Part 4: Certifications for New Stylists: Performance and Exit Review

How Do you teach them? Start with Simple!

First, stylists should be held responsible for learning the little things on their own. Through the application you reviewed with your new stylists, you more than likely discovered they may need more certifications or classes to prepare them for the floor.

We need to rectify this, and we can do this through FREE base knowledge.

There are quite a few online classes stylists can take, and I have listed several that would be great starts for the new stylists.

Also, I have included a brief Quit Sheet— A truly underrated topic that needs more attention. You, at this point, will have begun the three-month trial with the stylists. Not all of them will make the cut or be able to handle the pressure of how much effort they will need to do on their own.

My list of recommended certifications for new stylists.

CERTIFICATIONS

K18—– https://www.k18hairpro.com/pages/get-certified

Olaplex——https://pro.olaplex.com/

Barbicide——https://www.barbicide.com/barbicidecertification/

S4 Keratin Treatment——https://www.s4hair.com/pages/certification

The Intentional Classroom LLC https://youtu.be/PlxX20-75QM?si=bSlXKigacF9S0E9b

This is a you tube class on the chemistry behind ACID – ALKALINE – THIO PERMS

This is the class I teach my stylists, and the best teacher teaches it- her classes are entertaining- brilliant- and quick. Her classes are FUN, and she is gifted when describing the chemistry of hair and products. I cannot say enough GREAT THINGS ABOUT HER!

*Hands-On Training  

Spend at least 4 hours —One Day —working together on a mannequin- have the new stylists perform as many cuts as they can. Begin with simple 1″ trims, work toward a long bob, and work your way up – short bob-chin length – then over the ear and end with a pixie.  If blowouts seem to be a problem for them – take the time to have them blow out each style with guidance from you, observing and readjusting their stances – hairbrush placement- partings- learning elbows UP, and the correct brush for the style they are working on. Again – have products you work with on a table – direct them to use said products on the mannequin, and have them explain out loud why they use said product on their hair.  

Cuts needed to pass the 3-month trial  

A.) A trim and bangs

B.) Cut 1′ inch off—Timed within 30 min to one hour

C.) Cut 2′ inches off—45 min

D.) Angled Bob—-45 min

E.) Bob shoulder length—45 Min

F.) Chin length Bob—45 Min

G.) Above the jaw, Sassoon cut—45 to one hour

This is a lot of learning – And it needs to be scheduled within three months. Bangs seem to freak them out. I suggest solidly mapping sections to help them understand where to cut.

Every stylist hired will always be on their best behavior, and trust me- it is excruciatingly hard on them to keep up good graces for an extended period without breaking completely. Owners, this goes for you as well. By the end of the 3-month saga you’re putting them through, they will either respect you and your time or be bitter. You, the boss, will have a better idea of how long and arduous this training will take, and from here on out, you will have a complete understanding of whether you can fix any existing problems smoothly. If things aren’t looking so good- well, now you know it’s time to let them go.

Which leads us to our following paper for staff when hiring – the HOW TO QUIT SHEET

These stylists need to feel safe enough never to feel like they must leave like thieves in the middle of the night. (Which can be weird & Rude).

*** WHEN YOU QUIT –OR—GET FIRED WHAT TO DO

THE EXIT INTERVIEW

Should you decide to resign, we kindly request that you discuss it with the relevant management or the owner. If there are any issues you wish to discuss, I assure you that we will listen and respect your decision to leave. Stylists must never clear out their station when clients are present in the shop. The owner or salon manager will be present when you gather your belongings to ensure you do not take anything that does not belong to you. This also prevents you from leaving any of your belongings. There should be no commotion, and the environment will be kept safe so you can gather your things calmly. If you forget anything, we will mail it to the address you provided.

“Owners, always remember that you need to set a professional example for your staff. Our business involves a lot of change, and people will come and go, which is okay. While you may not always remember the drama, you will remember how you reacted to it. Make sure your actions and words reflect the best of you for others to see and hear.”

WWW.BookPressed.com

Salon Owner and Hair Slave to my schedule

Heather Lea Ryan

Part 2 New Staff

Easy Enough – supply list to go over. No two staff members are the same – one may come from a family with money while another may need a lot more help from you. NO TWO STYLISTS ARE THE SAME!

The Long-awaited Part 2 to training new staff.

This is your BASIC LIST OF NEEDS TO BE A BOOTH RENTER

This first week for your stylist is all about making them COMFORTABLE with their surroundings. Give them a minute to find their sea legs. As for you, Boss- your goal is to observe how your new staff is doing. Remember – THEY ARE NEW, BE NICE!

This is your BASIC LIST OF NEEDS TO BE A BOOTH RENTER

1.)   Clarify shampoo- Olaplex 4 & 5 This is a great starter kit for their back bar.

2.)   1 to 2 capes ONLY – plastic at the top and fabric on the bottom – Framar has it going on in this area.

3.)   2 cutting combs – try finding a Vidal Sassoon knock-off. You can find some on Protools.com. I cannot express how EVERYTHING counts when doing hair.

4.)   1 tail comb

5.)   A Mason Brush- the Misel knockoffs will work perfectly. This is an incredible tool for you stylists who suck at styling short hair, it also comes in handy for Hollywood waves and great ponytails.

6.)   If you need to provide your own towels, get 24. You can find them on towel hub. Get the bleach-proof ones.

7.)   Invest in several separating baskets for your drawer or cabinet.

8.)   A GOOD BLOWDRYER – do not disappoint me here. Cheap ones won’t cut it or last.

9.)   2 curling irons – not the cheap ones! One is a ¾, and the other should be 1.’

10.)  GHD Flatiron

11.)  GHD ANYTHING

12.) 1 hairspray

13.) 1 wax

14.) 1 shine

15.) 1 texture

16.) K18- Olaplex

17.) Mirror

18.)  Spray Mister

These items are costly- and new stylists must invest in their own dream. Shitty products or shitty equipment will make the job of new stylists THAT much harder.

Now, here is where your owners are going to freak out.

****BUT IF YOU WANT new out of school staff – get ready to help in a major way.

Figure out if you want to do 6 months of commission – and every time they use, say- a 6n they are to go buy 2 boxes. One to replace the one they used and the other for them to keep. While I am training – I DO NOT ALLOW MY STAFF to buy colors they have not worked with.

HOW CAN THEY AFFORD THIS LIST?

A little at a time

I allow the new girl/guy to use my things as needed. Work with my equipment, etc., for about 4 to 5 days – When they do a client at a reduced rate, mind you –

I let them keep the money- I let them do this for 2 weeks- with no booth rent- THAT IS HOW I HELP- ANY money they receive IS EXPECTED to be put into their equipment.

I have only had one girl ball out and spend on clothes after her first HOLY SHIT I’m MAKING MONEY Day. And I couldn’t yell- she did invest in her wardrobe. It’s actually cool to see them get fired up about learning and making money-

I am a business owner. My example is that I’m CREATING better stylists faster, more loyal, and more creative. My job is HARD- and I am sharing the journey you will both be on.

Bossing ain’t Easy

Styling ain’t Easy

& Keeping Our Attitude in check is something we all need to work on