MENU
SEARCHConnecting the DotsMeeting someone for the first time is a unique experience. It can be a little uncomfortable and even awkward, but there’s no denying that spark of a connection when you meet someone you like—a best friend, ...
Editor Lauren Quick (right) met Insta-famous colorist Larisa Love (@larisadoll) at the 2015 International Salon and Spa Expo in Long Beach, California. Love is a master of haircolor and of connecting to her audience via social media; see her on Instagram and new app Periscope. (photo credit: Stacey Soble)
Stacey Soble
Meeting someone for the first time is a unique experience. It can be a little uncomfortable and even awkward, but there’s no denying that spark of a connection when you meet someone you like—a best friend, boyfriend, mentor or idol.
In a world that declares real, genuine, face-to-face connections are a dying breed, hairdressers continue to thrive in a culture of connections, meetings and community. It’s a unique component of who you are.
You’re making connections in other ways when you draw inspiration from the runway, nature, art and design. Have you noticed something di fferent about this issue of FIRST CHAIR? We’re inspired by many of the same things you are, and we have brightened up our pages with a new design that we hope you appreciate and relate to.
This issue exists to help you get from point A to point B in all facets of your burgeoning career. Model-recruiting can be intimidating if your mom is getting tired of being your go-to for practicals and demo days; our feature aims to inspire confidence and make things just a little less confusing when seeking a model for practicals, photoshoots or salon auditions.
If making sure there’s no missing link between a client consultation and the finished result is a concern of yours, we’ve gathered 10 conversation-starters to help clear the air before the hair falls. And when you are done with it all, license in hand, ready to explore the big, bustling world of post-grad life, we want to help you make the leap with some sound advice.
And we have someone you should meet: me. After serving FIRST CHAIR and its Modern Salon Media siblings as assistant editor for the past year and a half, I’m stepping up as editor of FIRST CHAIR. I’m thrilled to curate content that I hope enlightens and inspires you, and I welcome constructive criticism, feedback or just a note saying, “Hi.”
Your life as a stylist is bound to be chock-full of connections—make sure you don’t miss any.
Here's to you and your success!
-Lauren Quick
Editor
LifeSpa leader Ali Yanez explains why strong mentorship, predictable income, meaningful recognition and the right work environment help beauty professionals build careers that last.
Whether a beauty professional chooses a commission salon, booth rental, salon suite or salon ownership, the common thread is having more choices than ever before.
Sport Clips Haircuts will host its inaugural "Level Up Live," a first-of-its-kind virtual event that combines live haircutting education, career inspiration, product knowledge, and employment opportunities for licensed stylists and cosmetology students nationwide.
Orthopedic PT reveals three daily exercises plus ergonomic advice that can help salon professionals avoid the aches and injuries caused by standing, bending and repetitive overhead work.
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
Salon suite pioneer Karen Kaminski argues that the next evolution of independent beauty businesses won't be defined by beautiful spaces alone, it will be driven by smarter systems that help professionals spend less time on administrative work and more time serving clients.
At a time when many LGBTQ+ people felt compelled to hide parts of themselves, Carlos Valenzuela found a career in beauty and a community that offered opportunity based on what you could do and how well you could do it.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
