Author: bookpressedtm

We hairdressers are Fun, and we know it- now’s the time for us to shine and SHOW IT!
If ever hairdressers had a chance to think of fun ways to pass the time, it’s now. When we start in the business, our only focus is to get better and get more clients. Fast forward to our years in the industry, we have our clientele, and now we have some downtime – we can now focus on our FUN side! Get ready for a better year!
I’m here to help get those creative juices rolling – I’m going to offer you some of my ideas (Used or Not) to help get you-your clients-your staff excited about the impending reopening. Time to get focused on future fun- you have the time- you have the mind- now get out there and have FUN!

1.) Set a date to have a “Wine About Your Hair Day.”
What is a wine about your hair day? It’s a day the community can come in – see your shop – meet your staff- bring in their tools they are having problems with and drink wine. I called up our local paper and told them what we were doing, I had mannequin heads on every station, and I had ALL my staff involved with this. If clients walked in with a weird gadget – we helped show them how to tackle the issues. Clients brought in different products to ask how they worked and when to use them. We showed them how to do braids. The point was – we were teaching them our tricks, gaining their trust, and having a ball. We did not Do hair
I called up our local paper, they came in and took pictures and asked questions, and the staff got so energized!
I did one more thing- I let the focus be on them.
Why would I do that?
Because part of my job as a Boss is to inspire. I’ve been on tv.- newspapers- backstage – I do not need this – they do.
Let your girls/guys shine while you are having fun!

2.) Make plans to Host a Fun Fall event
We are lucky enough to have a local zombie flash mob in town. For this event, I again closed the shop and set up a table in the front with all sorts of Halloween makeup on it. I also put makeup at every single station, and then we opened up our shop for zombie makeup! We give them scars, blood, green faces- hairspray – cobwebs. We dressed in costumes and helped to ghoul them up. We do not charge for this, we get the exposure and the community had a ball.
On a side note – we had no idea what we were doing at first, so don’t think you have to be an expert, imagination, and goop go a long way.
Again – the paper was called and low, and behold; we got front page on our local paper!
Have Fun! Offer Halloween makeup!

3.) Get together with other shops in your area and start a bowling team – create softball teams, or start a local Salon Wig Run! Have all the runners dress up in wigs!
Sell tickets at the event to support different causes. Offer prizes for best-dressed teams – Best dressed Clients –

4.) Ask each stylist which charity they feel most ardently about, and put the names in a hat and pick one. Whoever’s charity gets plucked from the cap- let them be in control of the event!

5.) Have meetings and make sure all the staff agrees on the flow of the ideas.
I hope this has been helpful- I want you to get inspired- get active and get motivated! Be apart of your community – take the ideas and make em yours! If you have any thoughts you’d like to share – post em!

Freakishly Inspired Hairdresser- Heather at your service.
Owner of WWW.BOOKPRESSED.COM
Owner of Hair Loft on Linden
Heather Lea Ryan

COVID 19 and Our business

I usually put a good spin on subjects to help ease the seriousness; this time, I am going to need you to BOSS UP and make lists.

First – Whom do you owe money? How far are you behind?

****Stylist- Booth Workers -Paid Employees****

Those lines that separated you—exist no more.

NO ONE IN OUR INDUSTRY IS WORKING (excluding govt official and people behind the camera—BS FLAG) 

Commission shops cannot pay you because – they are not getting paid.

Booth Workers –

1.) I call booth rent salons Hot Potato businesses. It’s times like these that booth renters forget they are renting a spot from you, and all the talk of, ‘I’m my own boss’ gets lost. The crisis causes the staff to call the owners the Boss – hence Hot Potato – Not my shop – not my problem.

* To the renters of booth shops -You Should be doing something to offset the cost of your boss- because you rent the spot you work in.

If not, you just asked someone to pay your bills.

2.) You got lucky—Your Boss loves you enough to let you not pay a dime.

