5 Things I Wish I Knew After Beauty School Starting In The Hair Industry | Hairstylist Business Tips
- Posted on 07 March, 2019
- Hair Styling
- By Anonymous
✨TOP 5 THINGS I WISH I KNEW STARTING OUT IN THE HAIR INDUSTRY✨
I'm so excited to share with you guys my TOP 5 list of things I wish I knew when starting in the hair industry after Beauty School!
If you are in Cosmetology school or even just a few years out since graduating, you'll want to watch this video. These tips are SO HELPFUL if you are in the hair industry and are looking for more business tips!
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Hey guys welcome to my YouTube channel in today's video I'm gon na be talking about five things. I wish I knew when I first got into the beauty industry. So, let's talk about it, alright guys welcome to this video. I am so excited to be talking about this particular topic, because so many of you guys have asked me for this video and I'm really excited to share with you guys, five things I wish. I knew when I first became a cosmetologist and things I'm looking back over through my journey, and I wish that I would have had this information when I first got started. So, let's back up, I actually graduated beauty school in 2010, so quite a while ago. Not that long ago, but a while ago and when I first got into the industry, the industry looked a lot different. Social media wasn't really a thing that people use in the industry. People were still using things like referrals and business cards, and Groupon was kind of blowing up, so there was a lot of little nuances in the industry. Another thing that was kind of weird at the time was people were very controlling over their formulas. Nobody liked to share a lot. There was a lot of competition, and so I joined at a time where the economy had just crashed in 2008. I was joined at a time where it was still rebuilding and people in the industry were not super friendly towards new people joining in. They weren't really willing to give out information or a share a lot of things, and there was no social media to help build. This up, so I kind of came in at a time that was a little bit awkward, and nowadays, students coming out of cosmetology, school or out of beauty school really has an advantage, because there are so many things like education, independent education, free education and tools, like Social media that can really help you grow your business, so I'm gon na share with you guys kind of in light of my journey, but things that I think will help you if you're just starting out in the industry or maybe you're watching this when you're in Cosmetology school, or maybe you've been in the industry for a couple years, but are still trying to figure funny. I think that this video is going to help you and just give you a great lens to look at the industry through the things that I'm going to be sharing with you guys today are things that not only do I wish that I knew, but things that I wish that I had set up in place so that I was set up for success throughout my career, because the first couple years or right, when you graduate beauty school, are actually really crucial years and they can take your career down as one path or another Path or they can actually destroy your career and I've seen a lot of stylists get in the industry, be in the industry for a couple years and quit after a couple years, because they weren't seeing success. They wanted, or they weren't set up for success in the right way. They didn't have the right mentorship, so we're going to talk about those things. So again, if you are first starting out or you're in cosmos, school right now or whatever the case might be, I think that this video is really gon na help you, because it's things that I wish I knew so that I could have set my career up For success, even better, of course, all that being said, I'm so thankful for my journey and all the little steps that I've taken along the way. Maybe the good things, the bad things, ugly things whatever. I think that all of them has led me to a point where I am and every little thing that I've had happened in my career, good or bad has ultimately has shaped in the career that I have right now and if I hadn't have had those things Happen to me or those missteps, I call them missteps take them along the way. I wouldn't be able to share things like this with you, and so, if you maybe you've been in the industry for a little bit and you feel like you can relate to my story in some way or maybe you're just starting out and feel like you can Even still relate to my story: don't worry because each little stuff that you've taken along the way, our total steps in your career that are building upon each other and you can always take something away from them and learn from them. So, even though I may not have had the best ultimate path to success - or you know, maybe I've had a little missteps along the way or maybe made some mistakes along the way. That'S okay, because those are things that I've learned from I've grown from ultimately have been able to accomplish bigger and better things because of those things. So don't worry about it being perfect, don't stress about it being the ultimate right path, because obviously we're all gon na have those things where we just got. Ta figure it out. So these are things that I wish. I knew these are things that would have helped me, but at the end of the day, I'm thankful for those little missteps or moments of opportunities in my career, because ultimately they shaped at me and do I am today alright. So, let's get into the five steps and so step number one is beauty school, isn't everything I think so often either starting in school or figuring out. If we're gon na go to beauty school or just be an excited in beauty school, we think. Oh, my gosh. This is my education and I'm so excited just to get in the industry, but after the day, Beauty school is not the end-all be-all. So whether you had an amazing beauty, school experience for you learn the time and you grow a lot or maybe your beauty, school experience or wasn't that great and you didn't learn a lot either way. Beauty school is not everything. In fact. I almost like to think of the beauty school year and like the year or two after graduating beauty school as part of your education. So if you think about it, this way think about college right. Most people go to maybe like a two-year junior college and then they go on to a four-year college or whatever that might look like for me. I'M gon na call it. So I just skipped all that, but if you think about maybe some of your peers who have gone to college or maybe you did go to college typically, it's not going to be done in just one year right and the cool thing about the b-school is. It is a shorter schooling period. You don't have to go for five years in order to get your license. You get to go for a short amount of time to get your license and start working, but I want you to think about the first couple years in the industry as almost part of your education and so as you're assisting or apprentice inor, interning or whatever. You want to call it. I want you to think about that. Those years are still important parts of you learning and their skills as a cosmetologist or as a hairstylist, and that it doesn't end at beauty school. So, like I said, maybe you had an incredible beauty. School experience and you learn a lot and you feel, like you know what I don't even cysts, because I've got this, I'm really good at what I do, and I don't need to do that. I would highly recommend that you take a step back that you still assist. I think this cysteine is so important because you learn so many nuances about the industry that you're just not able to learn in beauty school. There are certain things about these school. It'S just not a normal salon experience it's almost like a controlled lab in some sort of way, and there's teachers there and they're either helping you or checking you or whatever. It'S not a real salon. Experience with, like true real clients coming to you to get a service done right. I know they pay, but it's a little bit different, and so, even if you feel like I got this, I'm good, I don't need to assist. I would highly recommend you take a step back and think of the sistine as part of your school, or maybe your beauty school experience was like the worst. If you're anything like me, my school experience was god-awful. I didn't learn. Hardly anything