When Your Salon’s Top Performer Becomes the Problem

When Your Top Performer Becomes the Problem

You know the one… she smashes her targets, has the highest rebooking rate, brings in the biggest commissions,  and now suddenly, she’s rolling her eyes in team meetings, ignoring the group chat, and kind of just… doing her own thing.

And while the rest of your team are quietly stewing, you’re stuck in the middle- afraid to say anything because if she leaves, you’re out $6K a week.

Sound familiar?

I’ve seen this time and time again, not just in my own Salon (yep, been there!) but with so many Salon Owners inside Salon Mastery. One day your rockstar stylist is your biggest asset, and the next? They’re unintentionally holding your entire culture hostage.

So what do you do when your best team member becomes the biggest problem? That’s exactly what we’re unpacking in this blog.

 

The Silent Power Struggle No One Talks About

 

Let me take you back to a conversation I had recently with a Salon Owner,  let’s call her Harper. She was feeling totally stuck. Her stylist Emma, was a weapon behind the chair, the highest earner in the salon, adored by clients... but also completely running her own race.

Emma had stopped contributing in meetings, made snarky side comments, and her energy was dragging the rest of the team down. The tension was rising and Harper was avoiding the convo. Why? Because she was terrified Emma would leave.

If one person is holding your salon hostage, you don’t have a healthy business… you have a dependency.

And I don’t want that for you.

 

How to Lead Without Losing Them

 

Here’s where most owners go wrong: they either come down hard (and lose the team member), or bury their head in the sand and say nothing (and lose the whole team vibe).

Truth is? Most high performers don’t want to dominate- they just feel unrecognised, unseen, and disconnected. They’re carrying a big load and no one’s noticing. So that's why they can start leading… without permission.

Instead of fighting the power, redirect it.
Give them a meaningful project: mentor a junior, lead a quarterly workshop, run a campaign under your brand umbrella.
Don’t pedestal them- just purpose them.

 

Use the Hamburger Method (No Pickles Required)

 

When it’s time to have a tricky convo, don’t shrink. Use the Hamburger Method.

🍔 Top Bun – Praise & Respect
Start with something real and positive they’ve done. Be specific.

🍖 The Meat – Honest Feedback
Drop the truth without emotion. Keep it kind, clear, and concise.

🍔 Bottom Bun – Belief & Growth
Finish with belief in their potential and a vision for where they can go next.

This method disarms defensiveness and invites growth. It's not soft- it's smart.

 

Culture Isn’t Built in Conflict… It’s Built in Consistency

Let’s be real. Culture doesn’t break overnight- it breaks in silence. And your team will always notice what you allow, what you reward, and what you redirect.

If someone is dominating the vibe and taking it sideways, it’s up to you to reset the tone.

We use tools like “Birds of a Different Feather” inside Salon Mastery to help teams get back on track. Because when your team is aligned, your leadership becomes light. And when you lead with consistency, your salon becomes unstoppable.

 

Ready to Stop Shrinking and Start Leading?

 

So if you’re hiding under the metaphorical blankets hoping things will fix themselves- this is your wake-up call.

Power struggles don’t need to be dramatic. They need direction.

Give your high performers purpose, redirect their power, and lead your culture back with intention and clarity.

And if you're navigating team tension and want help building a high-performing, united salon team… I can help.

Let’s chat and see if we’re a good fit. I help Salon Owners just like you step into confident CEO leadership and grow a salon with $1 million in revenue- without the burnout or drama.

Click here to chat book your free Strategy Call!