I think it’s a remarkable gesture, not to make your staff pay. I too have done this, I felt it was a deserving gift; but it has shown me –while I can do this once this is not a part of my business model I want to stick with. A reality check needs to happen, most likely, this is not a one-time occurrence, and so a final plan must be made for ACT 2.

1st lesson- Everyone needs to save for an emergency!

Owners, as well as staff, should have been able to handle a six-month emergency, and unfortunately, most shops weren’t prepared. We could flip the switch on employees and say – they too should have saved money for a rainy day. After this go around with this COVID, we should all be on our game – next time, there will be no excuses for either party. Nothing in life is a guarantee, and the idea of COVID just fading away for good is not happening …yet. You now have a good idea of what it will be like if we have another go around, but before we come to that horrible road again, its’ time to look at what we do have control over—our approach to our business model.

Changes you might want to consider.

Maybe you need to trim your staff.

Consider eliminating some of the perks you offer.

2nd thing you should have learned is to get prepared.

Please bring in a Financial Adviser immediately to talk with your staff.

Bosses get together with the staff and make out sheets of the pertinent information they will all need if an emergency like this ever happens again. Offer links – address- Government links. You get me, or even draw up a ‘What to do when you don’t know what to do .’ List for everyone In your shop. Listing Helpful advice is always a welcoming gift.

3rd Take a look at the staff

-Who did not help or appreciate it?

-Who was the proverbial rock in your stream— get rid of that nonsense immediately.

4th COVID 19 is the very example of why we hairdressers need to stay in contact. The salons who were unapproachable – you just found out how communication is critical in our industry.

5th Raising booth rent on your staff. I am sure this is not the best idea you’ve made. Remember, you’re in survival mode.

 Are you commission shops giving more money to your staff? I rest my case.

I know we will need to offset costs soon enough, but PREPARE YOUR STAFF. Stop Surprising your staff with booth rent hikes in a time like this. It may cost you your team.

MAKE DECISIONS IN CALM WATER BOSSES!

Bottom line – Commission shops – you should have money aside to ensure their job safety.                      

Booth Renters—You have a great Boss if they didn’t charge.

If they do charge $, it should be something, maybe not full – but SOMETHING.

CHEAPER TO KEEP HER

NEW YORK AND JERSEY salons are decimated by the amount of time they have had to close their doors. I don’t want to hear you moan about one-month costs. If you can’t hold your shop up for at least two months without pay –you just screwed yourself – no one else did that to you but YOU.

I know I said I’m here to help, but I’m also here to give you the reality you need.

The things you owe on—pay at least the minimum amount —keep it in circulation the payments – Gov’t has information for you online.

*SEEK PROFESSIONAL COUNSEL IMMEDIATELY*

I cannot believe how you guys are googling your shop life away.

 Keep records of communication you’ve had to anyone you owe, show you are aware of your situation, and doing what you can. OFFER Dates you plan to have it all paid in full.

It will cost more time and money for landlords to replace you and develop a new shop than to maintain what you have– Cheaper to keep her. —

Keep a mental list of the staff and clients who wanted to HELP.

Did your staff go the extra mile to LEARN New things—or are they just waiting to continue bad habits?

Everyone should be doing something to improve on themselves

1.) OFFER An online meeting to talk with your staff about financial planning.

2.) Be better prepared to let your staff know what to expect if this ever happens again- consider one month free for the team, then concessions may need to be made for more extended periods. It is everyone’s responsibility to save and prepare – so where owners may be able to cover one-month extended periods must be shared cost.

3.) CONSIDER your staff if you are in a slow-moving shop

*The smaller shops have more of an advantage because of lower costs to make fast changes to help keep the shop going.

* You middle of the road shops may be in a different position. Any of you who have overextended yourselves will need to look at ways to get yourself through to keep your doors open. For the bosses who thought- sums of money would always be pouring in, and the ‘I want it now, attitude’ may just have cost you your savings and your dream. If you close- learn from it – rise above and know you’ve learned what does not work and devise a better plan for the next salon. 