you guys. I didn't even learn how to blow-dry, nor how to do highlights from any of my instructors. I actually learned how to highlight hair from another student who interned at a salon for the summer. I also learned how to blow-dry from that same student. I didn't learn anything in beauty school, except for how to pass State Board. So if that's you comment below I'm feeling here, because that's how my beauty, school experience was - and I remember going into the industry thinking shoot - I literally know nothing. I barely know how to highlight hair or do anything like. I didn't even understand how to do route touch-ups because they only what the US do it with shaving cream on a dog like we never even got to do it on a dog, and so I want to do this to remember that, regardless of what your school Experience was your schooling, isn't the end-all be-all, you want to be thinking about after school. What does that look like, and how can you continue on that learning to build you up for success so once you get that license once you get that piece of paper think about what can I do to assist, what can to continually be learning and we'll talk About this in future tips, but what can I be doing to continue my education, almost as if I was going to a two or three year university and not just stop being a PD school? The second thing I wish I knew when I first got out of school was find the right salon or the right site list. Here'S the thing your salon or the stylist that you work for is like family and they play such a crucial part of developing you for your career and going forward that it's really important. You find the right place in the right home and the right persons have mentor you. So as we talked about assisting and apprenticeship a little bit earlier, you guys have to find the right person. So I see a lot of times, stylist looking for salons to go apprentice at or go assist at and they're looking at the salon as a whole. But I want you to think about. Am I gon na be assisting for one certain stylist there or does this salon have maybe, like I assess for everybody, and they have a program to ask those questions as you're researching your salon or stylist to work for maybe for you you're going to work at A salon but work for a specific stylist and you're actually not employed by the salon, you're employed by the stylist. So when I had an assistant, she didn't technically work for the salon she worked for me, and so I didn't have other stylists at the time. Working for me, but even if I did she would be able to see what they were doing, but she was ultimately working for me and I was mentoring her through her assistantship, whatever you want to call it right, but there are other places where maybe you go And you work at a full salon and you assist for everybody in the salon, but they have maybe more of a structured program. So I just want you to ask those questions and be picky when you go in for an interview at a salon, do you feel comfortable? Do you feel ostracized immediately when you get there? If so, it might not be the right salon for you, I think of assistants as like. They are there to help me, but also for me to mentor them, and so, if you're, going into a self assisting position or a salon that is looking for an assistant and all they want you to do is shampoo blow-dry things like that sweep up hair wash Color bowls, obviously that's part of your job and that's part of the learning experience, but you want to make sure that you're still getting education and you're still getting mentored through this process. You almost have to think of your assistantship is like a parent-child relationship right. The way that your parents raised you and the way that maybe you were brought up, you do things and you look at the world in a different way, and so that's what you want to think about your assistantship is the stylist or the salon. That'S mentoring. You they're gon na teach you things in a certain way and you're gon na look at the industry with a certain perspective and that's awesome. But you want to make sure that it's gon na be a perspective that aligns with you and what you're looking for. So if you're looking for a stylist to work for or a salon, find out what they specialize in, what is their Instagram look like? Do they specialize in stuff that you want to specialize in? Do they work on the type of clients that you want to work on, for instance, let's say you don't necessarily love men's cuts or kids cut well what they do, a ton of men's cuts and kids cuts all over their Instagram or all over their Yelp chances. Are you're gon na have to do a lot of those clients or help out with a lot of those clients, or even so you might just be learning a lot about men's cuts and kids cuts and if that's not what you want to be doing, then, maybe That'S not the right salon for you, so I want you to be picky with this because I think a lot of times we just go, find a salon, hire us and we just start working there and cross our fingers, hoping that it works out. But I won't be picky. Do your research find out? Is this a salon in the area that I ultimately want to work in? Does this salon have a clientele that I want to work with? Do they specialize in services I want to do. Do they have a program? That'S going to help me learn and the best way that I learn so everybody's different everybody's gon na want different things. Some people want a really structured program for their assistants. Other people - don't so it's gon na depend on how you learn and what you want, but be really picky. Do your research to find the right salon or the right sailors to work for it? The third thing I wish I knew when I was first starting out was make sure to get your hands and is a much hair as possible, so whether that means grabbing a doll head doing a model day. Maybe that's part of your assistant program or apprenticeship program. Whatever that looks like get your hands as much hair as possible when I first started in the industry, I assisted first six months and then I started to work commission and the great thing was when I was actually assisting. I was able to take clients on the other days that might wasn't working for the style that I'm working for so I was able to bring in models and kind of practice clients. I called them my family friends, things like that, so I was able to kind of just get my hands and as much hair as possible, and that was something that I was looking for in a salon was where I'd be able to have a chair on those. Maybe those days off where I could start practicing, but even if you don't necessarily have an opportunity where you could bring models into your salon, think about bringing models into your house again. It could be friends, family and whoever people that you did their hair and beauty school. Trust me. A lot of your friends will probably want to get their hair done for free. Most people do so get your hands and hair, even if that means you're doing it. In your kitchen, just to practice, work grabbing a doll head. You guys dullness are not even that expensive. In fact, I lean some of my favorite doll heads below at my Amazon favorite. So if you just go to Jamie Dana comm, slash Amazon, I'll link it below also, I leave some of my favorite doll heads there. I believe they're, like 42 dollars, American on Amazon, Amazon, Prime, so like free shipping and they're just another great way to practice. Color of practice cuts practice braiding. In fact, I grab a doll head stand and a doll head, and I brought it home, so I could sit and braid hair. While I was watching TV or sit and just practice different things on the doll head and so get your hands in as much hair as possible. Not only is this great for your dexterity and just learning how to like move your hands, creating that muscle memory, but it's really great for you just kind of figuring out what works and what doesn't obviously practicing new techniques trying new things out. But one last thing that I want to say is try to get content, and so my next tip will talk about Instagram but practice getting photos of your clients or getting photos of your models or even just taking photos of your doll head and documenting the process. So that you're practicing taking photos and all of that because back in the day when I first started in this industry, there was no such thing as social media. I mean Facebook was barely coming out and I barely started a business Facebook page when it