Author: bookpressedtm

I once had a co-worker ask me how I got all the, ‘needy’ people. Meaning the ones who seem to be in, ‘need’ of more than hair help. My answer to her question was simple. I like to make people smile. I seem to draw in the clients who need not only to look amazing when they leave – but to feel like they’ve left their problems on the floor with their dead-ends. Which leads me to my next blog of blunder-

Different personalities in a Hair Salon-

The Front Desk Person

This is not a hairdresser, however they run the show; they have nothing to lose and if they decide to take their PMS out on you the stylist… you will suffer. Not a good person to be around when he/she has “Issues”.

Their clothes, hair and nails are on point and you wonder as a hairdresser if you should quit and take their job. They are high-ranking officials to the higher ups and you must at all costs try and get along with this person. The owners will always take their side. Not because they, ‘care’ but because front desk people are a bitch to replace.

Re-cap- Get along with this one. You’ll get more walk-ins.

The Forever Hairdresser

The forever Person is just that; he/she has been in said shop forever, and they will tell anyone who will listen how they have been there from the beginning. These Forever people are best friends with the shop owner and like a mob bosses right arm you stylists will have to go through her to talk to the boss. If you have concerns, they will hear you out first. The green light will either be given or not to bother the big boss with said concerns. Be careful, this one hears everything you say and will report all info to the big boss.

Re-cap- If he/she doesn’t like you- you’re gone.

The ‘Oh No!’ Stylist

The Oh No stylist is the hairdresser who refuses to learn new techniques. When a new client sits in their chair and asks for the newest trend in color, you all say “OH NO!”  Because you other stylists know, he/she won’t ask for help or advice E V E R.

Down the drain, your ratings go on Yelp.

Re-cap- Handle ole 80’s girl with kid gloves- remember if he/she ’s happy – and her clients are happy. Best leave it be.

The ‘I can talk louder than you can’ Stylist

The Loud stylists are well, loud. They do everything louder and you can ask them a million times, ‘bring it down a notch’ but they will not…ever. This stylist will always be right and they will never let you finish a thought, idea or recipe without interrupting you a million times. They mean well but no matter how much you love her somedays you have dreams of taping her mouth while enjoying the quiet.

Re-cap – These stylist are fun but do not have a stop button.

The Better stylist

The better stylist is, better than all of the stylists combined. This stylist is never happy where they are, they are constantly looking for validation on how great they are. These stylists are hardcore-they tell their clients how everyone around them sucks and how lucky they are to be sitting in their chair. These stylists are not easy to make friends with and are not easy to trust.

Recap- If you have to work with this stylist, keep to yourself and your clients at a distance. And, for god’s sake don’t get this one drunk!

The Victim Stylist

The victim is the one stylist that everything bad happens too. Her car breaks down- sitters quit- her kid is in detention and her man is all kinds of a mess. This stylist has a whiney voice and looks like he/she is on the verge of crying all the time. They cannot remember the last time they smiled, went on a vacation or had a great day. You will never change this person as they wear their problems like a crown. Their comfort level is being miserable. The clients they receive seem to only come and get their hair done to, ‘check on her’ and would feel terrible if they left her.

Re-cap-Keep this girl. It will reinforce ‘how great your life really is’.

The I’m on a Diet Hairdresser

The dieting hairdresser is walking a fine line with reality. Her topics to her clients are all about calorie intake. How to freeze food for 2 months and what you can do with a cauliflower. He/She will sometimes arrive early with workout clothes on or leave the shop with them on. This hairdresser is not to be near you or your Nutella during feeding hours. He/She will chastise you about you unhealthy ways, have you wondering about life choices and fat rolls. The tricky part about these girls are —they want your non- diet food. They want your fat donut, your Mexican food, your pizza. They will take it when you’re not looking. Fact.

Re-cap- These girls look great in jeans but a tied up mess on the inside. The best thing to do with this one is to ask if you can have her old clothes for your 12-year-old daughter.

The Nasty Stylist

The nasty stylists have no concerns for filters. They wear what they want, drink and say what they want. The nasty stylists most likely do amazing work, as they have no boundaries on anything. The clients come in for the show and they don’t seem to mind if the stylists cancel regularly on them. They will even go so far as to explain to the client, why they are doing so…the twisted concoction they took the night before hasn’t worn off – they can’t hold shears or their thoughts straight. This stylist gets along with everyone because they don’t give two shits about anything anyway.