*The rules of the game change with the larger models. The larger salons will have a WHOLE slew of different issues. Smaller shops where you would think would be the ones who make it through – it’s the larger ones who will have better retention in the industry. Bank loans are much more accessible, and the shops run with more efficiency.

Boss expectations

Keep calm damn it!

Dear Lord, I hope you kept up with classes; if not, you ARE SO BEHIND! You better catch up – investigate sites that help you become a better, well- rounded boss. If you have questions, ASK – they are there to help- or at least tell you what a horrible mistake you could avoid! SALON OWNER Mastermind on Facebook is a site for owners ONLY —The old classes are on YouTube Watch and learn! PROFESSIONALS on that site are sharing their time FOR YOU to learn. I will be on there on MAY 30th to discuss becoming the better Boss.

Get it together – be hopeful – GET professional advice – don’t be afraid to recognize the spot you’re in and tell the staff to step up. You are salon owners, and it’s your name on the door. Make the best decisions you can and keep a stiff upper lip, and keep the wine within reach —we’ll get through this.

As always, I love to point out the ever so obvious in our line of work. Does it kill people to say, “Hey, Great Job!”

Recently I caught myself on repeat, saying, “It’s important to lift other hairdressers and praise them.” My girls at the shop roll their eyes so hard I’m surprised the darn things drop back into their rightful place. They are tired of hearing me say it, and I don’t blame them. Understand this about me; I always root for the underdog- still have always will. When I see a hairdresser posting less than stellar works to display on their photo album I have to remember this is her journey – and she is proud. Sometimes I follow them so it gives me a better perspective as to Where my girls are –

I want to make the girls at my shop see the best in everything. Honestly, I do, and I’m not going to lie, it’s hard.

The glee in their eyes when they discover ungodly displays of hair trash is a hard attitude to change- without a smirk. I suppose knowing you’re not alone in our super sucky starts makes us feel better. Not because we are becoming more empathetic in our field,  no our glee stems from knowing better than to post anything that came out looking remotely like that trash she dared  TO post.

Hairdressing is a very competitive field, and sometimes the only thing that will separate you from the crowd will be the attitude. I  want the girls who work with me to be better than the rest by not bashing other girls’ work. I think it’s pointless. It’s inevitable in our line of work to hear girls talking trash about another hairdresser, but I swear to you – people are watching, and I, for one, find it reprehensible to speak of other professional stylists work in such a manner.

Just kidding- we all do it—

There is a Redken rep out there that I adore watching on Instagram. She recently did a perm with what I call “a kinda tutorial” on perms. She had no clue what she was doing and had no problems sharing her lack of knowledge on the video. The hairdresser proceeded to read out loud, in front of the client -ON the main salon floor the directions to said perm. This is after – I repeat after openly admitting to her client she hadn’t done one since hair school!

It gets better, and she would read a sentence, pause, look at the hair talk about the wrap. She was touching the hair like it was a foreign object; she was nervous. It was raw talk – and I died laughing. I wasn’t making fun of her, oh no quite the opposite I’m laughing that Finally, we have someone who doesn’t KNOW IT ALL! It was such a breath of fresh air! Every second, people watched her most vulnerable moments unfold, and I, for one, was impressed. Young hairdressers who attended her video pounced on her every wrong turn, some lifted her with encouragement others, offered praises of you can do it!

My God, how awesome was of her to post such raw moments. I was throughly engaged in the fact, no matter what the hundreds of people say to her, she keeps posting hilarious “Uh-Oh” moments. Good news though, she is getting better- and that is where the game changes. You see, it’s inevitable that that raw, uncensored hairdresser will become an amazingly talented artist.

How so? You ask – Because she is not afraid of your wild, whimsical stabs at her approach to hair – no- she keeps on chugging. I would bet for every stupid comment put on her site she received ten more, ‘Great Job!’

And That my friends are what keeps hairdressers moving through the sludge of updo horrors and perm failures. Encouragement 

I’m here to tell you – give it – give it as often as you can. It’ll make you look better. I can tell you that much.   