first started out. But really there wasn't a lot. There wasn't a lot of tips out there and the only skills you really needed to learn we're cut in color and whatever else you wanted to do. Maybe some updos or something like that right. But now social media has to be part of our Arsenal's as well, which means photography, writing captions, creating content all of that stuff and so as you're, creating models and doing different things or even just working on your doll head start practicing taking photos getting good lighting And just really experimenting with those things, because that is now part of our job. It'S not just doing a beautiful cut or color or braid, or whatever it's about capturing and showing it on social media, which leads me to thing members or it's never too early or too late to start building your brand, in my opinion, Instagram and social media, but Specifically, Instagram is the fastest way to grow your clientele as a hair sales, especially starting out in this industry. I wish that I would have had something like this when I was starting out, because I think I would have been able to grow my clientele a lot quicker and just side note for you guys. It took me about five years to build a full clientele again that was before. Instagram was around again I dabbled with Facebook. I was trying it out. I was testing things out, but I didn't really see the growth from it. It was just because Facebook was set up in a way where you couldn't really discover things and whatever it was based off. Like my friends and long story short Facebook didn't quite work out for me. The way that I wanted it to, but when Instagram came out, that's when my career took off and I was able to grow exponentially, throw my clientele grow. My business grow my brand, and so I want you guys to know that you have so much things. So many tools at your fingertips so start using them. So if you're not already on Instagram or if you're not already building up your professional hair page on Instagram, it's never too early to start or maybe, if you're watching this and you've been in the industry. For a couple years - and you still don't have an Instagram page, it's never too late. Whatever recommend is just open up a page and do the best that you can until you learn better so start, creating content, start taking photos of those models, start documenting the process and here's the thing. It probably won't look amazing when you first start out. Maybe it will, but maybe a well and that's okay, because it's not about perfection, it's about growth and the process of growing. It'S all about a journey. It'S not like an end game where you're like. Finally, I have the perfect Instagrammer. Finally, I have the best clientele right: it's all the journey as we change and grow and evolve our journey just grows, but if you're thinking about it as just an and game of eventually one day, I will be successful. Well, yeah, you will, but it doesn't just really have a moment where you're like I am successful right. It'S a growth journey, so don't be a very Instagram as a thing to be intimidated by and want you just to open up an Instagram page start posting content start documenting your journey and just start posting stuff and one thing for you guys. If you feel a little intimidated with Instagram, I know it can feel really stressful. I actually have a free guide book all about hashtags, so I know hashtags can be a little confusing. How do I use hashtags? What hashtags should I use, which ones are the best to use? So if you guys want to download that it's completely free, you guys can go to the link down below it's just Jani, Dana com, /, hashtag workbook, and you guys can get that for free or just enter your email and I'll. Send it over to you in your inbox and I'll also be sending lots of social media tips along with that, but the hashtags workbook will give you a really great place to start on how to find hashtags that work for your audience and what kind of hashtags Work best, so you definitely want to check that out. If you don't already have it and if you're wanting to utilize Instagram to grow your business as a stylist, it's gon na be great. So again, Jamie Dana comm, / hashtag were clever. Alright. Moving on to thing number, five that I wish I knew, and that is it's okay to say no. I was not in the beginning of the industry of when I first started. I think they started honestly in beauty school, but then it kind of worked its way through my career as when I worked for a stylist and then a salon owner and this one that I worked at, I was told that in order to grow a clientele, you Have to take any and every client that will sit in your chair, and so what that leads to is me getting some not-so-great clients. I definitely had a lot of maybe older clients or not so dreamy type of clients, clients that would maybe have on my prices. Not really value my expertise, not really painful price things like that, and so when you do that, you're actually not building a dream clientele and ultimately that can lead you to getting burnt out and all that stuff time to time to go into that today. But it can be kind of a problem if you're constantly bringing on clients that aren't the best kind of clients, and so I wish I would have known this when I started out that it's okay to say no and it's okay, to not be great at everything. Like I said, I was taught that you need to do every service and do every client and any client go sit in your chair. Just take them because it's money - and I know that that's an easy temptation to get into, especially when you're not making a lot of money or you don't have a lot of clients. You'Re, like okay yeah, you need a root touch-up or you need a perm or you need a men's haircut or whatever. I don't specialize in that, but I guess I can figure it out and I'll learn how to do it on your head and cross. My fingers that it turns out that you come back to me and I wish I would have known that it's totally okay to say them and it's totally okay to maybe turn down the service that you're not that good at or you don't feel comfortable doing. For me, I wasn't amazing at men's cuts. Now I got better at that, because I had three brothers and a dad that I got to practice on a lot, but I wish that I would have known in their early days in my career that it was okay for me to not take men clients. I personally just didn't love taking male clients. I thought the conversation was kind of boring, maybe a little awkward and I didn't love cutting their hair, and so I wish that I would have known that. It'S totally okay, for me to say you know what I only specialize in women's hair. Guess what you can do that and again you don't have to take any and every client that'll just sit in your chair clients, little higher your prices or not value your expertise. You can say no to them and if you feel like you, don't specialize in something that somebody wants. Maybe it's a little bit more of a complicated service or something that you don't feel like you've learned to nothing, that's okay! You can refer them to somebody else. So let's say a client comes in for a consultation and they're like I want this really crazy, asymmetrical, pixie haircut and you're like I do not feel confident doing that and they're like. I want to razor down feather and all this stuff and you're like like. I don't feel comfortable guess what that's okay find the stainless in your area that specializes in that it could be a stylus that works at your salon or it could be a stylist at another salon in the area and say you know what thank you so much For coming to me, I really appreciate this, I'm so glad we got to have a consultation, but I want you to know that I don't actually specialize in that type of service and so instead a glove chart for you to such-and-such stylus. You can check them out on Instagram here's their information. I think that they would be really better suited for you than me just because they don't really have expertise in that area and instead of trying to do the haircut and make it look perfect and stress out over it and maybe not do as good of a Job as you want to, instead just referring that claim to somebody else and having them be that go-to client or go to stylist for that client, I think, would be a much better option and I wish that I would have had the confidence to do that. Back of the day, because I think it would have saved me a lot of stress now. That being said, you do want