15 Steps to Becoming a Successful Stylist

15 Steps to Becoming a Successful Stylist

1. Create an online portfolio of your work.  Not just work you like….display a variety of styles so that your talent really shines.
2. Create a business card with your name and the address of your portfolio along with your phone number.  Drop it with every salon owner whose salon you would like to work.  Offer to work a day or two for free to demonstrate your professional personality, style and talent.
3. Develop your ‘serving’ nature.  As a new stylist-offer to assist everyone-clients and workers as well.
4. When you get the opportunity to meet a client, act like a professional: LISTEN and deliver what the client asks for and then you ASK for their future follow up appointments by educating your clients ‘how-to’ keep their great style in shape.
5. If your salon offers classes-attend them all-even if you think you know everything they expect to cover.  If you know everything-you can help others learn.  If you learn even just one thing-you can share that with your clients.
6. Make yourself available to work all the hours that are available.  If the salon is open 7 days-work 6-7 days for at least the first year to allow clients to get used to seeing you.  Hang coats, pour coffee, sweep the floor-do whatever it takes to keep you in the eye of the client.  Keep a printed copy of your portfolio available for anyone to look through when choosing a hairstyle.
7. Make your shampoo and finishing count.  These, along with instructions for at home care are the keys to getting a client to return.
8. Remember your client is coming to see you for a service and some socializing.  Keep your conversation professional and friendly.  Do Not share your problems and Do Not give advice other than how to care for their hair.  You can offer condolences and understanding, but, that’s all.  Leave the advice to the professionals.
9. It’s fun to be creative but, unless your client likes a different look every time they see you, make sure you use techniques that allow you to duplicate your work.  Too creative and you run the risk of not being able to deliver when they say “I’d like it the same as last time”
10. Find classes that improve your work and share your experience with your clients.  Everyone likes someone who keeps improving.
11. Pay Attention! Your clients will tell you stories and share personal information.  In addition to being discreet and not repeating any of your conversation, REMEMBER what you talk about so you can ask for an update on the next visit.  (“So, Mrs. Jones, how did your dog do at his training session?”)
12. Try to minimize mistakes by asking questions-your consultation time is time well spent. Never skimp on this step.  Don’t rely on the last visit record.  Find out what worked, what could be better and confirm that the details are correct.  Occasionally the prior record could be written incorrectly.
13. Keep a positive attitude.  Enjoy the good times and use your mistakes as a learning experience.  You can always find something to take away from a mistake.
14. DO NOT Work for only money.  Work for the reward of a job well done, the sense of accomplishment and for the love of your profession.  The money will follow.
15. Keep asking questions, respect the new stylists and treat them how you wish you were treated when you were new.  You will command well deserved respect and success because you will have earned it.