Re-cap- Make friends with this one but never introduce her to your man…, your mom…, kids, family, or anyone – just keep her to yourself. They’ll understand.

I could go on for days feel free to add ‘THE_______ stylist’, of your own if you would like.

*This was fun! If I were to say which one I am—-, it would have to be all of them.*

Until next blog of blunder – wishing all you hard working hairdressers a good day

Author and Salon owner Heather Lea

 

     Proper etiquette for Shop Life My snarky and somewhat serious Blog

No matter the situation of owning, managing or working in a Hair Salon, rest assured proper etiquette is a requirement in all of these titles. So let’s break down a real scenario and let’s see which situation fits you best.

Owners- Etiquette Test

1.) Hairdresser Becky has been in a bad mood all day. You need to confront this immediately as you are starting to see this is becoming a topic with clients.

A.) You approach Becky away from everyone and politely ask, “How can I help you have a better day Becky?”

B.) You look at Becky in the mirror and mouth S T O P Your Crazy shit now.

C.) You ask her to meet you in the back and tell her to go shopping and buy a new attitude for tomorrow because she is never to wear that shit attitude again.

Ok Great hopefully you picked A

It’s a hard one I know but I have faith in my fellow owners.

Next question is for the Managers out there.

Manager- Etiquette Test

2.) Recently, you have noticed Becky has been eerily busy with highlights as of late but never seems to go to the supply house to restock her cabinet, which only seems to hold the color K.

A.) You approach Becky and ask her if she has been using your products. You ask her kindly if she will be replacing said items. You ask nicely because you’re the manager and you must confront these situations immediately with civility and decorum. Set the example. Be understanding – one of the team.

B.) You go back over the camera feed your boss put up without her knowledge, bring in at least three other stylist to watch what you know is happening. Immediately talk shit behind her back and secretly conspire to jointly hate her. re-name her Borrower Becky.

C.) You ask Becky over lunch if she by chance happened to of used you’re products and forgot to replace them. You then pray she doesn’t lie to you so you don’t turn the backroom into a high school gym locker and beat her down to teach her a lesson.

Ok Again, A was the correct answer! You are doing great guys!

Stylist- Etiquette Test

3.) The hairdresser next to you has been getting on your nerves Becky seems to be hogging a better part of the call ins and higher dollar appointments.

A.) As a stylist, you want to get along with everyone because together you are a united front. A team! So in the back room you discreetly ask Becky if everything is ok? Tell her you all have noticed she seems to be taking all the new clients and walk-ins for herself. You then tell her you completely understand if she has fallen on hard times and is in need of more money.

B.) You begin to stop what you are doing when the phone rings so you can get to it first  because two can play this game.

C.) When Becky hangs up the phone you walk over to her book – erase the new client she put down and put her on your book, hope that Becky address this and wait for the fireworks. Pray it is front of the boss who loves you more.

And A again!!!!

Well …I hope you always think back to my Blog if you are ever in a JAM and remember it’s all about control and decorum. SO if other shop owners keep calling all your girls to come to their salon to work. Remember, you are a lady/gentleman. It is a very complimentary thing they want your workers- means you’ve trained well.

A.) Ignore it because that said owner of that salon has no Etiquette. You’ll just wait it out and offer a better deal to her stylists.

SEE A AGAIN!

Heather Lea

Writer and Owner of Hair Loft on Linden Be kind stylists I love to make you laugh- but remember I know how to hold my shears and my pen.

Hairdresser Crush

I admit it; I have a hairdresser crush on Trevor Sorbie.

I Have for years. He had an amazing show in New York city maybe 28 years ago and I have never been the same. I adore this talented man for many reasons, too many to think of but I will focus on the most important ones that come to mind. He is above all the most Talented Hairdresser in the world – he’s proven his awesomeness time and time again. I know this fact because he is, after all, a two time World Champion Hairdresser. (I believe, I’ll check later) So who is this man? Look him up for yourself –I encourage it.