This wonderful girl is showing how we can benefit from developing new skills through experimentation.  We all start from somewhere – and sometimes it’s the bare basics. SO great job, kiddo! 

Hair Salon Owner rooting you sloppy first timers out there the best of luck!

BookPressed.com Owner– Heather Lea

When you first begin your journey in Hairdressing, you are going to run into some fascinating people. Not all of these clients will tickle you pink; no, some clients will exhaust you.
Can I get an Amen
Your first few months on your own as a hairdresser – expect a select few clients not to LOVE what you have done to their locks. It’s the nature of the beast- this business is all about making people love what they hate daily. Finding a way to make people love their hair for more than a week, may take an act of god for some clients. During this baby step learning time, you’ll need to find your comfort zone- begin to pay attention to the types of personalities you acquire – and start learning!
My advice for each personality
1.) THE OLDER CLIENT
Scenario—-
A much older woman is sitting in your chair. You are like 30 – 50 years younger. Don’t freak.
You have tons in common!
Ok — I’m lying- I wanted you to feel better- I’m sorry- However, what you do have in common is style! She wants to look good, and she’s in luck – she has you!
You need to understand; it doesn’t matter the age he/she is. We all want to look our best! Take the focus off the apparent age gap and show them you are a professional! Talk to her about what she likes and doesn’t like, really listen to her, pay attention to where her fingers stop when she is describing where it’s too long. This is easy – you’ve got this- talk about baking- flowers- poems- books!
Ok now here’s where the exhaustion may come in
For some reason – he/she is repeating themselves like Rain Man – they say the same thing over and over like what they just said was not absorbed by you. You have just lost 30minute of your life to a discussion about her damn bangs!
Ok —deep cleansing breath—now here’s what you do and don’t do.
*Do repeat back what the client has just said to you, by doing this you are showing her you were listening and comprehending her bang trivia.
*, DO ask if she feels comfortable enough for you to make that cut.
*Do remember her name so you can give her to the next girl in line because I am not teaching you to be a fool- move her on down the line till she finds her perfect, ‘get along with’ hairdresser- but feel better in knowing it damn well won’t be you!

• Don’t look at your watch- remember I said you are a beginner- where the hell are you going to go? You know your next client isn’t for another 2 hours relax Vidal you won’t run behind.
• Don’t act like she is lucky to be with you- I promise she is giving you money, now earn it.
• Don’t belittle her and tell her what you want to say.
  “Stop showing me the picture of you when you were 18 – grow up – stop – pissing me off, let’s do this, Becky!”
  2.) I WANT TO LOOK LIKE THIS PICTURE CLIENT
  Scenario—–The client in your chair wants her hair to look exactly like the picture. This BonJovi look is not what you visualized on her—ever—. This is not only a problem; this is a real problem. She has convinced her no makeup, sweatsuit wearing, never wash her hair self – that THIS LOOK IS GOING TO CHANGE HER!
  Ok, —- You know in your heart of hearts – this won’t work. You first will need time and a glass of wine. Second, you need to get the client to see her for HER! Most of the compliments clients receive are because they found a hairdresser that gave them the best look for THEM!
  You see, your client has no neck, yet the picture is a girl with a freakishly long swan neck.
  *Do point out to her in the mirror where the hair falls.
• DO let her see that same length would fall about 4 inches shorter on her.
• DO point out if the picture has a different hair color than hers.
• Don’t laugh and show the other stylists the audacity she has bringing in this picture.
• Don’t tell her in a French voice- “NO! You are not a swan! You will get a bob and be happy!”
• 
  3.) I WANT A DISCOUNT CLIENT
  These clients are pro’s they can smell your enthusiasm a mile away. You’ll hear about everything wrong in their lives so you’ll feel bad and you’ll give them a discount. I’ve been known to help a client here or there.
  There are two types of clients – one’s who appreciate the kindness and don’t expect it every time, and then there’s…Becky.
  Becky works at one job sometimes- because you know she has one child and a husband deployed, and she can’t make ends meet.
  Here – I’ll finish the sentence for her—they don’t make enough money to buy everything they think they deserve.
  Don’t you dare help her! QUICK! Look at her nails! Her purse! Her Car! Listen to the story about the trips she took – to get away from it all!
  The answer is, “NO, I can’t help you; there are no coupons- and don’t think about bouncing a check.
  *Do not let people take advantage of you.
  Next
  Believe it or not- in a few years, you will be able to tell how a client will be with you by merely speaking to her for 5 minutes. You’ll know when to talk about religion, babies, boyfriends, parties.
  Best of Luck- Don’t let the crazies ruin your day- You Keep chugging along-
  Heather Lea Owner of Hair Loft on Linden and BookPressed.com

