The salon industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few decades. Despite the emergence of innovative techniques, methods, and tools, parts of the industry still feel tethered to the past. While everything around us evolves at lightning speed, some traditions and practices seem slow to catch up.
When Katya Yoshida graduated from cosmetology school more than 20 years ago, the industry looked entirely different. Social media marketing didn’t exist. There was no online education, no easy way to connect with brands, and everything revolved around where you worked and who you knew. The gold standard for starting a career was landing a position in a top-notch assistant program at the best salon in your area. Back then, you either specialized in color or haircutting – there weren’t the diverse specialization options we see today, like focusing on specific styles, trends, or textures.
Today, the industry is brimming with possibilities. The abundance of resources and options at our fingertips is both exciting and overwhelming. If you’re ready to leap into the world of cosmetology, you’re probably asking: Where do I even begin? How do I navigate this industry successfully? If these are your questions, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s an honest, uncensored take from a beauty pro with over 20 years of experience.
Choosing a Cosmetology School
First things first: Do not, and I repeat, do not splurge on an expensive cosmetology school unless it offers top-notch, modern education that you can immediately use in your career. Cosmetology school’s primary purpose is to help you pass the state board and get your license. Your best bet is to attend an affordable program, whether through a college or the least expensive cosmetology school available.
Starting Your Career
So, you’ve got your license – now what? There are several paths to consider:
Join a Reputable Assistant Program
Look for salons with a well-structured assistant program. Make sure you have a clear, written outline of what the program entails, from start to finish. Be cautious of paperwork that might unknowingly tie you to a non-compete agreement.
Ensure the program’s timeline is reasonable (no more than 1-2 years). While assistant programs often require a time investment and pay minimum wage, they can set you up for long-term success. However, be wary of toxic environments where assistants are exploited as cleaners or errand runners.
The reward? If you’ve chosen a good program and stuck it out, you’ll likely command higher prices and build a strong, loyal clientele.
Work at a Corporate Salon
Starting at a corporate salon (like Ulta) allows you to make money and gain hands-on experience right away. You can focus on improving your timing and client interaction skills.
Corporate salons provide pay stability and commission opportunities but often lack the high-level education you’d receive at upscale salons. Pricing may also be set lower, making it harder to move into a higher price bracket later.
At Capybara Hair Lounge (CHL), we’ve seen stylists thrive after starting in corporate salons. With our supplemental education and business coaching, motivated stylists can unlock their full potential. For example, Jasmine began her career just over a year ago and recently taught her first color class at our salon!
Explore a Salon Suite
Running your own mini-salon is an exciting option, but it’s also a significant financial commitment. If you’re considering this route, start small. Rent a chair or a suite for a day or two from someone else to test the waters. Having a solid client base before taking this leap is essential.
Pursue an Educator Path
Working with brands as an educator can be a rewarding path if you enjoy travel and are comfortable building an audience. Be aware that initial pay may be low, but with persistence, this path can help to set the foundation to become an independent educator, allowing you to share your expertise, travel, and build a profitable career.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the different career paths you can take in cosmetology? Do you need help figuring out the right direction for you? At Capybara Hair Lounge, we’re committed to helping stylists thrive and achieve their next level of success. We offer one-on-one coaching tailored to your career goals, from mastering technical skills to building your personal brand.
If you have at least six months of experience and are motivated to achieve great success, we’d love to hear from you. Our team is always looking for driven individuals ready to take their careers to the next level.
Have questions or want to learn more? Reach out to us!
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