MENU
SEARCHHow do I decide between being a generalist and specialist?
Do you want to be an expert in a narrow field or a jack-of-all-trades hairdresser? The main difference: specialists have depth of knowledge with generalists have breadth of knowledge. For instance, a color specialist can correct the most challenging hot-mess hair color, create subtle tonal shifts and explain the differences among all color brands. A generalist can cut, color and style hair.
The two biggest factors in your choice may be where you live and where you want to work. In general, larger salons and corporations have more specialist opportunities. “Specialists require a denser population, which salons in rural areas just don't have. In bigger cities, both are possible and needed,” says Keith Ferguson, owner of Salon 6100 in Orlando, Florida.
Competition and Marketability
Noting that generalists are on the rise along with full-spectrum color training, Suzi Bond, owner of Perfect 5th in Mooresville, North Carolina, says specializing still works, but there is always a difficulty associated with scheduling one client for two staffers. “Both will work with the correct business model, appropriate marketing, an excellent community reputation and proper guest training in expectations.”
Eric Fisher, who owns namesake salons and an academy in Wichita, Kansas, tells his students that given today’s competition, being well-rounded works best. “All our staffers learn a simple makeup application, so they can tell the client they can define or shape their brows,” he says. “They can all also tell the client how a few highlights will help skin tones or make blue eyes pop and that they can do if for them. Cutting alone won’t make you marketable unless you are in a big city and have a great reputation.”
To specialize, Fisher says (just 5% of his salon employees do), realize that practice and experience alone won’t cut it. To develop true mastery over a niche, attend dedicated training and advanced classes, follow a rigorous apprentice program and secure a specialist mentor. Then, add hard work.
“Consider the difference between a basketball player who hits the court regularly and one who practices 500 left-handed free throws in row,” says Fisher.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself:
Am I a geek for just one aspect of the business? For instance, do I love chemistry and the nuances of hair color?
Do I want to color my own hair cuts for a total design?
Do I want to work for a manufacturer? Style hair on a movie set, which requires experience with wig work and hair extensions?
Will the area in which I live support specialization, and can I get top-notch training?
What do I have a true passion for?
What provides the best future opportunities for income and growth?
Finally, you can add a revenue-raising narrow-niche specialty to your generalist status by specializing in hair extensions (most salon have just 1-2 stylists who perform the service), curly hair or men’s cuts. All require advanced training.
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.
From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
