Everything you need to know to succeed in the salon

If you want to succeed in this industry there are a few things beyond the basics that are musts.  

First of all is EDUCATION - and I can't stress that enough.  In cosmetology school you are given the basics.  It is frustrating when you are there and all you want is to do this amazing color or cut technique, but you can't because you've got to know the basics inside and out & upside down.  The basics are your building blocks, and without those you can't move forward and grow.  Education is so key, because you ARE going to be working in the salon and have somebody call in and ask for the newest, coolest hair color.  The only way to be your very best is to learn these new skills and try and keep up with the times.  

We have to attend a certain amount of hours of continued education as cosmetologists to keep our licenses active.  This is a great rule in my opinion because it forces us out of our comfort zones and we have to watch an expert in their field perform a service, and most of the time it is in such a way that we have never seen.  I personally think that hairstylists should be actively seeking out the best classes and attending as often as their schedule (and sometimes wallets) will allow.  Not only will you be getting your con-ed hours taken care of, but you are bettering yourself and becoming a better hairstylist in the process.  There are also a lot of truly great stylists on YouTube that I have learned SO much from.  (Shout-out to Hair 101 with April!!!)

Second is SELF-PROMOTION.  This is also really important.  There are many, many ways of marketing yourself.  You can hand out coupons. Give your clients referral cards (Cards that get stamped every time a new client they referred to you comes to you for a service.  After 3 stamps they receive a free haircut; after 5 they get a free color!).  Get involved in community events where you can hand out business cards.  And my personal favorite, SOCIAL MEDIA.  Post pictures of your work on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  This has worked very well for me in the past.  Take before and afters - one before you start and another after you've styled them out, and with their permission, post the photos to your Facebook page (and your salon's Facebook page if it has one) - make sure to tag your guest in the picture so all of their friends see how wonderful they look.  I personally book 80-90% of my appointments through Facebook currently.

Third is KNOW YOUR STUFF.  Vague, yes.  Here is what I mean:  Whatever color, products, techniques, tools, etc., that you are using - you need to know everything about them.  You need to know your color so well that you could formulate in your sleep; prescribe the perfect products for a person's individual hair needs; back-comb that cute little old lady's hair just the way she likes it.  Point is, know your stuff so well that you don't doubt yourself because confidence is key and knowledge is power.