to make sure that you're still striving to try new techniques, try out new things and not just turn away every client, because you don't feel like learning it, but I think knowing your boundaries of like hey, I'm not really specializing in That, where I'm not really gifted in that area, that's great, send them to somebody else, but maybe the areas that you're learning and growing in that's okay, take that client and really work with their hair and make sure that you're getting something that they want. You want and you're growing in the process, and I know I said I only had five things I wish I knew, but I'm gon na give you guys a bonus one. So this is the sixth one and it's kind of just a little extra bonus one, but basically is so cut it's a much education as you can get. So if current talks about this through all the different things, but I would say get as much education as you can so, whether that's watching YouTube and the fact that you're watching this video right now probably means that you are already investing in your education. But YouTube is a great place to go. Instagram is a great place to go now: IG TV and just Instagram videos and just watching, say, let's work through Instagram stories or just the things that they post science ælis, that you get and that really aligned with what you want to do start calling them and Just start soaking up as much education from them as you can. This could be free classes in your area, product knowledge classes, there's no education, that is above you, especially when you're first starting out, but even as we get further on into your career, you should never stop educating yourself. This could even mean paid classes, independent education classes, brand classes shadowing another stylist on a one-on-one type thing going to a retreat or going to a hair, show or conference. This could even mean online education, so there's so much opportunity for you online offline in-person, whatever that might look like get as much education as you can and make sure the education that you are getting is going to align with services that you want to do so. For instance, let's say that you specialize in volley on and extensions well don't go take a short pixie cut, hair cutting class unless you want to be doing those services as well so make sure you're not just wasting your money on education, because it's education, because, as We know, even if it's a free class time is money and, like I said I want you soaking up as much education as possible, but make sure that it is focused on where you want to go and something that you still want to learn and something that You can actually use in the salon, and one last thing with this is set aside a budget for education. So what I used to do early on in the days of my career, was I used to take all of my tip money that I got in cash and I put it in an envelope - and I set that aside for my hair education, and so when a Show came around or a class came around, I had money set aside for it. I didn't feel guilty having to spend money on education. It was part of my budget that I budget, and the thing you could do is maybe take $ 10 a week or $ 20 a month and put it into a different account or a different envelope. Whatever that looks like that way, you have money set aside. So when a class comes up that you want to take, you don't feel like. Oh, do I really have $ 300 to spend on this? No, you already have money set aside for it. You don't feel guilty and you're getting the education, the quality education that you want so overall. I hope that this video was helpful for you. These are things that I so wish. I knew going into the beauty industry and I hope that these tips will help. You start out in the industry with just a different set of eyes to look at things through and maybe some things that you didn't necessarily think about. If this is our first time hanging out or if we've hung out before here on YouTube, but you've never come over to Instagram and said hi, please come over to Instagram, say hi, send me a DM and if you're, watching this video take a screenshot posted under Stories and tag me so that I can see that you're watching I love seeing where different people are watching it from, and I think it's so so fun to just see who's watching these videos and to send you a message back. One last thing that I want you to do is I want you guys to comment below one of these five or technically six things that I wish that I knew tell me, which one is your favorite and which one you're gon na put into action. First, if you haven't already hit the subscribe button, make sure to hit it down below and make sure to hit the little bell, because that will notify you when I post another video and of course you don't want to miss any of my videos that I do Because they sure tons of free education and, like I said in the last tip, you want to make sure that you're getting education so via the subscribe button hit the bell you'll be notified. When I post a new video and you'll be one of the first people to see it as always, thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to watch this video. I hope that it was helpful, for you make sure to connect with me on Instagram hit that subscribe button and do all the things, and I can't wait to see you next time in other videos. So I'll see you next time.
Comments
Nathan J S: 1. Beauty School Isn't Everything 2. Be picky about where you apprentice 3, Get your hands in as much hair as possible 4. It Is never too late to start building your brand 5, It's okay to say NO to clients 6. Get as much education as you can - Youtube, Instagram, Free classes, Product Knowledge, Hair Shows, etc.
Tanner Batchelder: The amount of comments saying “I learned nothing in school” are both comforting AND terrifying because I’m in the same position right now I have a ton of books collecting dust because they’re not being used for the curriculum. I feel like I’m missing out, but I’m also relieved that we can all relate
Samantha Lynn: I assisted at a high end salon while still in school. Learned how to shampoo & give the best head massages. Went to a small 4 stylist salon and got to be a Junior stylist and assistant. So I got paid to help the other stylist while learning so much. Finally I ended up as a commission based stylist in a locally owned salon. This is by far the best way to do it if you are able. I knew NOTHING coming out of school. I never even opened my clippers. Thank you for this awesome video & allowing us to help each other
Diane Thompson: I’ve been doing hair for 36 years and I’m still learning new things!! When you stop learning and don’t get excited about new products and techniques—that’s when you get burned out!! When I went to school we did shampoo sets and perms!! I knew zip about color!! I learned to foil from other younger stylists and beauty shows and I soaked up any education I could on color!! I am a master stylist and coloring is my strongest skill!! I love u tube and any beauty blogs!! I learned how to do a man’s fade hc from u tube!! Now my fades rock!! I still love what I do!( my knees don’t love it so much tho!). Wear good shoes!! Stay on your mats!!
Kristen: I have watched your hair videos in the past Jamie and I love how all of the toners blend in so pretty. I am 49 years old and I am considering starting cosmetology school in the next couple of months. I am nervous to start in this crazy time with the pandemic going on. I hope I am making the right choice because employment and everything is so up in the air. The fact that I am older does scare me a little too because I am not savvy with technology. Thanks for the information about branding and putting your business out there. I will be doing research to gain some confidence in my journey. I know this video is a little older but I stumbled across it.
Rachelle Spier: My #1 mistake leaving beauty school was starting at a very high end salon fresh from beauty school. I was clueless and so imitated while my coworkers treated me SO condescending. I ended up quitting and not working in the industry for YEARS after that bc I was so scared. Eventually I came back, but now I’m focused on Skincare waxing and makeup. I do miss hair though and wish I would have started in a less intimidating salon so it was realistic for me. It’s so hard to get back into hair after so many years away Do you have advice on to how to get back into the industry after not doing hair for years? Thanks!!