“What you are teaching your hairdressers today will stay with them their whole career.”

BOSS TO GIRLS/GUYS CHECKLIST FOR A PRODUCTIVE HAPPY MEETING.

I’m giving you a quick guide to help with a fun, healthy shop meeting- do not make the shop meeting long – they will hate you. This meeting is for you, the BOSS only.

After the meeting, when you have heard all their voiced concerns – ideas make it a point to tell them you will have a follow-up meeting in one week.

In that week of reflection, you, the boss, will then give them WHAT you got out of that meeting. You will also have a plan as to WHAT you will be doing for all the things you have learned.

Ex. you have placed all of you in a ‘Color Run’- you are closing the shop for a teaching day. I am giving you this sheet to be PROACTIVE!

Make notes and listen – do not say a damn word and scare them.

You need a way to communicate with your girls/guys in a way that they can answer freely without thinking they are going to piss you off or another girl/guy in the shop. 

Question for your shop from the boss

1.) When you have heard through the grapevine about our shop, people will say-

A.) Snobby high priced

B.) They don’t hear anything because we work and go home.

C.) What have you heard?

What this question is doing is breaking down, ‘HOW’ the girls perceive the shop through the town -industry – to other people. Perception is incredibly essential. This question allows the girls to tell you what the bigger picture of your salon is. Maybe you need to consider becoming more involved with your community – give back –

We do a polar plunge – zombie makeup day- I started a ‘Wine about your hair day.’

2.) Give them a sheet of paper – have them write down the three top hairdressers they are following on Instagram- Facebook- town.

Listening to your girls/guys gives you the chance to see WHO is involved in the most with up to date events – styles. Have everyone talk about what it is they like or dislike about who they are following- maybe make sure they are all following a stylist.

How can this be implemented in your shop? If you see something you like, have a ‘stay in’ shop class and talk about how they did what they did.

3.) The question, if one of you had to give an IN-SHOP class – What would you do? Cut – Perm – Color?

The answers provided will indicate each stylist’s comfort level. Make notes of these comforts then shake it up later. EX. I do not push cuts on the girls who love cuts –I throw perms at them. Your job will be to FIND the classes around that have what they are not comfortable in and pay for that class. Don’t be a cheap owner. They must grow! Invest in them- 

4.) Look at the person to your left- What do you like about their work? What do you wish they would stop doing? Now ask the stylist who got to voice their pet peeve – ‘How they can help them to grow?

You can only bitch about something for so long until you find out how to fix the crazy shit.

5.) Give them a piece of paper – write down three charitable events that have meaning to them, and why?

This question allows you to see what is important to them- maybe if you could give back – how would you approach becoming involved – perhaps offer a free haircut day? Fun Hair play day? Basket give away. Ask your stylists, ‘How’ you can become more ACTIVE with your concerns and the community.

All these things require you the BOSS to make this happen- do not ever give my sheets out unless you intend on following up. You are a pointless fool if you think these girls aren’t telling you these things in HOPES that you can become more active, and DO what you say.

BE that BOSS who makes Better stylist- Remember you are the EXAMPLE!

NEXT BLOG I WILL GIVE FOR THE STYLIST TO THE BOSS.

BUM, BUM, BUM!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone can use these except for my girls— your opinion is always expected and loved.

