I usually like to keep my post short and sweet but there’s not much information on this topic. and let’s be honest people nowadays would make you pay for.
No matter how much your school may have prepared you for a new career in hair, there’s nothing like salon reality.
Most beauty school educators graduated before social media took the beauty industry to the next level. Therefore, they do not have much insight into being a salon assistant today.
There’s so much that I wish I knew about the salon industry in my area before graduating. That is why I’m here to help you spot toxic time-wasting salon assistant programs.
Things to look for
Let’s be real. You’ll rarely find all of these attributes under one roof so find which ones matter to you the most.
1. Take a look at the salons Instagram history
How often do they post hairstylist work with proper tag/mentions. If it’s never, steer clear. You are new and will need social media marketing as a future stylist.
2. It is best to assist a hairstylist whose clientele is versatile.
Assisting a blonde hair specialist my seem like a great idea but be aware! Some stylist will use the same technique and formula on every guest making your work day monotonous. This may eventually cause you to loose you’re creative spark.
I’ve found that being a salon assistant for older stylists you’ll be left with watching older clientele with grey-touch ups and traditional foils. Not learning any on-trend techniques that younger clientele would want.
3. Look for post about their past salon assistant promotions
This is a long one but it has very important information you don’t want to miss.
A supportive salon will post an announcement when you officially start taking clients.
It’s also important that you make sure the salon assistant continues to work there after the promotion. Assistants will leave if there is a lack of support during their transition to working behind the chair.
For example, you are newly promoted with a small clientele you’ve built while assisting. This clientele is still not big enough to make a living off of and the salon you’ve assisted has little to no walk-in appointments. What do you do?
You no longer have the hourly assisting pay. You’re on your own. If no one’s in your chair you aren’t getting paid. Seriously, what do you do?
This is something that NO ONE tells you about when you begin assisting. Make sure from the jump that you have full support when transitioning out. I would hate to see you struggle to pay your bills after all the time you’ve invested in keeping someone else’s business afloat.
4. Apply to salons that aren’t actively hiring while you are still in school
If you have done your research and know exactly where you want to go, make your move! This could put you at a great advantage. Your dream salons may not be hiring when you’re all done with school.
The sooner you know you’re in or out, the quicker you can find a plan B.
5. Find a salon that allows you to take clients on days that the salon is closed
This is important to help build your clientele and professional portfolio outside of salon classes.
Things to avoid.
These are not total deal breakers but definitely something to keep in mind.
1. Fully staffed small boutique salons
If every chair is in use and ASSIGNED it will be hard to move up because there isn’t an available chair for you.
2. Stay away from salons who will hire you quickly without your license
Due to the Covid-19 outbreak state board tests are being delayed. Chances are they just need a housekeeper to disinfect.
Yes, you do have to start somewhere but in modern times being paid minimum wage (an unlivable wage) to sweep after spending thousands of dollars on education is a slap in the face and a waste of your time.
3. Hairstylist looking for assistants that do not own the salon.
If you do proceed make sure you build a close relationship with the manager, owner, and other stylists. Although you aren’t responsible for helping others in the salon don’t be afraid to ask questions and really network during down time. Networking with all members of the salon will help further your career.
The route I took was unconventional but I do not regret it. Not everyone is going to find their salon home right out of school and that’s ok! I’m here to tell you it is ok to not settle for just any salon but definitely do your research. It took 4 different salon settings for me to find a place that helped me evolve. This shouldn’t have to be you. Beauty school is so much more expensive today than it was a decade ago. You’ve spent so much money investing in your new career. You have every right to pick and choose where you want to plant your roots.
