Tag: style

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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

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Stylists being Confronted online about Pricing

Social media interaction plays a huge role in our salons these days; it affects our reputation and holds us accountable for the prices we charge.

   There is an untold amount of chatter on all social media platforms about stylists and salons over selling themselves and their abilities. I and other stylists have been observing the mad rush of stylists upping their prices based on inflation – meaning they are using price increases as a crutch to up prices from a 5% inflation to a 10% price increase or higher without justification. Although the price hike is a concern for clients, they now demand the value of the experience to be reflected – period.

   Clients are now leaving the stylists who are just playing the game and weeding through those stylists who are in the game. And this is where we are. We are being monitored and checked-

   First, look at SOME stylists’ base arguments about why they are charging more money. 

  • Because booth rent for them is so ‘damn expensive.’
  • Because they pay an ‘extraordinary amount of money for continuing education.’
  • Because ‘I’m having a baby’. 

   The backlash from two of those types of price hikes isn’t cutting it anymore. Clients are talking, reasoning, and basing more on actual performances than pretty pictures and feeling bad for others’ bad spending habits. 

   So, Stylists, ask yourself the real hard questions.

 Are you worth the time and money? Because only One of those answers is working with a business mindset. #2 

And I will tell you why –

   The stylist who has budgeted and planned for a two thousand-dollar, class has committed to becoming worthy of their prices. Now, don’t confuse what I am saying— you don’t have to spend that type of money for a masterclass, but you will need to gain alternative ways to achieve that type of experience. 

   The other two reasons are bullshit.

AND I’ll tell you why- IF the booth is too expensive, you are playing in a field too big for you – because you don’t have the client base or don’t want to work the actual hours to make the money to be at that location. Hard- but there it is.

And the last reason for the pricing structure is personal. Clients won’t mind paying the price for you to perform the task – but never, not once, does it include a baby tax or your summer vacations with weekends off.  

   If you want to know if you fall into our ‘People Are Talking About You’ category- answer these questions.

1.) Do you take your continuing education seriously enough to get your knowledge from the source, or are you getting a secondhand, watered-down version from stylists who DID attend a class? (I hate that shit).

 2.) Do you think you should be spoon-fed clients through the front desk and not attempt to connect with clients? 

3.) Do clients like you and your personality, or can you not help your resting bitch face?

   Yeah, these are real things that won’t cut it in our industry. Because believe it or not – The last client of the day deserves the same smile and enthusiasm you started the day with.

    Fortunately for the client, a significant part of finding the right salon is addressed when salons provide a price list and stylist information on their business website. This information helps to prevent sticker shock pricing and gives a better idea of the stylist’s skills and expertise. Clients want stylists to Provide “CONFIDENT VALUE” for their hard-earned money. Not someone hiding behind -“Specializations” or Vague unsupported titles. 

   To be clear, how can stylists effectively convey their value to clients without resorting to vague unsupported titles? Client Communication –

1.) Be honest with your background. Are you a beginner with this technique? Make that information JUST as visible as your Instagram photos.

2.) Let it be known you are a stylist working your way up the ladder and you WILL increase prices as you learn. 

3.) Be willing to do the work 

   Honesty and a clear understanding of where you are and where you plan to be and become will let that client understand – you will be raising prices because you will be worth it & this information will stop a heavy dose of these topics being raised by clients.  

   You stylists aren’t the only ones working hard, so keep it real. 

BE Real – Be Honest – Be Willing to WORK.

Salon Owner- Heather Ryan

http://www.Bookpressed.com Owner