Those who are GREAT know that there is ALWAYS room for improvement. And, improvement is usually paved with EDUCATION! Paid, free, live, digital, word of mouth – it all counts! Jesse Linares, Sam Villa ArTeam, shares 5 proven tips for becoming a great hairdresser!
1. Be Prepared for Work
A stylist’s day is very hectic…managing schedules and expectations of multiple clients, calculating measurements of hair chemicals, designing haircuts, and so on. Showing up early to organize the day in advance sets up a more relaxed workday and increased productivity.
2. Education
With online global access, inspiration can literally come from anywhere on earth. Stylists must be versed in the latest trends, techniques and images their clients are exposed to. It is important to be open to new ideas and practice new techniques regularly, balancing online education with regular hands-on education to gain the confidence and skills needed to meet (and even exceed) client expectations.
3. Customer Service
Demonstrate flexibility and excellent customer service by managing the needs and expectations of clients as much as possible by being accessible via social media, handling issues/complaints personally and returning messages promptly. Consumers demand a higher level of customer service today and usually respond more favorably when communicating directly with their stylist. It increases their trust level and opens new doors to expanded services, referrals and retail.
4. Avoid the Break Room
A salon break room is a place to take a short break. Spending prolonged periods of time hidden away is a waste of time. Instead, practice techniques on a mannequin, coordinate the salon schedule, educate clients about retail or promote new add-on services. Do something productive to be a great hairdresser, like shadowing a busy stylist to learn new techniques and trends.
5. Appreciate the Craft
There is an abundance of hair imagery in the universe and it is vital to view as much of it as possible. Having a diversified eye relaxes firm opinions about hair rules and art, which allows for more deep appreciation. The hair industry is moving towards a unified culture that supports diversity in technique and theory. This idea can be supported by speaking positively about other stylists’ work or ideas, whether in person or digitally – #ArtistsSupportingArtists.
Becoming GREAT doesn’t happen overnight, it takes strategy, hard work and EDUCATION!