Sarah Myers: the only reason i feel like i’m learning anything in beauty school is because i’m taking the initiative to ask and to learn how to do things, stepping out of my comfort zone and saying yes to any kind of client who walks in as a learning opportunity
Adrian Rod: I’ve been a professional hairstylist for 5years now and when I first graduated I worked at a salon that didn’t have many stylist so I would work 7-8 hrs by myself. I didn’t apprentice or assist at all I just went straight into it and I’m happy I did because I learned so much. The salon I worked at wasn’t a high end salon so it was a good place to mess up if I did and learn from it. I hate when ppl complain about not being a good hairstylist because they didn’t assist or anything like that when, yes, it does help to assist but it’s also up to you to keep learning and keep wanting to learn. I would watch videos and practice non-stop on mannequins because I knew I needed to get my shit together working alone for 7-8 hrs so I had no one to help me. I’m a visual & hands on learner so I guess that’s why I learned quick and I also work really well under pressure.
Amy Stickler: Love #5!!! After 26 years I’m just now learning to say no to clients and stand up for myself.
Sařa Hevesi: You are making me feel so much better !! I am paying over 20k to go to a brand name school and my experience is awful they have gone through numerous teachers that refuse to teach (even state board ) everything I’ve learned is from educators I’ve found online . I’m glad there might be some hope left for me cause this has been an awful start
Shannon Nicole: I started off in a high end salon, and it ended up closing down. Then I went to another high end salon and it closed down too. I thought high end would mean more money and more clients. I was wrong. They tend to be more appointment based and slower with walk-ins. So then I went to Hair Cuttery and I’m LOVING IT so far! I wish I started there fresh out of school, you learn SO much and it gets your prepared for the long run. You build a clientele fast and have so many opportunities to grow and have raises! Plus the commission is better when you start there!
aris: I'm seeing a lot of comments of people that feel like they didn't learn anything from their beauty school. Cosmetology school is basically giving us the basics for us to create our own art, to build up our skills over the years. I'm sure most of you left your school's at least knowing 50% more of what you guys knew before, and of course we'll learn more things we didn't know before. We never stop learning as artists.
Nicole L.: I’m so glad I’m not alone in thinking I didn’t learn a lot in beauty school! I feel like I wasn’t taught near what I should’ve been. I finished in 2010 as well and am really starting to learn so many new things!! Also where are your glasses from? I love them so much♥️♥️
Ashley Hayes: I feel like I had such a good beauty school experience, and can hardly believe that some schools don’t equip you to embrace the industry when you leave. I went to a small school with less than 10 students and 3 instructors. I learned so much, and on top of that I interned with my friend (who convinced me to go to beauty school) almost my whole way through school. I’m still terrified about the different aspects of the business side and building my own clientele; but overall I’m so excited to get started and so blessed to have had the experience I did.
Brittney Edgerton: My beauty school was TRASH! We barely learned anything about cuts and coloring. We learned hella basic application techniques for coloring and we didn’t learn highlights AT ALL and we only learned blunt cuts.
Nathan J S: I like your 4th tip the most. I've been in the industry for 4 years now and feel like a flop sometimes because I've mostly just worked at my local Great Clips and feel like while I have improved and learned a lot, I'm generally embarrassed to say I work there and am not proud of it. But I like being reminded that it's never too late to start building my brand, start a social media for hair and to use my experience to keep learning. The first few years really have been all about learning still, beauty school was barely even a taste.... Thanks for the video and encouragement.
pamela valeri: I am old school.. meaning I've bee in the industry for 27 years. the internet wasnt around when I went to beauty school. It's so fun to post your work,and share. Education is at your fingertips.
Sierra: I wish there was a better solution or a renovation of beauty school. I just graduated and feel like I know NOTHING but I don’t have the ability to assist and learn bc I need to pay my bills and most assistant get paid very little or nothing at all. Not sure what the point of paying for school is if I can’t do the basics after graduation
MissCurliLocks: Timestamp- Step #1 starts at 4:39 just for reference.
Travis Luty: I just graduated from school on the 3rd of this month. I’ve been watching your videos for several years and I’ve learned techniques that you teach and used them on clients at school (backwards foiling, using a blending agent) in my area in Michigan there aren’t many salons that hire assistants so I will be starting as a new stylist “junior stylist” at one of the local chain salons most likely. There is a privately owned salon that I would also love to work at but they use Aveda. I’m keeping your advice in mind as I’m currently weighing my options! Thank you so much
Heidi Nichole: My school was awful too. State board passing school only. I learned foiling and get this HOW TO USE CLIPPERS out on the salon floor... insane
Clancy M: This was such an awesome video- Great advice! I've worked in salons for about 6 years and have been licensed for 2 years and it's been such a challenge trying to build up a clientele... I've considered quitting sooo many times already thinking I'm not good enough, but I feel like this industry has some really positive people to look up to, like you! I'm super introverted and shy and have anxiety but I love having the creative freedom and love to learn new things! My biggest lesson I wish I learned earlier was definitely finding the right salon for you- you don't have to stay somewhere you're not happy. Setting goals and continued education is so important to me, so I found a salon where our values are the same! This industry is definitely a lot harder than I ever thought it was and you have to work hard if you want to be successful!
Jen Mulberry: Thank you so much for the video, I left hairdressing years ago and then refreshed to come back into the industry.I think the best thing to learn is to ignore others that make you feel inadequate and to close your eyes to their comments and kill them with kindness, The wrong salon is also not a great place to feel good about hairdressing when other stylists are mean and you can hear their remarks. As you say we all do things differently, so CHOOSE THE RIGHT SALON, best tip ever, I left the salon because people were unkind and you could hear them talk about you, this in turn hindered my confidence, glad I left when I did, because I doubted my decision to go it alone at first but now….after going self employed I feel so much more confident and took extra tuition in the form of day courses and I am loving hair again. Thanks again
Chrystal Ledbetter: Hey Jamie, I want to tell you that I love your style, your upbeat personality and you love of life. I enrolled in beauty school 6 months ago to start on April 6th 2020. Then Covid hits.....huge bummer. The school is letting us do all of our intro online, which is great because we can get it done now and not have to wait another few months to start. We are doing 8 hours of beauty school over zoom!!! It can be a little daunting at times, but watching your tutorial videos have given me such a optimistic outlook on what is in store for me! Thanks for putting up these videos!!
Jayda Spann: Omg i thought i was the only one who didnt learn anything in school
Tara Nelson: My favorite tip is #6! Never stop educating yourself! OMG I'm always saying I'm going to take a class but make excuses not to! 2019 is my year of education! Thanks Jamie!
