Being a hairstylist is one of the most amazing careers that many could only dream to have.

I often hear the comment “I always wanted to be a hairstylist.” Being a hairstylist is one of the most amazing careers that many could only dream to have. It is a lifestyle fueled by passion, excitement, purpose, and nothing short of hard work. Fulfilling your drive to feed your creativity and helping others look and feel their best. When starting your career as a hairstylist it is important to keep this in mind. Become dedicated to being a lifelong learner. In a profession that is always changing and is always evolving you must have the willingness to learn and adapt.

You completed 1200 hours of beauty school now what?

You completed 1200 hours of beauty school and officially passed your state board exam…now what? Congratulations on your first accomplishment of your career! Beauty school serves as an introduction to the beauty industry and gives you the foundation of the art of doing hair. Many want to finish school and jump behind the chair. But in my experience the most detrimental move you could make in your career is to get behind the chair right out of completing school. Like many trades it is important to apprentice and gain real life experience inside of a salon. The knowledge you will gain will launch you into a much more successful position.

First start by seeking a mentor that has already accomplished what you are setting out to accomplish and is willing to coach you along your journey.  Find a salon whose culture is elevating the beauty industry, investing into their team, and providing a safe space for growth and potential.

How to Find the Perfect Mentor for Your Beauty Career

Completing beauty school is a significant achievement, but it’s only the beginning of your career as a hairstylist. To truly thrive in this industry, you need to find a mentor who can guide you along your journey. A good mentor will help you navigate the ups and downs of the business, teach you new skills, and provide you with the support you need to succeed.

So, how do you find the perfect mentor for your beauty career? Here are a few tips:

  1. Look for someone who has achieved what you want to achieve. When searching for a mentor, it’s important to find someone who has already accomplished what you’re striving for. Look for someone who has a successful career in the beauty industry and has achieved the level of success that you hope to attain.
  2. Seek out a mentor who aligns with your values. It’s crucial to find a mentor who shares your values and has a similar approach to the beauty industry. Look for someone whose work and personality align with your own.
  3. Find a mentor who is willing to invest in you. A good mentor is someone who is willing to invest time and effort in helping you succeed. Look for someone who is willing to provide guidance, answer your questions, and share their knowledge with you.
  4. Look for a salon with a strong culture. When searching for a mentor, it’s important to find a salon with a strong culture that is dedicated to elevating the beauty industry. A salon that invests in its team and provides a safe space for growth and potential is a great place to find a mentor.
  5. Attend beauty events and network. Attending beauty events and networking with other professionals in the industry is a great way to find a mentor. You never know who you might meet and what opportunities may arise.

Finding the perfect mentor for your beauty career is essential to your success. Look for someone who has achieved what you want to achieve, shares your values, is willing to invest in you, and is part of a salon with a strong culture. With the right mentor by your side, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your dreams in the beauty industry.

The business of doing hair

 There are two parts to this business.

  1. The Craft, the art of performing services. First you must start with the fundamentals which you learned in school. As you start to develop your craft, you will learn different ways to cut, color, and style hair, but you will find your own unique way. Practice creates progression. There is not a destination when it comes to practicing your craft, just a beautiful journey, always evolving, always learning, always growing. I once heard it takes 1,000 foils to become good at foiling, just keep going!

 

  1. The Business of Hair, the systems. Having strong systems in place will help you when building a book of business behind the chair. Start with where you are now and create a solid referral program, ask you friends and family to send you referrals. You must give something to get something, maybe offer a complimentary blowout to every new guest, or a percentage off. Now retention is the name of the game. Make sure each guest has their next visit scheduled with you before they leave. Focus on service and retail dollars, retention, and referrals. This will not only help launch a successful business behind the chair but help you to build strong systems that you will need for the lifetime of your career. It never gets easier, you just get stronger, and better at understanding the business.

 

Most importantly, stay inspired. Surround yourself with other hairstylists that push you to become the best version of yourself. Stay plugged in and continue your education both with your craft and the business of hair. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Let people know who you are, what you do, and where you do it.

 

Welcome to the beauty industry!