EP387: Broke, Bruised, and BACK! – Alex Walker’s No-Excuses Return to the Top

About this episode

Alex Walker shares his journey of resilience and rebuilding after facing business challenges in the hairdressing industry.

Welcome to Part 1 of a two-part series where I’m joined by Alex Walker—a Torquay-based haircutting specialist, educator and the founder of AW Hair and Alex Walker Education. We recorded this episode inside Alex’s purpose-built education studio in Torquay, Devon (UK)—a dedicated space away from the salon where hairdressers can learn through in-person sessions, small groups, and online education, while staying connected to real, commercial salon work. Alex’s journey began at 17, when he fell into hairdressing almost by accident. What started as a job became a craft. He went all-in on haircutting—especially short hair—with a mission to raise standards and help hairdressers understand the why behind what they do. We dig into the realities of ambition, rapid growth, and salon ownership—and the moment everything changed. After his businesses went into liquidation, Alex was left asking: “I haven’t got five days’ worth of clients… what am I gonna do now?” This is a powerful conversation on resilience, rebuilding, and staying commercially relevant. Chapters: 11:11: The Journey of Self-Belief 21:27: Transitioning from Hairdresser to Salon Owner 22:54: The Hard Lessons of Business 27:55…

People in this episode

Host: How To Cut It Media

Guest: Alex Walker

Topics covered

• hairdressing
• education
• resilience
• business
• salon ownership
• personal growth

Keywords

• haircutting
• salon
• education
• business lessons
• financial stability
• self-belief

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: AW Hair, Alex Walker Education

Places: Torquay, Devon, UK

More episodes of How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry

• Stop Guessing Hair Colour—You’re Gambling with People’s Hair, with Samantha Blues · June 8, 2026 · 37 min
• Hairstylists Belong On Stage! · May 23, 2026 · 19 min
• Hairdressers & Barbers: Sick of the Algorithm? · May 11, 2026 · 50 min
• The Real Business of Hair Extensions with Remi Cachet founder, Victoria Lynch · May 4, 2026 · 1h 5m
• EP389: The Brutally Honest Reality of Becoming a Session Stylist with Anna Chapman · April 28, 2026 · 1h 1m
• EP388: James Earnshaw & Jordanna Cobella – Hair Innovations Led (What Hairdressers Need to Know) · April 20, 2026 · 34 min