Heather Lea Owner of a crazy shop Hair Loft on Linden

Owner of BookPressed.com  

I’ve gotten some very encouraging feedback from our clients since opening the salon, a smattering of 5 stars on most sites. Words and comments full of, “Heather is a magician! I will never go anywhere else! Found my forever spot! Where has she been all my life!” Pay close attention to what’s being said here. I call these comments, ‘flattering pellets’ because they feed my ego. I eat those praises up because I have earned every single one.

Now- enter Lady 1-star *Bum Bum Bum*

It finally happened, not a 4 star not a 3 or even a 2- star. Lady went straight for the 1 —-Jeez—You’d think I’d burned her hair clean off! Nope- Never touched or met her—I got it from a phone call—yep— I received my first dreaded 1-star rating because I suck on the phone- well I didn’t even talk I just said, “Hair Loft how can I help you?” She was mad I didn’t say my name.

*lower lip out*

A mar on my perfect score was inevitable- nothing’s perfect I know this.

It just sucks.

Upon discovering the rating you’d think my first thought would be, “Oh my what did I do wrong?”

Nope, not even close. It was more like, “Who dares to complain about me!” The big-headed side of me was infuriated. Who was this horrible monster to think of marring my wonderful grand streak of AWESOMENESS? I’ll give you two answers to that question.

The mad me answers, “A physco! That’s who!”

The real me, “Someone who wants to be heard.”

I am no different from anyone else who receives a horrible blow to the ego, but what does make me different is, I am pretty good at seeing the other person’s point of view.

My rating was not based on my work, simply it was based on HOW I answered the phone. Some may think it’s a silly reason for the 1-star rating – but- she had a point. The phone call is the FIRST contact you will have with a potential client, and she just wanted me to know, I blew it.

As far as I am concerned 1-star ratings are there to remind the hairdressers sometimes we need to work harder in other areas. And although we don’t need to respond to the hard-core assaults we may recieve; we should acknowledge voiced concerns and or complaints.

For instance, “I’ve read the complaint and we will work on it.” Maybe a simple. “Thank you for the feedback, it helps us to grow.” OR “You’re nuts never call our shop again.” The last one is said to the crazies.

Look, I know how to do my job, and although I think I’m giving it my all in ALL areas where my shop is concerned, I was just reminded I lack phone etiquette.

A fact I have known about myself LONG before lady 1-star brought it to the public’s attention, but she was right – I do need to work on phone skills, and I will. Starting now.

*ring ring*

So off I go to answer our salon phone like a fairy from a Disney movie.

We all know this won’t last long- but I’ll try.

Enjoy the learning through the sucky times

Owner of Salon Hair Loft on Linden and BookPressed.com

Heather Lea

#SalonBusiness #SalonOwners #SalonFunny

#SalonIdeas #Hairloftonlinden #bookpressed

So you wanna be A SALON OWNER!! Sound the trumpets! *hears a kazoo*

Oh for the love of Pete, can someone sound the trumpets? Where’s my trumpet guy?

*A voice from behind front desk*    “He quit”

Figures…

Yep…you’re now crowned a ‘Salon owner’

 Welcome. Now get to work.

So what’s it like? Well, it’s fun and it’s boring, it’s a lot like waxing yourself just to see how it feels. I’ve had 11 bosses, and out of all of those mentors I’ve had one stupid boss. A pretty good record I think. I’ve worked for one gay man, another that should’ve been. A married couple, an older woman, one that wasn’t a hairdresser- one that I never met. (I called that one Bosley) Like I said all of them were cool except for 1 *say it with me* stupid boss.

I could write forever on how wonderful they all were except for the *finger quote* stupid boss. I hadn’t really put much thought into how lucky I was to of had these people – but I was. I’ve learned so much, all if not most funny. So the next blog of blunder is about Bosses.

BOSS Personalities and Who works for you.