Ruby Fletcher: ITS OKAY TO SAY NO!!! My favourite tip wish I was more confident years ago! And I've been in the industry for 5/6 years now and with a new lockdown I'm using the time to get as much education as I can and constantly refreshing my skills as we move within the times! this was so helpful thank you x
cesy Pineda: I have to say. I totally love your energy. I really need to hear everything you had said in this video. And it's crazy how our school experience is so alike. I felt so stuck for a while after graduation.. thank you thank you
Samantha Moseley: Can you please write a book that I can read over and over and over until I'm comfortable with myself in the salon
bunny: Thank you so much for this video. My last day of cosmetology school is the 29th of this month and I've been so nervous about getting out into the field after I take my state boards. Although I love the school I go to and my instructors are incredible, I still feel like I haven't learned as much as I was hoping to learn. So your first point about beauty school not being everything really put me at ease.
Chrisp3597: You are amazing and so very smart!! Thank you for sharing! I wish I learned #5 years ago!! I did have a great cosmetology school experience, but wow, learning how to be a great stylist really does come from hands-on and educating yourself!!! Great video, as always!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️♀️
Shauna Tidwell: I’m soooo loving this channel!!! Just came across it a week or so ago! And so glad I did!!! You seem to have a lot of views similar to my own!!! Plus I LOVE your techniques!! ❤️ When I was in school we didn’t learn anything but theBASICS.i was an assistant to an amazing stylist that taught me sooooo much!!! I always tell new stylists to start out somewhere that will teach!!
The SalonCHAT: These were awesome tips Jamie. I too an a seasoned salon professional that didn't have social media in the beginning of my career but trust and believe I was still successful. Social Media just puts the icing on the cake for your business and brand. But what some new stylists fail to realize is that its more to the industry and building a business and brand than just sitting on social media all day posting pics etc. I so love reading al of the beautiful comments down below. . And ladies and gents cosmetology school is designed for you to complete your hours to get your license and move forward from there and the best situation out of school is an assistant/apprentice position in a salon that fits your personality and work ethic. This is an amazing career just be patient its a marathon not a sprint. Keep learning, keep practicing, and keep your confidence uplifted.
kmiller475: #5 struck me the most! I had only been doing hair for about 5 years at a salon that I loved and coworkers I loved but with a boss that made me do every client and also do anything to appease them. It did make me comfortable with a variety of services but I got stuck with a lot of clients that did not want to pay for my time or skill and ultimately that led to me not doing hair anymore. I just moved from Colorado to my home of California and decided not to do hair anymore because I would have to start all over. But I’m thinking about getting back into it!
Natasha Amirieh: I am so glad I have found this video! I graduated back in 2016 from Cosmetology school and my experience was horrible! I did not learn anything, so I relate COMPLETELY! I have been to three salons 1.) Was a salon who did not appreciate an assistant learning. 2.) A salon who only did blowouts (got very boring and pay was horrible) 3.) Salon shut down and did not offer an education. I did quit because I felt I was not good enough. I still have my full license and renewing it every year. Now that I am older I want to get back into hair and teach myself through youtube and free education. I wish I knew this in hair school then I would have set myself up for success!
Zero Cosmos: This is such a breathe of fresh air!!! My school experience so far has been horrific n I constantly worry that it’s handicapping my ability to become successful. Thanks for reassuring me that it’s gonna b ok ..... i was thinking that assisting was the surest way to continue my education
Kelly at Woahxhair: I love the fact that you have confirmed that it is ok to say no! You have reinforced my confidence and quite possibly saved me a lot of sleepless nights and stress. The amount of times I have agreed to carry out a service that I am not comfortable with for the sake of a few extra pounds. But no more! From this day forward I am going to say no whenever I want!!!!! Thank you for the words of advice.. and thank you for your tutorials! All the very best to you - lots of love from Kelly in London! Xx
Hannah Langford: GIRL!!!! I felt like you were talking directly to me... Love your videos so much! You're truly an inspiration to me!
Mimi Ramone: You’re a maverick. I’m not in beauty school, I’m just learning how to do my own hair because many stylists screw it up. Your video is what they should all be doing. I wish some stylists had said no to me before messing up my hair. I wish they’d continue to learn and stop being complacent & stuck in their ways because it really shows in their work. I wish my stylist of years didn’t choose & conform to working at a burn & turn salon (Salon prices, Great-cuts quality haircuts). Her quality was once so good & strategic & now I’m out Learning to do it myself or find another. Another thing that might fit into the building your brand category would be to generate quality online reviews. Much of today’s consumer choices are determined by reading online reviews it ahead of time so it’s critical that their work is reflected in the reviews. You’re teaching us clients here too. Thanks for your hard work & keep being your inspirational self!!!
Esme Maya: Omg yes this video!!! I literally shopped around for a year for a salon after beauty school. Definitely ask how long you will be an apprentice, I heard anywhere from 2yrs to until there is an opening. You want to know how focused they are into training you vs being salon help forever. Also ask about contracts. Sometimes you have to work there at a salon for a certain amount of time before you quit or you will have to pay them back for education. Others will say if you leave you cant work within a certain mile radius of said salon. That could screw you over! Of course compensation! Actually thinking about making finding a salon job my first YouTube video keep up the great videos!!
Nicole DeJesus: This is exactly where I'm at in my stylist career! Thank you!!!!
brianalexx: I like what Jamie said about setting yourself up for success. But just know that starting, progression, and success can change at a moments notice. You are in control of your life, don't let low pay, bad management, or salon drama make you quit. Keep up the great work Jamie, you're a huge inspiration.
alyssa lude: Setting aside a budget for education! Genius!! I have never thought of that and will definitely be using that tip from now on!
Clara Brotnov: Really love your channel! I’m a student and I have learned a lot from you, thank you
Carrie G.: I taught so many other students at my school and taught myself. I have been doing hair for 16 yrs off and on but just recently went to school for it. They didn’t teach me crap! I’m so happy to finally get to live my dream and I love education! Im always trying to learn new info.
