4 Tips for Developing Better Time Management Skills in 2025

As a hair professional, it's likely you wear many hats beyond cutting, coloring and/or styling your clients' hair. Some of the most multi-faceted stylists can take on roles as salon owners, business owners, social media influencers, educators, brand ambassadors, podcast hosts and more. Of course, any hairstylist is more than their work. When our pros step away from their life behind the chair, they spend time nurturing their relationships with family, friends, children and/or pets. They also have other hobbies and passions they want to carve out time to pursue. With all the tasks and responsibilities that may be on your plate on a daily basis, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and burned out. In the new year, you may want to create a healthier work/life balance for yourself, and that starts with developing better time management skills. After hearing from award-winning barber Steven Wren (@mrwrencuts) about how he is taking "hard stops" in his career to be a better husband, father, son, educator and hair professional, we knew we had to reach out for his time management tips! 

"As an entrepreneur, I can give all of me and be left with just a piece of me, so it’s important that I get the most out of each day," Wren shares. 

Read on to get his steps for better time management of your business and better prioritization of yourself. 

1. Daily To-Do List 

Each day is unique and comes with its own challenges. Outlining what needs to be accomplished can serve like a roadmap for your day, week and months. This approach avoids the "go with the flow" method. I often forget tasks and miss deadlines when I operate like that. The tandem of my daily planner and note apps on my phone keeps me on track. I feel accomplished when even the smallest task is completed.

2. Use Automated Systems: Work Smarter, Not Harder 

Client communications can take up a lot of time, especially when it goes beyond business hours. Utilizing scheduling apps saves everyone time. It is a clear, more efficient way to book and reschedule appointments. Sending mass email and text notifications help my clients manage their time as well.

Creating content for social media can also be time consuming and overwhelming. Apps that allow you to schedule your posts are a great way to plan ahead. There are an assortment of apps that have templates for creating videos, promotional materials and more.

3. Set Boundaries 

We are in the business of serving people. As a result, you could experience burnout from over-booking. Over-booking may be financially beneficial in the moment, but it may cost you in the long run. Ultimately, setting boundaries makes sure that you are being intentional about protecting your space, mind and time.

I love scrolling social media and a great binge watch, but those pleasures can also be a distraction. Monitoring our screen time is important. I use an app that lets me know when I’ve reached my limit on social media apps. I typically ignore the alert, but it serves as a reminder to reprioritize if necessary.

Boundaries help to reinforce what’s important. 

4. Schedule Down-Time 

Make the time to rest and recharge. That’s looks different for all of us. The key is to do what works for you. A perk to running your own business is having the ability to slow down or pause when needed. I’ve recently learned that for myself. I call it my “hard stop." Remember to be as intentional with yourself as you are with your guests. 

About the Author: 

Steven Wren (@mrwrencuts) is a multiple award-winning barber, Sola Salon Suite owner and Barber Grammy nominee.Courtesy of Steven WrenSteven Wren (@mrwrencuts) is a multiple award-winning barber, Sola Salon Suite owner and Barber Grammy nominee. Steven has been selected out of 17,000 + Sola Salon suite owners to be a "Face of Sola" brand ambassador and has since cohosted the annual Sola Sessions event multiple times. He travels throughout the U.S .and internationally as a member of the North American Wahl Education Team. Steven has been featured in major digital and print publications. He also has collaborated virtually and in person as a keynote speaker for various conferences. This inspiring individual shares his expertise on many beauty industry panel discussions, webinars, podcasts and motivating platforms