#39 5 Things You’re Doing That Are Slowing Your Growth
You're trying to lead a team, manage a salon, make payroll, coach stylists, handle your own schedule... and still make it home in time for dinner.
So when growth feels slow, it’s easy to think:
Maybe I need more hours.
Maybe I just need better people.
Maybe I need to work harder.
But what if the thing slowing you down... is something you think is helping?
Let’s talk about five habits I see over and over again that are quietly sabotaging salon owners, and how to shift them starting today.
1. “Helping” Your Team Too Much
You’re constantly jumping in. Checking their books. Answering the front desk questions. Fixing their mistakes.
It feels supportive.
But what it really does?
Trains your team not to think for themselves
Keeps you locked in “fixer” mode instead of “leader” mode
Wears you out, and slows your long-term growth
Shift this:
Build a feedback system.
Weekly coaching.
Clear responsibilities.
Let them mess up and learn.
2. Avoiding the Numbers
I get it. Looking at your finances can feel like looking under the bed at night.
But if you don’t know what’s working (and what’s not), how can you scale it?
Shift this:
Block 30 minutes weekly to review:
Payroll %
Service vs. retail revenue
Profit margin
Stylist retention + rebooking
Start with one number. Keep going.
3. Not Having A System to Train People
“They’ll just pick it up.”
“They’ve been doing hair for years.”
Listen, no one can read your mind. And your standard of excellence deserves more than “guess and hope.”
Shift this: Create a clear training plan.
Shadow days
Weekly 1:1s
Soft skills + technical skills
Rebooking + guest experience practice
You want people who succeed long-term? Start them strong.
4. Hiring Only When You're Desperate
You wait until someone quits. Then scramble. Hire the first warm body. Regret it later.
This is a reactive way to run a business.
And it’s costing you in quality, culture, and energy.
Shift this: Recruiting needs to be ongoing.
Every 60 days, ask:
“Who do I want to hire before I need them?”
Post. Ask for referrals. Build your bench.
5. Trying to Do It All at Once
Redesign the salon. Update the handbook. Train 3 stylists. Hire a front desk lead.
Stop.
When everything is a priority, nothing gets finished.
Shift this:
One thing at a time.
List it all out.
Pick the ONE thing that will move your business forward this month.
And finish it before moving on.
Growth doesn’t come from being busy.
It comes from being brave enough to break patterns that don’t serve you.
Start with one habit.
Change it.
Then move on to the next.
Salt & Light,
Heather