     Trevor has a stage presence many professional stylists have tried to emulate, only to end up falling terribly short. Trevor and his team KNOW how to put on a show, providing young hairdressers like myself *clears throat on the young part* the visual creativity we yearn for.  He pushes the definition of ‘Avant-garde’ like silly putty, and this gift isn’t given too many stylists but he owns it. Therefore,  why Heather are we going overboard on this man? Because he not only inspires, he is singly the most humble hairdresser I have ever met, and that my hairdresser friends are what more of us need to become. Humble.

*Side note Yes, I waited in line to meet him and I think I scared him, maybe I stuttered not sure.*

     Trevor has been on stage and stated many times over —  I do Not know everything – I just do my best. I keep my eyes open to new and exciting adventures in hair.

And that is what he teaches, keep learning.

*head in hands* Wow, ok so Heather You Do NOT know everything.

THAT is who and WHAT I always want to be. Always striving to be better.

     I promise you I could give two flying monkeys about what salons are producing in this town. I have just enough brainpower to worry about my salon. What my girls are learning – producing, and their attitude about this salon. Trust me if two-time world champion Trevor wants to be better –god help us all —we have a serious higher bar we need to reach for. SO …. Keep going, keep trying and worry about yourself. Know IF you want to be better – get more money —be that person who inspires other hairdressers. Learn as much as you can and ENCOURAGE others to WANT the same.

In closing, you don’t have to have a crush on a hairdresser like I do. You do need to find inspiration, something that makes you WANT to be a better stylist. And that for me is Trevor Sorbie.

I write this because I can – Heather Lea Owner of Hair Loft on Linden

Www.Bookpressed.com owner

Teaching stylists MORE because of the greats!

                                                                                                                                 07/08/16-2-/21/2019    BOOKPRESSED IS LIVE

WWW.BOOKPRESSED.COM       WWW.BOOKPRESSED.COM   WWW.BOOKPRESSED.COM

        

Writing is my love.

     It is through this love of trying, failing, and correcting that I have found my nitch in life.

     I’ve created a website to help writers in all avenues of learning, communicating and evolving. Through all of the years of building this site, I can say without hesitation, there is NOTHING like BookPressed on the web. It can be as wonderful or insightful as you’d like it to be. BookPressed’s flexibility is what sets it apart from the masses of other writer sites. You see I don’t want to conform and bend the writers to my way and tell you, ‘How’ to write. I built this site based on the theory, not all writers learn- write-or edit the same. I wanted you to be able, as an individual to find what works best for you and your creativity.

     BookPressed is designed to be everything a writer could need while writing your novella, novel, or poem. Working in a way that balances the process of understanding while writing your story one chapter at a time. BookPressed helps the writer/editor find other souls as passionate as you are by linking you together to encourage, learn, and build on each other’s craft. Your chapters get the beta read you need and editing ideas you may not have considered. Keeping you on track, and informed while writing can only help you get to, ‘The-End’.

      BookPressed, has been unleashed into the vast space of the Web, and as I and the site grow at a snail’s pace I am forever thankful to the amazing people who have helped, encouraged and rallied behind my ideas and long winded rants. I am NOT a professional speaker, as you can tell by the videos. BookPressed is going to be an adventure in itself to try and explain, so many different facets.  

Stay tuned for updates.

Thank You to ALL of you!

  A Heavy Thank You goes out To Sherri Wingler, Dawn Singh, David Harney, Fayetteville Library Book Worm Robin Deffendall, and Jerry Bradley, my beautiful sister Andrea my Beautiful Mother Priscilla. Last but not least, Stephen, Hannah#1, Hannah #2, Mathew and Kameron. 

All of my endings, all of my closed doors … Thank you God, I get it now.

Wish me luck it’s gonna get bumpy.

Former Dreamer/Current Reality Maker,

Heather Lea

This is part 2  to updo blues

A checklist to help you with weddings

1.  Do a run through on bride’s hair a solid week before the special day.

I’m not talking about a quick run through, I’m talking wash and dry the hair, use product – put some effort into your work- let them see WHAT you can do. Ask her to bring a picture of the dress, ask questions about her colors, theme, and time of the wedding. Evening appointments and early morning weddings can have two different looks. Let them see appointments can consume a better part of 45min to an hour per person.

