Seasonal Tips

DAMIEN'S BLOG: I JUST GRADUATED BEAUTY SCHOOL...

Congratulations! You worked hard, did all that your cosmetology teachers asked of you, passed your state board and got your license. Hallelujah and welcome to the most exciting career in the world! It's all beginning for you right now, and the opportunities are endless. And because of those limitless options, it's also normal to feel a bit stuck and confused about what to do next. Very often I'm asked by new grads what I think that they should consider next. Here is some of my advice:

Set Your Standards High

Hopefully you did your research when you selected your beauty school, and when it comes to your first job, you should do the same. Even if it's tempting to simply "get a job," don't settle for any salon. Look for a business that offers a great education program, because even though you've completed beauty school, your training has just begun! Education should be a lifetime commitment for stylists. Another tip: request solid proof that the salon that you're considering has its education program up and running. Sometimes a salon that intends to offer education never actually does so.

Resist Being a Big Fish in a Small Pond

You're probably anxious to pick up your shears and start working on clients as soon as possible, but in many cases, as a new stylist, it's wise to resist that urge. Most excellent stylists realized that when they were new grads, they didn't yet have the skills and confidence to excel. So they sought salons that offered additional training, spent time sweeping floors and folding towels while they learned, and surrounded themselves with mentors who led and inspired them.

Don't Get Stuck

If a salon isn't working for you, it's okay to leave and find a better situation. In fact, you may need to go through two or three salons before you find the right fit. At this point in your career, time passes quickly, and you must be careful to avoid settling somewhere that might cause you to lower your standards, even if it seems easy or comfortable at the time.

Set Goals

When you actually formalize and define a goal, you are much more likely to achieve it. So think carefully about your vision for your career. Do you want to excel in color or cutting? Do you want to build a clientele and work behind the chair or are you more interested in management and owning your own salon? Be clear about how you want your future to take shape, and then figure out what you must do-additional training, shadowing a salon owner/mentor, putting in several hours of practice a week on your own-to achieve those goals and bring your dreams to life.

Embrace What You Learned in School, Then Move On

Don't get stuck. Just because your cosmetology instructor applied highlights one way, for example, doesn't mean there aren't other approaches. At this point in time, your job is to be a sponge. Observe everyone around you and soak it all up. Eventually you will develop your own strategies and style in order to make your mark.

Spend Time Online

I really don't have to urge most young people to do this-they already spend an inordinate amount of time surfing the net! But I do like to emphasize how valuable this resource is for hairdressers. You can find online technical education, trends in style and fashion, even news and information on culture and on your community that will enable you to communicate easily with the clients sitting in your chair. I also recommend that young stylists log on when they're feeling down or discouraged-there's a vast world of ideas and inspiration that will motivate you to pick yourself up, brush yourself off and move forward.

Consider Moving

If you're serious about your career, and you can't find the type of salon or other work that you want where you are living now, think about relocating. While it's not an option for everyone, many young people haven't yet put down deep roots, and this is the time of life to try new things and take some calculated risks.

Eat Humble Pie Every Day

Confidence is important. Arrogance is not. Be prepared to take four steps back from time to time in order to move one step forward. Admit when you don't know something and don't be afraid to ask for help. Learn from experience and listen more than you talk. Accept criticism openly and compliments gracefully. If you do, you'll be pleasantly surprise at how quickly you will grow and how profoundly you will succeed.