BOSS ONE   The Starter Upper

This Boss has just graduated from school and opened up a shop. It’s a shop of dreams for two reasons. One it’s the one they always wanted. The second reason it’s a dream is …they have NO earthly clue as to how a real shop is run because they have never worked in one! This is truly a shop of dreams, either the girls working in this shop will be taking advantage of the fawn in the woods or they will be ready to take that shop to number one.

This shop will have either two outcomes. It will be running amok by childish behavior or the owner will put on big girl panties and learn real fast what does and does not work.

BOSS TWO   The Gay Man

This Boss has one moto if you have time to lean you have time to clean. I promise you if he knows you can tap dance he will have you trained to perform on cue. Perfection is what he strives for and he will expect the same from you. You will work whenever he says and if you ever talk about him behind his back – he has people who have a job to tell him about that too. If you aren’t sure about something, he will help you then tell the other girls how great he is for showing you the correct way. Never ask a stupid question to this Boss while he is working, you will be mistaking his kindness for tolerance ….expect to be fired when he has a second. The girls working for him will always look polished, and for some unknown reason, these workers through osmosis of the gay boss become just as bitchy. Expect most weekends off and great dinners.

This shop will always succeed unless he becomes bored with it and wants to move to Florence with his partner he met online.

BOSS THREE    The I don’t give a shit what you do, just give me my booth rent. (whew!)

This Boss has been working behind the chair for many moons and has seen many hairdressers come and go. They do not care about new products or new adventurous avenues in the hair world. This Boss does not care what you do because her shop is paid off and they gave up long ago on the thought that a team was forever. They do not want to hear your input into how the shop could work more efficiently because frankly, they don’t care anymore. If you work for this Boss keep low and out of the way, just do your work and go home. The girls working in this shop go about their business and W O R K. They do not care about you and your surgery you had last week.

This shop will do well because the girls JUST WORK.

BOSS FOUR  The Unicorn Boss

The perfect Boss is the Goldie locks of all Bosses. The perfect boss offers you reasonable booth rent or commission rates. The shop is always clean and you have TONS of space for your work gear. The girls/ Guys are supportive of your work and although nice, they can be harsh. The perfect boss will always care about your cramps and won’t fire you for asking stupid questions. The downside to this boss is he/she only has said the amount of space and you will never be able to work for her because her hairdressers are what I call LIFER’S; they never leave.

The downside to this is – you secretly hope someone gets pregnant so you can take over their chair.

This shop will carry on for as long as it can or until the boss gets sick of the same girls because even he/she secretly hopes one of them will move on- but they don’t.

BOSS FIVE The Bat shit crazy

You’ve all wanted to know IF YOU are THAT Boss? Well, pull out your pen for the checklist. Let’s see if you’re a Bat Shit winner.The Bat Shit Boss is not as easy to spot, as you would think. Especially if they are pretty/handsome. These Bosses can hide CRAZY like an Easter egg.

1.) DO you make promises and not keep them?

2.) DO you secretly cause chaos because you’re bored?

3.) DO you f**k up people’s hair because you won’t learn about the color because you know it all?

4.) DO you act as if you know what you’re doing?

5.) DO you charge your girls/guys too much booth rent because you can?

6.) DO you not offer to advertise for your booth renters?

7.) DO you not pay attention to the yelp complaints?

8.) DO you spray paint clients cars because they DID Yelp you?

9.) Do you flatten tires for fun?

10.) DO you get drunk, dance on tables, fall down pee yourself get back on said table and continue with your drunk gyration?

11.) DO you have to drive a moped to work?

12.) Do you report to a parole officer?

13.) Do animals generally hate you and vice versa?

11.) DO you know everyone around you is crazy too?

Well then, I suppose if you did not know you were CRAZY – you do now.

If you do end up working for the BOSS and you want OUT. Best to just say you’re moving, or your allergic to crazy… oops, don’t say that—they’ll fight you; say products ok say you’re allergic to the products and you’re quitting the business. It’ll be safer this way.

