The Balanced Hairstylist Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Roxie Jane Hunt - Seattle-based hairstylist, facilitator, mentor, and author of Alchemy of Change - for a conversation that is equal parts grounding, inspiring, and deeply nourishing.This year, Roxie and I both celebrate 25 years of doing hair, bringing a combined 50 years(!) of wisdom to this conversation. And we use every bit of it.Roxie is the creator of and the founder of Free Your Hair Brush and Free Your Hair Salon. Her work invites hairstylists into a slower, more intentional way of working, one rooted in self-worth, sustainability, and the belief that our work is truly sacred.In this episode we cover:Why our work as hairstylists is sacred — and what it looks like to honor that behind the chair every dayWhat it really means to hold space for others without losing yourself in the processThe power of silent appointments and how to get comfortable in the discomfort of quietWhat happens to our bodies and nervous systems when we work in a constant state of urgencyThe difference between authentic sharing and emotional dumping — and how to know which one you're doingWhy asking clients to request permission before sharing something traumatic is a game changerHow to schedule your day around how you want to feel, not just how much you can produceWhat self-care looks like in heavy, uncertain timesThe ancient, irreplaceable roots of what we do — and why our jobs will never go awayRoxie closes with a permission slip every hairstylist needs to hear: your presence and attention are your most valuable gifts, and you have full permission to build a career that looks like nothing you've ever seen before — because it's yours.This one is for every hairstylist who loves what they do but struggles with overwhelm and burnout.

The podcast episode is a guided meditation aimed at helping hairstylists and beauty professionals release the emotional burden we carry from our work. We have to intentionally put down things we might have accidentally picked up through our long, heavy day. The meditation focuses on letting go of what is not ours and reclaiming our energy through self-awareness and self-compassion.Guided meditation for hairstylists and beauty professionalsReleasing emotional burden and reclaiming energyChapters00:00 Introduction to Guided Meditation05:31 Letting Go of What's Not Yours

Sarah Beck welcomes Megan Dippold, MS, LCMFT, LMFT, licensed therapist, for a powerful conversation about the overlap between therapist and hairstylist, and what that emotional labor does to our nervous systems.Please find Megan at https://kcrelationshipinstitute.com/Together, they explore:The overlap between being a therapist and a hairstylistThe importance of creating space for self-care and nervous system resetThe effects of multitasking on the nervous systemPractical techniques for calming the nervous systemAttuning to others’ nervous systems — and how to come back to ourselves when we’ve gotten lost in itSelf-compassion in emotionally demanding workExtending grace toward yourself while holding space for othersPlease join the Free Community at https://www.thebalancedhairstylist.com/Chapters00:00 Navigating Work as a Therapist and Hairstylist09:24 Navigating Emotional Responses and Nervous System Regulation14:25 Creating Space for Self-Care and Nervous System Reset39:13 The Impact of Multitasking on the Nervous System45:00 Calming the Nervous System and Integrating Sensory Awareness55:09 Attunement and Empathy01:05:32 Self-Compassion and Self-Care

IIn this episode, Sarah Beck explores how beauty professionals can recognize their emotional limits, manage vicarious trauma, and protect their mental health while holding space for clients amid current global events. Learn practical strategies to set boundaries and prioritize your well-being without guilt.The emotional impact of heavy conversations in beauty spacesHow to recognize and respect your own emotional capacity during stressful timesStrategies for redirecting conversations and setting boundaries with clientsThe importance of self-care outside of work and taking actionable stepsResources for clients and how to handle conversations that are too heavyKeywordsmental health, hairstylists, emotional capacity, self-care, beauty industry, compassion fatigue, client conversations, support, emotional well-being, safe spaces

SummaryIn this episode of the Balanced Hairstylist podcast, host Sarah Beck guides listeners through a shielding meditation designed to create a protective barrier around oneself. The meditation emphasizes grounding, allowing individuals to remain anchored in their own energy while navigating the emotions of others. This shield can support hairstylists enable to listen while still standing in their own energy. The meditation concludes with a gentle release of the shield, encouraging mindfulness and self-care.Keywordsshielding meditation, grounding, protective shield, energy, emotions, mindfulness, self-care, meditation, mental health, wellnessChapters00:00 Grounding and Connection Exercise02:15 Visualization of Protective Lights03:49 Creating Your Protective Shield04:50 Closing and Releasing the Shield

