10 Things I Wish I Knew as a New Hairstylist
After 18+ years in the hair industry as a stylist, educator, and now business owner, I have had plenty of time to think about the things I wish I had known when I first started. So, I gathered my top 10 pieces of advice for any new hairstylist.
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Find a salon home and/or stylists that you feel loved and accepted for the person you are. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.
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When looking at salons to apply to, make sure they have an incredible assistant program, that will teach you a lot.
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Do your models for the assistant program and take clients ASAP. The more you do, the more you learn. Say yes to EVERYTHING.
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Plan to work extremely hard and be prepared to work a lot of hours and not make a lot at first. Your priority is to LEARN, LEARN, LEARN from everything and everyone.
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Take a minimum of 2+ new hair classes every single year. It will help you improve quickly and build your network of other stylists.
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POST POST POST. Social media can feel like a full-time job in itself. Learn to capture your hair pics in the best light and create beautiful videos for Reels and TicToks. Pay attention to those around you and offer to help the stylists you are learning from.
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Do a thorough consultation EVERY TIME. Don't assume you are on the same page with your client until you ask all the questions and see all the pictures.
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Plan on being scared and stressed for a while. It does get easier, but it takes years of practice. Just get comfortable being uncomfortable and doing it anyway.
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Treat your clients like gold. Don't over-talk; let them talk. Remember details of their lives and really care. You want to make those first-time clients return clients.
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Get certified in Platform Hair Extensions ASAP. Our educators will guide you in the extension world and help you become a master. If you are new around here, check out all our courses and find the right fit for you.