Well, I hope I have helped you out in some small way, or even put a smile on your face. I’m sure I’ve had all my bosses checking up on my list but the truth is – I have adored all of them except the stupid one. Until the next blog of confessions, I wish you all a good day!

Salon Owner and Silly knowledge consultant

Heather Lea

      As far back as the Egyptians, even farther, hair is considered a statement in beauty. Queens’s hair piled up for miles, Mozarts prized performances delivered with towering wigs. Parliament to this day is a wig fest! I am in awe of the creators of those updos. Now let’s fast forward to 1990s where we find Heather learning updos.

    I am in a hip hair salon in New York. I’ve got my Own chair. I have elevated to the status of having an assistant. I’m ready for anyone and anything… anything but this woman sitting in my chair with hair down to her waist.

     “Dear God in heaven why have you given me CHER.” 

     It get’s better, she wants an updo…of course, she does. I suck at updos…but I’m gonna try. Mind you she’s in my chair because everyone else is busy, and she has a wedding.

     *me smoldering with hate for the front desk girl, she knows I hate updos*

   Give me a cut- perm- color highlight- wigs for the temple! I CAN DO THOSE! No…not today. I have, ‘updo girl’ with 70’s hair.

     These are not easy times as a stylist- they are scary. You are entering a section of style that NO one can help you with but, YOU. You cannot fake this- you cannot talk your way out of this. (Mind you some really can do both.) In reality, no matter how much you’ve convinced someone what you created was amazing, I promise you she has a friend that will tell her she looks like hell.

     I think my let down with updos was finding out how hard they are to do! I thought it would be easy. I would watch my old boss Lenore, study her posture, where she would strategically place the bobby pins. I would work for hours folding, scrunching and braiding my mannequins hair. My masterpieces would defy gravity in ways that Trevor Sorbie would beam with pride over my shoulder. I would step back from my hair art and realize. I have just created a pile of shit on some unfortunate client. My imaginary Trevor Sorbie has slapped me with a wet glove across my face.

    I sucked. Not only did I suck, but I also sucked out loud.

    I would get so mad that hair wouldn’t move the way I wanted. I would talk to hair- try to reason with it. Like a man rolling dice at a Vegas table, I would talk to the hair and beg it to do something amazing.

Me: whispers into the back of a clients head. “Please hair, just be pretty will you.”

Client: I’m sorry Heather did you say something?

Me: No *looks at hair threatening* No, nothing.

     I would spend so much time on clients hair I would have sweat pouring out of me. I couldn’t look up, no, I was busy, too busy to bother looking up to see her face. She’d just have to wait until I got done to talk to her. I was going to make this hair rock! And when I got done – I would ask. “Do you like it?”

You know how in a horror movie when the spooky doll head turns her head to the side in slow motion and the eyes are empty? Yeah well, That is the look I got.

     I had spent over an hour creating A pile of hair shit. God those first couple of updos were what nightmares were made of for both the client and I. I’m certain there are clients out there still afraid to get updo’s again because of me, and looking back, I’m surprised I kept going, but I did.

     Good news, I’ve gotten better. So why am I telling you this story?

     I am telling you this for reasons you stylists need to hear. The ones who dread trying to do an updo, you need to hear this. Hairdressing is a very private thing, it’s you creating something out of nothing. I know that puts pressure on you but you need to see it from a different side. Not the scared side but brave side! When Cher sits in your chair do your best! Geez, there are no excuses anymore. You have Instagram for crap sakes, you can avoid my trama if you just take the time to try! Learn different curls. Curling iron, flat iron, hot curlers, bendies they are ALL different. Now learn to crimp, section, create a base. And don’t kick yourself too much, your learning what not to do!  Have fun and ask questions to the stylist who has a better understanding. SO Go!! Create piles of shit for a bit then one day- you’ll create something that amazes you. And not just the hair it’s the satisfaction of watching your client leave your salon with a posture of pose and beauty that matches how you just made her feel. You did that!

Go forth and create piles of crap!

Author and salon owner Heather Lea

Owner of BookPressed.com