Stephanie Smith: Hi best tip is educate urself constantly! YouTube has endless information that is free! I am 60 years old and my average age client is 25! Have been doing it for 42 years and still learning
evan emanuel: I'm went to beauty school after high school, I was told from the start that me being plus size, gay, feminine, and a man I was told I had to be a straight manly macho man. With my struggles with ADD and being a man not knowing how to blow dry or section long hair. Got my license and tried to get a job. But I had a planned back surgery that I should have had had that first then go to beauty school. I went back to beauty school for 3 months. I improved my skills and got better. Months after not being able to find a job for months a " friend " from beauty school opened a salon and I worked for 8 weeks going from stylist, to assistant to opening and being the salon manager while my boss was recovering from gender reassignment surgery for very little pay. After the abuse of that I went to mental health rehab. And now still to this day I'm scared to walk in a salon and apply for a job. I'm currently working from home barely making money from cutting my dad's hair and coloring my mom and grandmas hair. I'm looking for an actually apertenceship, but in New York State there are very few. I love your videos and thank yo for making videos like this. Much love
Talia Olvera: Thank you so much for your tips. I definitely feel more hopeful about my career. I feel like im not learning much at school.
Seth Bourne: Thank you, I've been licensed for almost 20 years but just recently moved. I still struggle with social media, building in a new city is harder than I remember. Btw your videos are amazing
Broken Princess: I’m starting cosmetology classes this coming July and this video really helped me think of different things for my career
silkesilke100: This could't come at a better time. I've almost finished my education for make-up & hair artist and going into the field is very scary for me because there's not a lot of work.. I love haircoloring and cuts and i'm considiring to continue studying so I can become a hairdresser (I live in Holland and that study takes 4 years). Descisions to make!
Samantha Day: I graduated in November last year and took my state board a couple weeks ago. I didn’t learn anything in school because I spent 85% of it online because of the pandemic. When we finally went back to school I was on the floor taking clients. Was so much fun. But everything I know I’ve taught myself or from other students or 1 specific instructor who I still text here and there when I have questions. But I am terrified to work in a salon right now because of the pandemic and because I feel useless...
Justine Herlofsky: Omg thank you for posting this!!! 150 hours left haven’t learned shit have had to do my own research and online education through Instagram and YouTube MN school of cosmetology is a joke and everything you talked about in this made me feel so much better! Will be starting at a beautiful salon in April and am scared of some of the haircuts I don’t know and when you talked about how to say no seriously made me feel a billion times better! Thank you so much! ❤️
Lia Parma: Please all prospective students!! Beauty School was never ever meant to educate you on anything BUT how to pass the state board exAm!! Do not have expectations of a school to give you that which it was NOT MEANT TO! That is why I tell everyone to go to the cheapest school, pass the exam and THEN GET YOURSELF TRULY EDUCATED!! Take as many advanced classes as you are able, thats where you actually learn your trade! And then as Jamie says, try to assist before you take any clients on your own. Your education is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY not beauty schools! Even Paul Mitchell schools teach you to pass board exam! And what they charge is ridiculous. Take a portion of the money they charge, go to least expensive school, then use money for color, cutting etc. classes. You will b far less in debt.
Laney: I NEEDED THIS!!! I graduate in two weeks and I can’t wait!
Gina Rubio: Just want to THANK YOU for your videos. You are such an amazing person and I appreciate your time and effort to help and teach us techniques. I wish you the BEST you deserve it
Latisha Collier: I just finished cosmetology school and found out today that I passed my state boards! I would absolutely love to be an assistant,. Do you have any advice on how to find stylists who are looking to hire them?
Jamelia McIntosh: Thanks! I’m excited to finish school and really can appreciate your advice. It has definitely helped give additional perspective.
RaRaBomb: Your advice is always so well received. Thank you!!
Jenn Popkin: Hey there! You’re awesome! Great energy! This is not my first visit with you, and now we are going to become fast friends! All the tips are spot on with success! So I can’t pick my fav BUT I am going straight to Instagram to sign up and am going to study your guide on how to do it! I have been licensed since the Big 80’s and worked 15 years in HotLanta. It was an amazing time! Then, I stayed home to raise my girls for 18 years and did Fam and friends hair at home. I am so excited about all of the exciting paths that have emerged while I was doing and loving my Mom time! Now I am back! I am so pumped up from your energy! Thank you!
Jenni Schipper: Thank you very much for all the amazing information! :-) One of the things that I am going to put into practice is doing more social media to grow my business.
Jacquie Saavy: I appreciate your transparency. God bless you and much success!
Kimberley Marshall: It is a total shame how poor some of the cosmetology programs are out there...you give great advice on how to look at the following couple of years as continuing education. Learning actually never ends!!!
The Beauty Chick: I’m student almost out of beauty school and just nervous to do haircuts in general but great tips I love your highlighting videos
Silvia Via: The best advice I’ve ever heard ! I love your positive vibe , I can feel it thru the cam
Kellie Baron: I've learned a lot in hair school and I know I'm going to be learning a lot more once I find a salon, I can't stand perms and so many family members had asked if they were still a thing yes they are unfortunately, I love love love colour and did a lot of colours in the schools salon, they also sent my class to Vegas for the nahas last July! I loved it and I loved the teachers
Candiesmakeup: Thank you!! Love that you share hour knowledge you really help me! ♥️♥️
Nikyia Vaughn: They all were really good tips. Getting my hands in hair as much as possible stood out to me. How do you become an assistant to a stylist at a salon as a student ?
Malorie Martinez: I used to assist for a super high end salon and it was sooo busy 24/7 that I literately didn’t learn anything! I was just so focused on getting the clients out ASAP
flaminhotguido: We learned the basics like root touch, highlights, lowlights but I felt overwhelmed and still do sometimes with the new techniques being utilized such as balayage, foilayage, teasy lights, etc. I sort of understand the technique for each but I have a hard time looking at a photo and determining what technique(s) I should use to get to the desired result like do I weave, do I slice, do I tease or not tease?
Tracy Guntrum: Fantastic!!! I am a Cos teacher and sharing with my students! Thank YOU!
Bri Cris: Girl the only thing I learned is Sassoon. The only reason I learned it bc of the videos lol! I have been watching you for 1.5 years now and everything I have learned is on you tube or extra training. I am having a hard time passing state board bc they didn't teach us much theory. That is no excuse I have the book but its so hard!
MaeMae May: I know nothing about hair in fact most of my hair fell out in November, but my niece is a stylist & stressing out. I told her I'd look for some online support & encouragement. I may not know hair, but I know heart. Thank you for positive & encouraging resources @JamieDana!