I don’t think it’s fair to the bride when you don’t give them your best effort. Show them you are aware of their special day and you’ll make certain the day will go off without a hitch, starting with their hair!

2. Make certain you both have ALL the information you will need for that day.

If you are going to be IN salon, then make sure dates and times are triple checked. Are you traveling to the wedding for the bride or the complete bridal party? Make sure there’s a written itinerary so there’s no room for an absent hairdresser or a mix up in where everyone is. I’m talking about a map and phone numbers of key players so if someone gets lost there’s less confusion. I have been to places Google, navigation and cell phone are nonexistent. Scary shit!   

3. If you are providing an IN salon Wedding hair bash, provide orange juice – bagels- strawberries- champagne – chips- dip- fruit. Make sure girls are getting something light in their stomachs for the busy day ahead. You hairdressers are being paid enough it’s a small effort that is appreciated by the wedding party.  

 4. Allow 45 min to an hour for each girl in the wedding party.

I am a VERY fast updo gal – however, if I can, I like to avoid the mass rush. The bride is ultimately my whole world of worry; however, last minute people do get thrown in. Make sure you hairdressers let the wedding party know IF you touch them it WILL cost. I don’t care if it is a half updo.

*I cannot stress enough how many times I go to weddings and a girl who is in the wedding party does not think she needs to pay for her hair because SHE can do it just fine.*

I call a bullshit flag!

I tell the Brides, “This is your day, you are paying a lot of money to get a group of photographers, cinematographer to commemorate the day, don’t let friend Betty show up with no effort hair. If they agree to be in the wedding party – let them know they will need to be able to provide for the hairdresser.

5. If you are traveling states away for your bride, make sure they are paying travel and hotel expenses outside of hair costs.

*Make triple sure they put you into a Good hotel. No Motel 6 shit! I’m so serious about this. If I have driven four hours plus, get me to a room where I can get a good night’s rest and feel safe.*

6. Make sure you keep your equipment with you at ALL times- make out a checklist of equipment you’ll need and have a backup if something goes on the fritz.  

Rubber bands

Hairpins black & blonde

Blow dryer

Flat iron

Curling iron 1 and 2

Brushes

Setting spray

Holding spray

Hair clips

Shears

Comb, rat tail comb & teasing comb – hair pick

Travel Hair dryer

Rollers

Capes

Hair caps

Hair extensions

7. Make sure each girl has a button up shirt – there’s always one in the bunch who screws this up.

8. Make a list of what you expect of the Bridesmaids.

Have an idea of what they would like done.

9. I prefer the Bride has a quiet room where I can do her hair. It is very hard to concentrate when children are running around – girls are asking the Bride stupid worrisome questions she could not possibly know unless she got up or had to call someone. I seriously advise you tell the Bride you expect a room where it is just you and her for a calm fun time.

10. Hairdressers keep your cool when things speed up and they usually do. It’s hard to accommodate everyone on such a busy day/evening, and more so for the bride, everyone has their own timeline and agenda, make sure the other key players are working WITH you instead of against you. If the photographers are running behind don’t let them stress you out just keep moving along as best as you can. Everything gets done in time, it always does. My advice remain calm, bite your lip and keep moving.  

11. Make sure you keep a list of anyone’s hair you have done. Extras get thrown in the mix, keep up with them.

12. Make sure you know HOW to do Updos! When you accept a wedding invite, Don’t EVER try and wing it on a wedding day!

Wedding days can be a ball, and you want it to be for both parties involved. I don’t think clients understand what all is involved with doing the particulars we do, and I really don’t dwell on the issue, what I do dwell on is professionalism.

You got THIS!

Author Heather Lea Salon owner and owner of BookPressed.   

Wedding days can be a ball, and you want it to be for both parties involved. I don’t think clients understand what all is involved with doing the particulars we do, and I really don’t dwell on the issue, what I do dwell on is professionalism. So when you see a photographer move a Brides hair to the side – step back and look at everyone and say, “My God I feel like I’ve been doing your hair.”

Be Professional 😡

Try not to swing – just saying.  

   

  

 

  

 

 

A little help here!

You just got out of school! WOOHOO! You’re almost there! Time to celebrate and get into the best priciest salon you and your clothes can fit into.

But wait —is that self-doubt I hear coming through?