In this episode of the Balanced Hairstylist Podcast, host Sarah Beck guides listeners through a meditation designed to help them reconnect with themselves. The meditation emphasizes body awareness, emotional reflection, and the importance of self-care. Listeners are encouraged to take a moment for themselves, notice their feelings, and integrate a sense of softness and spaciousness into their day.TakeawaysCome back to ourselves after giving to others.Self-kindness allows for emotional acceptance.Breath awareness can create a sense of peace.Meditation can help in reconnecting with one's needs.Chapters00:00Introduction to Guided Meditation02:46Body Awareness and Relaxation05:14Emotional Landscape and Self-Reflection07:59Breath and Grounding09:41Closing and Integration

thebalancedhairstylist.comFree Community: https://substack.com/chat/4677796SummaryIn this episode of the Balanced Hairstylist podcast, host Sarah Beck shares valuable insights on managing schedules during the busy holiday season. She offers three powerful tips to help hairstylists avoid overbooking and maintain mental health: slowing down, visualizing the day, and accepting client disappointment. Sarah emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care to prevent burnout.Keywordshairstylist, mental health, overbooking, self-care, holiday season, scheduling tips, client management, beauty industry, burnout prevention, Sarah BeckTakeawaysSlow down and take a breath before scheduling.Visualize your day to assess your capacity.Accept client disappointment as part of self-care.Set boundaries to prevent burnout.Prioritize mental health in scheduling decisions.Respond with intention, not habit.Treat your schedule like a professional's.Practice sitting with discomfort.Share challenges in a supportive community.Seek professional help if needed.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction to the Balanced Hairstylist Podcast00:00:55 Tips to Avoid Overbooking00:01:27 Tip 1: Slow Down and Breathe00:03:41 Tip 2: Visualize Your Day00:05:31 Tip 3: Accept Client Disappointment00:08:24 Applying the Tips in Real Life00:09:39 Conclusion and Community Support

Website: https://www.thebalancedhairstylist.com/Join the The Balanced Hairstylist FREE Community: https://substack.com/chat/4677796?utm_source=pub-nav-barWork with Jefri: https://griefcoachjefri.com/Jefri's book: https://griefcoachjefri.com/bookIn this episode, Sarah Beck and grief counselor Jefri Franks discuss the often-overlooked topic of grief within the beauty industry. They explore the importance of listening, creating safe spaces for clients, and the language we use when addressing grief. Jefri shares insights on how stylists can manage their own grief while supporting clients, the significance of physical touch, and when to refer clients to professional help. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity, self-care, and community support among beauty professionals, ultimately encouraging a more compassionate approach to grief in beauty spaces.Chapters00:00Navigating Grief in the Beauty Industry03:12The Power of Listening and Presence05:52Common Missteps in Grief Conversations08:55Creating Safe Spaces for Clients11:53Balancing Schedules and Emotional Needs13:34Acknowledging Grief: When to Speak Up15:08Managing Emotional Energy as Stylists17:50Tools for Emotional Release20:57Rebooting After Emotional Interactions27:08Navigating Grief: When to Refer Clients30:20Supporting Clients While Grieving34:42Authenticity in Grief: Showing Up as a Stylist39:25Challenging Beauty Norms: Promoting Mental Health40:57Supporting Colleagues in Grief43:45The Gift of Being There for Others49:47The Journey of Grief50:40Self-Care in Grieving51:02Mental Health Awareness in Beauty Industry

In the first episode of The Balanced Hairstylist Podcast, host Sarah Beck opens a much-needed conversation about mental health in the beauty industry. Sarah walks you through what to expect from the show, including expert insights from mental health professionals, real conversations about the struggles beauty pros face, and grounding practices like nervous system check-ins and guided meditations to support you in and out of the salon. To join the conversation and get real support, be sure to join the free community.