How to assist a star stylist and win them over

So you finally have that chance to go to your dream salon and you have the opportunity to assist/shadow 👏

You’re nervous, excited and feeling unsure of how to assist? 😮🤔

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I feel you! I have been there before and now I’m on the other side so I’d love to share my perspective! 

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I love having interns come into the salon and to assist me.  I am quite particular on how I like to be assisted.  The last thing I need is when I’m super busy and swamped with my guests is a NEW STYLIST staring at me 😳 like a deer in headlights, OR asking way too many questions! Hairdressing is not rocket science and neither is assisting.   Here are a few key points to pay close attention to when you are at your dream job when you are assisting a stylist. 

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 Pay close attention to detail of maybe how they’re treating the client their personality I think it’s important to mimic the personality of your stylist.  If she is being very serious then you need to be on the same wavelength as her/him. Yes, we all have different personalities, but when we are working with the customer they always comes first.  Most of the time an artist wants you to be more shadowing or in the background, not in front of the client taking over the conversation or their appointment. 

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I believe asking the right questions are important, such as: what is your expectation.  Understanding what that artist needs from you.  Maybe they want you to hold foils or maybe they want you to wash their make up brushes.  Maybe they want you to see what they do and then do just that for the next person such as shampooing and detangling somebody’s hair.   Questions not relative to the service should be asked after client has left or at the end of the day. 

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Pay close attention to the details to wow the salon.  If something falls on the floor pick it up and throw it away.  if there is there a towel that dirty throw it in the laundry.  Take initiative and act as if you’ve been there for a while, bring your A game, dress to impress,  put on a smile.  The purpose of doing this internship/shadow is to learn, grow, and hopefully get your foot in the door so you can land your dream job 🙌

If you like this read and want to hear more on Assisting check out my podcast episode here

In this episode I share with you my ideas on how you can create an opportunity to shadow or assist with an experienced artist or at your dream salon that will help you land a job and build your network.

Visualize before you begin

When selecting a place to start a career in the beauty industry there are a few things to visualize first before committing.  Now it doesn’t need to be your entire career but a place that you can grow and thrive for 3-5 years.  If you bounce around too much it will be difficult to create consistency and build a business. 

1. What type of work do you want to do

2. Who will you work with

3. What is the career path 

What type of work do you want to do- this could be men’s haircutting, bridal, makeup, etc..  Choose an environment that these clients would be drawn to visiting.  Is it a masculine place, a spa like environment, or maybe it’s being onset doing a Photoshoots or fashion shows. You will need to do your homework, visit these places, and don’t be afraid to be selective.  

Who will you work with?- You can get a good sense of attitude during a visit or phone conversation if it gives you a welcoming vibe or not.  You are the equivalent to 5 people you spend the most time with.  So if these worker bees are not successful and loving life then ...you won’t be either 😳

What is the career path?-

  Continuing education, tracked goals, increase pay.  All of these will contribute to your end goal of why you should work harder/smarter.   If you don’t hear about these things in your interview then I would immediately put up a red flag 🚩CAUTION!  Continuing education in my mind is the key to success and staying in the game.  Make sure your team holds this as a high value and believe!

Hopes this helps as I always hear from new artist starting in their career.  I’ll share a few ideas for those starting a suite too but we all start somewhere and I do believe a good salon with continuing education will be an amazing stepping stone for most! And believe me the hardest part is the beginning!

Five Career Paths After Beauty School

I love going to beauty schools and teaching students more about the industry, being a business owner, and life behind the chair.  I’m always shocked when I ask the students what they are going to do when they graduate 🎓and they have NO CLUE 🤷🏼‍♀️what they will do once licensed.  

So here is a shortcut roadmap to help you discover your next step as a professional 

5 ideas to use your license 

1. Behind the chair Artist 

2. On location Artist

3. Session Artist 

4. Counter Makeup Artist 

5. Sales Rep 

1. Behind the chair- this is a great option for those who are wanting to increase their skill, knowledge, and practice their craft typically five days a week.  Build a clientele and make typically a fair commission on your services.  You’ll have the support and a team that usually becomes family. 

1. On location- this is a great option if you like traveling.  It’s most common and successful for bridal artists.  Your weekends will be mostly booked.  You will need to market yourself though and spread the word about your business to gain business.  You can also partner with APPS such as glam squad or Lisa App (WARNING: they will take a large portion of your pay). 

1. Session Artist- this is a great option for those who are not interested in cuts, colors or selling products.  You will typically sign on with agencies to get jobs booked.  Usually you will need to find your own work too.  This can pay very well once you establish a reputation and portfolio.  A work day maybe long on set.  Many times you will be creating someone else’s vision so it may not always be creatively fulfilling. 

1. Makeup Counter Sales- this is a great option if you LOVE makeup, enjoy talking about it, and working with people.  typically your hired by a manufacturer line.  You do not need to be licensed however it adds more credentials to your name and work.  Often times your receive the newest products and discounts on purchases.  Weekends are a must! 

1. Sales rep- if you love talking about products and showing other stylist how to use it successfully.  You will need to establish great relationships with salons and staff to make an impact.  Typically hours are during the day and during the week.