HJ VOICENOTES

Hairdresser and business coach Maria Evangelou gives practical advice on taking control and finding balance in the new year

MARIA EVANGELOU

"I’VE BEEN IN DEBT, COPED WITH HEALTH SCARES AND BEEN THROUGH THE FULL SPECTRUM OF EMOTIONS AS A HAIRDRESSER. BUT I’VE FOUND COPING MECHANISMS ALONG THE WAY THAT HELPED ME RESET.”

Hairdressing in December takes so much out of you. Most hairdressers have been operating in high-definition mode for at least a month, so when January arrives, a reset isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. While other industries wind down in December, hairdressers are gearing up, running on adrenaline. The advantage is that you can use that momentum to reset with intention.

So what exactly is a reset? Think about resetting a TV or laptop: you are restoring things to their original state or, better still, improving them. In hairdressing, a reset is a chance to look at yourself – emotionally, financially, physically and skilfully.

On a practical level, start by asking yourself: What am I working towards? What will bring me happiness, joy and success? Clearing the clutter in your mind and environment is essential. Identify three actions you wish you had taken in 2025 and explore why you didn’t. Not from a place of blame, but from curiosity. Ask yourself: What is one regret I am choosing to leave safely behind in 2025?

Reflection works best when approached without judgement, and it can be powerful to do this with a teammate or your whole team. Look back at how you grew last year and how you measure that growth. Consider the hardest thing you went through – did you give yourself proper credit for surviving it? What did it teach you? And more importantly, how do you want that experience to shape you in 2026?

Next, create a wish list of what you want to achieve. But treat it more like a habit builder than a to-do list: when you attach outcomes to habits, they are easier to maintain. Think about what brought you the most joy in 2025 and commit to making room for more of it. Spend time with the people who make you laugh, book in a lunch or a drink with that person. Celebrate your proudest work moments by doing more of what energises you. Book at least one external course or workshop to broaden your world. Set one small weekly goal that nudges you toward your long-term vision. Introduce mindful meetings to clear clutter and reset as a whole team. Why not strengthen your finances by setting up an automatic savings or investment habit, even £5 a month counts!

Another powerful tool is choosing three words that define who you want to be in 2026. Choose words that anchor you. For example: valuable, present, bold. Write these words on a physical postcard. There’s something about putting pen-to-paper that creates a deeper connection. Stick it somewhere visible, a mirror or your styling station, so it becomes a daily reminder.

I’m not suggesting these tips as an outsider, hairdressing is in my blood. I’ve worked across the industry: employed by a salon chain, self-employed, been a high-street salon owner, and I’m now a holistic business coach, yoga teacher and garden-salon owner. I’ve navigated debt, health scares and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with this profession. And I’ve found coping mechanisms that helped me reset.

Times are tough, and when margins are squeezed, clarity becomes even more important. Avoid making decisions from fear. Use January to reconnect with your priorities. With clarity comes confidence, and with confidence, you’ll move into 2026 with purpose and resilience.