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    • 3 min read

Pro Tips for New and Struggling Hairstylists


hairstylist sitting in hair styling chair


If I could go back 40+ years and give my almost-ready-to-graduate-cosmetology-school-self some sage advice, it would be this:


  • Intern at a salon so you can list this valuable experience on your resume. You’ll be ahead of the game when you start looking for a salon to work in upon graduation.

 

  • Be sure to take before and after photos of the work you’ve done and are doing so you have a portfolio of your work.

 

  • Gather all the knowledge you can. Be bold and ask question, no matter how ridiculous you fear others might think your question is. They are probably wondering the same thing so go for it!

 

  • Don’t shy away from the services you’re afraid of doing! Do them! Its okay if you make a mistake. It’s best to learn from those mistakes now while you’re in school.

 

  • I can’t emphasize this enough – please do not start out by renting your own chair or suite. Instead, work in a busy salon or for a company like Ulta or JCPenney to start your career. The experience you’ll gain by working with other seasoned hairstylists is immeasurable.


Positive Mindset For The Win


I can’t leave out one of the most important non-hair-related pieces of advice I can share – be sure to continuously work on your mindset. The way we perceive things, events and experiences will have a massive impact on who we are and who we become as a hairstylist.

 

Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial because it’s not about the experiences you go through, it’s the meaning you give those experiences that shape you.


The Successful Climb For Hairstylists

 

Have you heard the song: The Climb? It speaks of that ugly voice in our heads that tells us we are not good enough or you will never achieve that dream you’re dreaming. It’s a song that refers to life as a climb.

 

So many times in life we want to become successful FAST. We want to build that clientele FAST. We want to be the best at our craft FAST.

 

But it doesn’t work that way. It takes experience from failing and learning, falling and getting back up and being okay that sometimes it was not meant to be.

 

Begin making choices today that will start you off in the right direction. And remember that on those days when you fall (and trust me, you will) just keep getting back up because that’s the foundation of success.

 

Follow Only Those Who Are Where You Want To Be

 

Since I didn’t have my 40+-years-of-experience-self when I started my hairstyling career, my climb was slow in the beginning. There were times I wanted to quit. But I just kept pushing forward and soaked up every bit of knowledge and advice I could gather from hairstylists who were where I wanted to be.

 

Don’t try to take this journey alone! Seek the help of stylists who are where you want to be. It’s my passion to help new and struggling hairstylists become the success they want to be, and I would love to help you on your journey!


 

 

On Point Hair Academy and my Own Your Chair program were created for stylists like you who need just a little help (or a lot of help) in different areas of their hairstyling business. You don’t have to take this hairstyling journey alone.

 

Let’s connect!

 

Sign up to receive email updates about my latest blogs, my upcoming 2-Day in-person Classics Of Haircutting Workshops, and my upcoming online membership!

 

If you’re ready to be in charge of your future, click the button now.



 Remember, your work is not about you. Your work is about how you make your clients feel.

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