Since this is a forever-changing industry, you need to be able to keep up with the techniques for cut and color. We are fashion interpreters and need to know not only what’s happening in hair today, but tomorrow and beyond. Even if you don’t like what’s happening in hair at the time, you have to be in the know because your clients may come in and ask for it. Hairdressers thrive on inspiration. If we don’t feel challenged, we become complacent and then boredom sets in. It’s important to always find something fresh to motivate you and keep you going throughout your career.

#1: “Since this is a forever-changing industry, you need to be able to keep up with the techniques for cut and color. We are fashion interpreters and need to know not only what’s happening in hair today, but tomorrow and beyond. Even if you don’t like what’s happening in hair at the time, you have to be in the know because your clients may come in and ask for it. Hairdressers thrive on inspiration. If we don’t feel challenged, we become complacent and then boredom sets in. It’s important to always find something fresh to motivate you and keep you going throughout your career.”
—Zak Mascolo, Vice President of Image, Toni and Guy

#2. “No fearing the shearing! Clipper cuts are a huge part of salon life today. Guys are wearing short, clippered looks—and women want amazing textured cuts. Clipper cutting is the key to delivering for these clients. Study the looks you like. With a good clipper and a sharp eye you can build this business fast.”
—Ivan Zoot, Director of Education and Customer Engagement, Andis Company

#3. “Even after you graduate, continue to grow your skills by getting certified in additional services. Can you guess which segment of the beauty business saw the most growth during the recession? Eyelash extensions. The training is well worth the investment, because the cost of goods is so low (around $5 for lashes and glue) while the average full set retails around $250. Clients are on a rebook schedule for touch ups and the current demand exceeds the supply of lash extentionists.”
—Sophy Merszei, President, NovaLash

#4. “It is incredibly important to build your portfolio to use during consultations with your guests. These can be made by using tear sheets from magazines as well as photos you take of your work in the salon. Since your chosen profession is constantly changing, it is vital to stay up-to-date and current with what you offer to your guests in services and products. Trade shows are a great networking place and also a place to find out what is new. A mantra to live by is, ‘Learning never ends.’”
—Van Tibolli, CEO and Founder, GK Hair

#5. “Go to as many education events possible and never stop learning. Decide what you like to do best, whether it’s cutting, coloring or styling hair, really learn your craft. Surround yourself with talented people so you can learn from them. Always try doing things differently and have fun, this is a great industry to be in.”
—Sue Pemberton, for ColorAmerica, Joico International Hair Color Artistic Director

#6. “Find a great mentor you can learn from. Don’t worry about showing them what you can do, instead learn all they can do. Second, never get a second job you can fall back on, work harder building your success here—there is no greater industry to risk your future on. Third, never be a consideration; always be a ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ If there is something you want to do, tell someone who can make it happen. It is better to be a ‘no’ and ask what you need to do to become a ‘yes,’ than never being asked.”
—Patrick McIvor, for ColorAmerica, Matrix Artistic Color Director

#7. “Congratulations! You have entered into one of the most incredible industries. The advice I share with you is to develop your own brand, be unique in your marketplace, and offer exceptional service. Focus on continuing education, always learn as much as you can.”
—Kris Sorbie, for ColorAmerica, Redken Education Artistic Director