Elsa Flores: You are a fabulous teacher thank you!
StyleSensePlus: Great advice! I love your vibrancy and enthusiasm!
Cole Moore: This was such a helpful video!! Thank you!❤️
Susan Veinot: Hi Dana love your videos I got my license 2010 also. I haven't gotten anywhere I tried a few chains had 2 jobs that lasted 2 weeks since I got my license. I've done mostly men and I hate it I want to learn more. My school wasn't very good. I wasn't allowed to mix my own colors except the sally products that we didn't use that line of color we used mastay which as far as I know there aren't any salons that use it Is there still hope for me..Mastay is a non ammonia color line and they have there own shampoos conditioners..
Blanca Ramirez: I'm 48, became licensed October 2018 and so LOST! :( Looking for a salon that will work with me part time (because life happens considering my age) and quitting my full time is not an option. I feel like I'm too old, find myself feeling defeated, just totally bummed. School versus the "real world" is like a whole new ball game! I too didn't learn much in school except for the theory of it all but out there in the real world, I feel like I'm benched! :( Thanks for this video.
Ashley Negron: I guess I’m very fortunate to be going to a great beauty school. The teachers really care. This is an awesome video!
arizonatumbleweeds: What a great teacher!!! Thank you for sharing this with us!!! Ever thought about having your own school???
Silver Mont: BS is the basic ABC. Theory and yes you learnt something ok- what you do with that basic knowledge is up to you the student ! Be humble and continuing learning every day and practice + practice until you drop. Stay positive and enthusiastic about your journey. Hung out with other professionals who are as passionate as you R. Confidence comes with education and persistency, this clips has great tips for all of us thanks for sharing gal ..you are the best Business woman I’ve came across on YouTube Amazon here they come
Darlene Kirk: Omg thank you soo much for the video. I chose beauty school as a second career. Being the oldest in the school. (54) , I graduated , passed the test & didn’t even know how to do a good haircut. I was hired by the school & taught for a yr. I loved the teaching but feared teaching on the floor. I had no clue, I had teaching experience prior & that part was great but never went into a salon. I had to move & have been watching videos for 2 yrs, practice on doll heads & still not 100% confident. I love your enthusiasm. Keep up the great videos. One day I will get the courage to get a salon job!
Amanda Staton: Thank you so much for this!! I start beauty school on the 25th and this makes me feel so much more prepared. Your videos are so helpful and inspiring! I left college to pursue cosmetology bc I knew it was my passion and I decided to take the risk. Your videos give me a sense of security and confidence in my decision and I am happier and happier each day that I am going to beauty school ❤️❤️
Jennifer Nicole: I recently graduated cosmetology school and am studying for state board and this video was soooo helpful!
silvia r: Thank you so much for this video I graduate beauty school in 2 months and am nervous but feel a lot better after watching this video!
April Damski: This was so helpful! Great ideas!
Anna Wolden: Number 6... because Beauty School helps us pass the test. We need to keep learning and growing. Tip = More Tools : )
Jon Perez: I want to start in this industry, but I’m a bit intimidated for the reason that I have 0 experience in absolutely everything that is involved with cosmetology. Any tips to get prepared with some basic good knowledge that is helpful?
Bricia Duron: I really like this video! I just finished Cosmo and Im a person that always thinks ahead and i feel like this help me a lot.
Kimberly Rubio: Omg haven’t finished the video yet and I’m already relating so much, especially going to cosmo school during the pandemic and being online for 8 hrs a day DEFINITELY didn’t learn anything
Erin: Omgosh, you are spot on. I graduated in 2009 so I totally agree with you!!! I'm definitely still in this. I have a salon in my home and love all of the helpful videos on you tube from professionals like you. Thank you!!!
Alex Gebhardt: Thank you so much, this was so helpful!
Rich w/God'sLove: Omg I am you, you are me! I graduated beauty sch in 2k08 i already knew it wasn't everything. Didn't learn a darn thing thats why i always played on the computer when we go to the salon part. We had a student who worked in a salon already that showed us how to foil highlights. But until this day it still takes me forever to foil & i also had a barber in my class that taught me how to fade.
Oana Cristina: Thank you for all your work, just descovered you because I signet up for school, just for hair because that's how it's Romania, you chose one specialization, don't have to do nails/make up. And just decidet that I can do more, after finishing open my own salon. Wish me good luck and thanks again!❤
rt66vintage: The five things starts at 4:47. Thank you.
Carnacion Edmondson: I learned more from sneaking off to job shadow at actual salons after school and from YouTube videos and researching things and just experimenting than I did in Cosmetology school. I graduate next Thursday and I got a position as a stylist and I think it’s going to be alright but I’m terrified that it’s just going to be a learning experience that kicks me in the ass more than something that kick starts my career or helps me advance it.
Brylin Breann: I felt like I didn’t learn as much as I should in school either! I have learned so much since I have been out of school. I even did a duel credit program in high school at a cosmetology school for my junior and senior year of high school in cosmetology school. half the school day I was in cosmetology school for two years and then decided I wanted more education and started fresh at a college for cosmetology for ANOTHER FULL YEAR. 3 years of cosmetology school and I have learned so much more after.
Joann Evjen: Looking at these comments, I was very lucky. My education at a state school was wonderful! Perhaps because I was a non traditional student, but I think it was because I had great teachers. However, you learn to do things with experience and also I didn't have this wonderful device "internet" when I started out. I use it a lot now. But, when I was a student, I carried my scissors with me everywhere. You'd be surprised who will take a free haircut! That is where I gained so much experienced. My school seemed to cater to senior citizens and I knew that I didn't want to do roller sets for a living. I live in a small town, so I don't have the pleasure of having a colorist/perm/cut person. I do it all, so I have to continually educate myself. Hang in there. You will disappoint a client in your career. That can really bring you down, but put on those big girl pants and get right back on that horse.
Luke Basque: I am starting my lesson in about a month and this video was really good to remove a little stress off my shoulder
Jacqulyn Jax: Really LOVE research where you want to be. I assist Lynn Kerfoot @salonI in Little Rock. She attended your retreat in West Palm. Couldnt agree. So blessed shes amazing. So are you!!!