The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe 466: Winn Claybaugh—Hairdressers Rule the World
Jan 27, 2026
Winn Claybaugh, dean and co-founder of Paul Mitchell Schools and author of Be Nice (or Else), rose from addiction to lead cosmetology education and philanthropy. He explains how hairdressers shape culture and opportunity. He talks about vocational pride, the intimate trust between stylists and clients, and mobilizing the industry for massive charitable impact.
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Larry King’s Interview Lesson
- Winn recounted meeting Larry King, who tutored him on interviewing and offered a foreword for his book.
- Larry suggested asking one question and following its leads rather than rigid scripts.
A Lifetime Of Intimacy Builds Trust
- The hairdresser-client relationship spans life milestones from first haircut to funerals, creating deep lifelong bonds.
- That cradle-to-grave trust explains hairdressers' outsized social influence.
Protect The Public With Proper Training
- Require legitimate training for safety and sanitation in cosmetology to protect the public.
- Support regulation where it prevents harm while considering state-by-state differences.
