I'm here to share some tips on finding the perfect salon to kickstart your hairstyling career. If you're not in the mood for a good read, please click on the image below to get the Youtube version!
I still remember when I was in hair school. Back in the day, toward the end of the program, they’d take us on tours of popular salons in the area. It was a chance to see different environments and get a feel for places we might want to work. I hope they still do this—it’s such a valuable experience.
During my tour, I fell in love with one salon. I thought, This is the one! This is me! I want to work here. I was so excited. As soon as school was over, I set up an interview. But when I met the owner and learned about their way of doing things, my bubble burst. It wasn’t at all what I had imagined.
So, while salon tours are great, don’t get your heart set on one or two places. The interview will reveal much more about whether a salon is the right fit for you.
One of the most important pieces of advice I can give is to stay true to who you are as a stylist.
If you’re not the type to fit into a rock-and-roll barbershop with tattoos, chains, and Mohawks, don’t go there. And if you’re a purple-Mohawk-rocker with piercings, you probably won’t thrive in a pristine, all-black attire salon where the vibe is sleek and formal.
Think about the kind of stylist you want to be, the type of hair you want to specialize in, and the clients you hope to attract. Then look for salons that match your vibe and goals. Chances are, there will be several options in your area that align with who you are.
Start online. Search for salons in the area where you’d like to work. Check out their websites, reviews, price points, and images. Do they have the look and feel you’re going for?
Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few options, try to find salons that are close to where you live, shop, and play. Here’s why: building a clientele in your community is much easier than working an hour away. Even though most clients come from online these days, face-to-face interactions still matter.
For instance, someone might compliment your hair while you’re out shopping, and if you have a card on you, that’s an instant potential client. Being local makes it convenient for them to visit your salon, too.
Before calling for an interview, drive by the salon. What’s the area like? How’s the parking situation?
I’ve worked in salons with terrible parking, and it can be a dealbreaker for clients. If they have to park blocks away and walk in the rain (especially where I live), they may not come back.
While you’re checking out the location, pop inside if you can. Look around. The website might not tell the whole story. See if the atmosphere matches what you’re looking for.
If you’re serious about a salon, drop off your résumé in person. As a former salon owner, I can tell you that this makes a huge difference. If someone came in, looked sharp, and handed me their résumé, I’d almost always give them an interview.
In contrast, résumés sent via email or phone inquiries often didn’t get much attention—unless I was desperate for new staff.
This may seem old-fashioned, but in the service industry, first impressions matter. Salon owners want to see you and get a feel for who you are before committing to an interview.
When you show up for your interview, be yourself. Dress the way you plan to dress for work so the owner knows what to expect. Don’t bait and switch by dressing one way for the interview and showing up for work looking completely different.
During the interview, be friendly and open, but remember: you’re interviewing them too.
1. Hours: How many hours per week will I work?
2. Compensation: How am I paid? If they mention 1099, run. You are not a 1099 employee. You must be paid hourly or commission, whichever is higher, for every hour you’re required to be in the salon.
3. Training Program: As a new stylist, do they offer training? What does it look like? How long is the program?
4. Turnover: How long have their longest and newest stylists been there? Did they go through the same training program?
5. Growth Opportunities: What is their plan to help you succeed as a stylist?
• Short Interviews: If they rush your interview or forget you’re coming, it signals poor organization and management.
• No Interest in Your Goals: They should ask about your long-term career plans and have a clear plan to support your growth.
• Non-Compete Contracts: Never sign a non-compete. These are often unenforceable and indicate a controlling owner.
• Training Payback Clauses: Avoid contracts that require you to pay back training costs if you leave before a certain time. You don’t owe them for taking a chance on you.
Also, any contract claiming ownership of your photos is a red flag. Those photos represent your work and should remain yours, even if you post them on your personal social media.
If the owner is serious about hiring you, they should introduce you to the team. These are the people you’ll work with daily, so make sure you click. A strong team dynamic is essential for a positive work environment.
This article represents a condensed version of the Youtube that you can find at the link above. That Youtube video represents a condensed version of the Less included in my online course The Business of Hair. I encourage you to check it out!
During the pandemic, the number of stylists coming out of school dropped. But now, a few years later, we’re seeing new talent entering the field again. If you’re one of them, I hope this advice helps you find a salon that’s the perfect fit for you—and a place where you can grow and thrive as a stylist.
Good luck!
