inspiring journey from her small town to becoming a global ambassador, emphasizing the importance of passion, continuous learning, and embracing adversity in the beauty industry.

Whether you're a hairstylist or aspiring beauty professional, her story offers valuable lessons on growth, innovation, and staying true to your vision.

Key Topics:

  • Oana's childhood and early fasci...
Mark as Played

In this episode, Oana Ciofu, @hair_by_oana, shares her inspiring journey from her small town to becoming a global ambassador, emphasizing the importance of passion, continuous learning, and embracing adversity in the beauty industry.

Whether you're a hairstylist or aspiring beauty professional, her story offers valuable lessons on growth, innovation, and staying true to your vision.

Key Topics:

  • Oana's childhood and early fasci...
Mark as Played

Salon Republic hairstylist, Peyton Lambert, @peytonlamberthair shares her journey from uncertainty to success in the hair industry. She brings you behind the scenes of building a business: continuous learning, embracing discomfort in social media, and becoming "addicted" to mastering your finances.

She also addresses the changing perceptions of the hairstyling profession and the need for industry professionals to support one anothe...

Mark as Played

Salon Republic hairstylist, Peyton Lambert, @peytonlamberthair shares her journey from uncertainty to success in the hair industry. She brings you behind the scenes of building a business: continuous learning, embracing discomfort in social media, and becoming "addicted" to mastering your finances.

She also addresses the changing perceptions of the hairstyling profession and the need for industry professionals to support one anothe...

Mark as Played
Salon owner and colorist Lauren Herzog @thehillbillyhairpainter, shares her unique journey into becoming a successful hairstylist.
 
She discusses the ch...
Mark as Played
Salon owner and colorist Lauren Herzog @thehillbillyhairpainter, shares her unique journey into becoming a successful hairstylist.
 
She discusses the ch...
Mark as Played

Salon owner and hair cutting specialist Jules Heron started @hairforhumans to help their community feel supported. They share the impact of somatic therapy, and how creativity has become a vital outlet for managing anxiety.

We also discuss the importance of consultations in understanding client needs and the emotional connections formed during hair transformations. 

This Week's Topics:

Mark as Played

These are clips highlighting some of the topics discussed in the full episode! Check it out if you want a bite-sized version of the full episode.

Salon owner and hair cutting specialist Jules Heron started @hairforhumans to help their community feel supported. They share the impact of somatic therapy, and how creativity has become a vital outlet for managing anxiety.

We also discuss the importance of consultations in understanding ...

Mark as Played
January 5, 2026 12 mins

Eric shares his thoughts on what's happened over the past year in our industry. We hope your year has been successful - and here's to even more success in the new year! 

Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist.

Read more
Mark as Played

Donovan tracked down partygoers willing to share their craziest client stories! Have any of these ever happened to you?

Thanks to the following peeps for sharing their story:

@creepycolour

@shannonsrs

@_vanessasimone_

@hairbyjaque

@livisstyles

@holistichairlosstreatmentla

@jtouch

@mrlrc1

@joywilliamsbeauty

 

Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Sub...

Mark as Played
December 22, 2025 4 mins

Eric shares a heartwarming message to all of our loyal listeners for the holiday season.

A huge thanks to all of our Hair Gamers that continue to listen each week! 

Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out 'The Hair Game Podcast' playlist.

Read more
Mark as Played

Salon Business Coach & Speaker @jenniferjadealvarez shares her journey from BTC to becoming a successful business owner. She discusses her early experiences in the beauty industry, the challenges she faced, and the mentors who guided her. 

She highlights common mistakes made by beauty professionals and offers insights into financial planning, marketing, and business growth. 

Get her free Freedom Calculator here and find out how to ...

Mark as Played

These are clips highlighting some of the topics discussed in the full episode! Check it out if you want a bite-sized version of the full episode.

Salon Business Coach & Speaker @jenniferjadealvarez shares her journey from BTC to becoming a successful business owner. She discusses her early experiences in the beauty industry, the challenges she faced, and the mentors who guided her. 

She highlights common mistakes made by beauty pro...

Mark as Played

The conversation with our host @loveerictaylor continues, as Eric shares what's changed since the first Salon Republic 25 years ago, where he sees the industry going, and the keys to success for indie hairdressers.

This Week's Topics:

  • Early Success and Growing Pains
  • Read more
Mark as Played
In celebration of Salon Republic's 25th anniversary, Donovan turns the table and brings our host Eric Taylor on as a guest! Eric shares his journey from Texas to California, detailing his experiences in sports, education, and the eventual pivot to entrepreneurship in the salon industry.
Read more
Mark as Played

Salon Sales & Wellness Educator @BenjiPow helps salon owners with their communication skills and sales confidence. We discuss the importance of technical skills vs. people skills, various aspects of salon management, and the difference between coaching and mentoring. Benji also shares insights on overcoming limiting beliefs and the importance of aligning values within a salon team to foster a positive work environment. 

This Week's...

Mark as Played

These are clips highlighting some of the topics discussed in the full episode! Check it out if you want a bite-sized version of the full episode.

Salon Sales & Wellness Educator @BenjiPow helps salon owners with their communication skills and sales confidence. We discuss the importance of technical skills vs. people skills, various aspects of salon management, and the difference between coaching and mentoring. Benji also shares ins...

Mark as Played

Successful indie hairdresser @hollydoesgreathair has over 20 years experience in the hair industry, including the last 5 years in a salon studio. She shares her approach to social media, business & pricing strategies, and client expectations.

This Week's Topics:

  • Local Awards and Client Relationships
  • Read more
Mark as Played

These are clips highlighting some of the topics discussed in the full episode! Check it out if you want a bite-sized version of the full episode.

Successful indie hairdresser @hollydoesgreathair has over 20 years experience in the hair industry, including the last 5 years in a salon studio. She shares her approach to social media, business & pricing strategies, and client expectations.

This Week's Topics:

  • Read more
Mark as Played

Certified Trichologist & Hair Loss Expert Laura Volpe @maneinkny became interested in helping people with hair loss after years as a hairstylist. She explains the role of a Trichologist and discusses the various causes, differences in treatments, and need for education in the beauty industry regarding hair loss.

For Laura's hairstylist educational offerings - visit @maneinkacademy on IG!

This Week's Topics:

  • Read more
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.

    Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

    The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are here and have everyone talking. iHeartPodcasts is buzzing with content in honor of the XXV Winter Olympics We’re bringing you episodes from a variety of iHeartPodcast shows to help you keep up with the action. Follow Milan Cortina Winter Olympics so you don’t miss any coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, and if you like what you hear, be sure to follow each Podcast in the feed for more great content from iHeartPodcasts.

    iHeartOlympics: The Latest

    Listen to the latest news from the 2026 Winter Olympics.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.