YES it is! “What if I suck? What if I hate the girls? What if they hate me!”

 Stop it! *me slapping you across the face* It’s scary I know but don’t freak! It’s time to put things into perspective. I know you feel like you know everything, and every style you’ve slapped on that Barbie head looks amazeballs! Listen up, you’re swimming with the big sharks now! These girls in your new shop have been playing the game for a while and now it’s time to pay your dues. I’m not saying you don’t know what you’re doing. I’m saying Get ready for the Shop life. It’s NOT like school. 

Ok what I just said was scary. Sorry. What I mean to say is – it’s different.  

Things you need to keep in mind when you’re a beginner hairdresser starting in a new shop.

1.) You don’t know everything but neither do THEY! Yes, I love that 2nd part. You’d be surprised how often you will see this. It’s comforting to know even the best have to go back and remix a color. 

2.) Have broad shoulders because you are gonna screw up. Each and every Hair Salon has a different slave driver and OCD helper. They will boss you around at first just stay clear and out of the way from those girls. You may end up lovig them. Remember they are working and busy so they dont have time to to baby you. Just go with the flow. Best advice don’t move shit around, leave things where you found them, don’t Spring clean the place and move perm rods for the love of Pete!

3.) Know when to leave a shop.

If, when you pull your car into the parking lot of your shop and you just dread it. Quit. If you’re unhappy, odds are you’re making everyone unhappy too.   

4.) Keep out of trivial shop chitter chatter.

Gossip is toxic when you talk about other stylists. Don’t fall for it – just walk away. AND don’t you start crazy crap!

5.) Be a reminder to all what professional should look like.

You fresh out of school peeps hold better standards than most of the long working salons I’ve seen. You may just be their saving grace. Keep those school rules when everyone else has dropped them.

6.) Don’t get defensive when someone points out a new technique.

Shut up and learn. Vice Versa, you stylists.

7.) Be in a shop where they encourage growth and make more than just promises to move you up.

8.) Make friends with as many stylists as you can.

It’s a good feeling when I hear other people speak very highly of me from another salon. Also an amazing feeling when another stylist calls me for advice. I’m honored.

Be that. Do that.      

9.) Remember! You got hired because they WANT you there.

Don’t assume the workers don’t like you after only day 1. Give it time. They are busy, they’ll learn to trust you soon enough.

10.) Know the new products you’re working with forward and backwards.

If you’ve never worked with Goldwell…ask!

The first day in any new shop is daunting, it’s supposed to be! You have a chair! Watch, Listen, and try and offer help when you can. What you can expect is this.

If you are an assistant, be prepared to be told what to do all day long. Sorry it’s unavoidable. You’re new and you’re in a new setting, we keep our towels here or there, Barbicide gets changed at this time or that time. Only approach hairdresser Betty with a cookie and stay to the left of her, Oh! And don’t mention the word, ‘green’ it causes her to have a tick in her left eye for hours. One more thing, if you didn’t know you look like shit in blue we discussed it and you do- so, never wear it again- wear black always

Welcome to your new world.

Sound stressful? It is at first but like I just said they hired you for a reason just give it time, they had to have seen something in you that made them feel like you’d be a perfect match with the team. Girls/ guys are in and out of the shop all day, and it’ll take time to get to know them individually. It’s a job, accept this fact and when you find out who’s who and what’s what, it’ll get easier. It’s about finding your own space and feeling comfortable in it that counts. Worst case scenario- Everyone from the stylist to the owner are rude to you. Talk to you as if you are beneath them and cause a scene when you mix something up. My advice, if you have brought it to the attention of higher ups that you feel less than welcome and nothing has been done. LEAVE.

You have more power than you know.

You have just learned something invaluable, Common Courtesy it’s something everyone should give in this business. I am here to tell you to expect it and give it.

Be prepared to feel lost, mixed up, and not one of the team for a while, but if it goes on for longer than a month or two- move along and find a new place for yourself. You got into this business because you loved it – don’t let someone who is a bitch ruin it for you – just move along. What you should expect is this. A fun, clean workable environment you can grow in as professional without the interruption of rude, ill managed untalented grogs. Yes I said Grogs.

SO —expect it to be hard, fast paced, and emotionally draining. This is the industry, you’ll do great!