Salon Talk

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I have been looking now for almost a month for a stylist position in Seattle. I thought that since there are so many salons in the area, someone would be willing to give me my first job in a salon. I know that I am just out of beauty school, but I keep hearing that I need to have more experience to be considered. My question is, How do I get experience when nobody is willing to give me a chance. I am so frustrated with this job search. The bills are piling up and I need a job. I'll even shampoo all day if it would get my foot in the door. Thanks for letting me vent.

Boy, I wish you lived near me! We're always looking for help. Well, the fact is that many salons will not hire someone just out of school. Some salons would hire a new stylist and make them an assistant. This is great for learning what you need to, however, it's not likely you would ever be considered to be put on the floor. The customers will know you as the "shampoo person", and will be very hesitant about giving you a chance. If you want to get a start on doing hair right away, then I suggest you go to a chain salon or company, usually found in malls or shopping centers. Many of these places have free advanced training available. This is also how you could gain experience and get your foot in the door. I hope this helps a little bit, I know it could be frustrating, try to think positive! Keep us posted.

Hey there! Whatever you do don't give up! We all once graduated from BS. Maybe put together a portfolio of some haircuts and colors that you have done. Alot of salons want to see your work. Maybe even ask for them to let you bring in a haircut and style or color infront of them so that they can see your work. If you are not confident in yourself it will show.. If that does not work try your local mall, regis, jcpenny etc. a chain salon so that you can get the training you need and build your clientel Then try a major salon. Goodluck! You can do it! *marie

UnboundBlueeyedirish <[email protected]> wrote:

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From: UnboundBlueeyedirish

I have been looking now for almost a month for a stylist position in Seattle. I thought that since there are so many salons in the area, someone would be willing to give me my first job in a salon. I know that I am just out of beauty school, but I keep hearing that I need to have more experience to be considered. My question is, How do I get experience when nobody is willing to give me a chance. I am so frustrated with this job search. The bills are piling up and I need a job. I'll even shampoo all day if it would get my foot in the door. Thanks for letting me vent.

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WHEN YOU WENT TO THE SALONS , DID YOU ASK THEM IF THE HAD AN ASSITANTS POSTION AVAILABLE ?

I THINK YOU REALLY NEED TO ASK YOURSELF WHAT KIND OF SALON DO YOU WANT TO WORK AT. A HIGH END SALON ,OR MID OR LOW END. IF IT'S A HIGH END YOU WILL HAVE TO START OFF BY ASSITING, AND I DISAGREE WITH THE IDEAL THAT YOU WILL ONLY BE LOOKED AT AS THE SHAMPOO GIRL.

ASSISTING UNDER A SEASOND PRO WILL GIVE YOU THE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE THAT YOU JUST CAN'T GET IN A CHAIN SALON. ( JUST MY OPINON ).

I REALLY BELIEVE THAT EVERYONE RIGHT OUT OF BS. SHOULD HAVE TO ASSIST FOR A LEAST A YEAR BEFORE THEY ARE ALLOWED TO HAVE THEIR OWN CHAIR, AGAIN JUST MY OPINON.

IF YOU WENT TO A CHAIN SALON, I REALLY DON'T SEE YOU HAVING A PROBLEM WITH GETTING A JOB. THEY HAVE A LOT OF TURNOVER.

I REMEBER MY FIRST SALON JOB AND HOW NERVOUS I WAS.

GOOD LUCK , AND I HOPE YOU FIND SOMETHING SOON.

I totally agree with Lisa on this. Everyone should spend a year after school assisting. This isn't a law in all states, but is a good idea to do. I've spent some time assisting in different salons when I first started, but I never made a full year in one alone, partly because I felt I would never get a chance to be put on the floor, number one, because the owner needs a "shampoo girl" all of the time, and selfishly doesn't promote the upcoming stylist, two, customers didn't want me to try to do something when the person I was assisting handed me either the color bottle or clipper (inexperience), three, I was let go because they decided they couldn't afford an assistant. However, I did manage to pick up so much by "assisting", and I was glad I had that opportunity. What I'm saying is to most likely be prepared not to be put on the floor at the salon you were assisting at. You would probably have to quit that one and go to another one. And yes, it is frightning to be forced on the floor by chain salons right after school, but after the assisting you did, should buffer the anxiety. I ended up in a chain after not succeding in the high end salons for lack of business. These salons are really great for developing a following to take with you when you want to broaden your horizons, because most of the private shops don't have enough business to hire without a following, but where you are located might be different, so it's worth a try. Good luck, keep us posted.

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