There are very important principles to keep in mind in order to achieve success. Every step you take towards success matters. Sometimes the smallest steps can make the biggest impact in your life. This industry can present challenges but your passion will be a driving force and will help you overcome those challenges. Here are several important steps to take toward your success:

Educate Yourself: Your success will start with your education. So it’s important to value the classroom. Don’t skip out and miss class because it’s convenient; be attentive, be on time, and be at every class.

Market Yourself: The purpose is to promote, sell a product or provide service. Marketing is very important to the success of your career. You must market the services you provide, as well as the products you offer. To be successful in the job market you have to understand what you are selling in order to be able to market yourself or products successfully. It’s important to understand what makes you unique and how to communicate that to your clients. Ask yourself: if your name was a brand, what would that brand say about you and what you represent?

Remember What You Have Learned: For some of you, you won’t need to take notes and may have a photographic memory to access whatever information needed by remembering a certain page. Maybe you will need to take notes in order to remember key things about what is being taught. Some people don’t need to take notes and may even have photographic memories. Others need to record what they learn. And others may learn best by watching demonstrations or actually doing the procedure with their own hands. Everyone learns differently and there is no right or wrong way to learn. Just make sure you determine the best way for you and proceed accordingly.

Ask questions! If you don’t understand or if something isn’t clear, raise your hand because what you don’t understand now could impact how you perform later.

Don’t Compare: Everyone is unique and have their own talents and skills that set them apart to launch them into their career. It’s important to recognize that your skills will be different from others. Never compare yourself to someone else. Be confident in your own abilities and use your strengths to your advantage.

Set Goals

You should set short-term & long-term goals. Your goals will change as your career evolves but the most important thing is to continue to move forward.

Goals will help you stay focused and on track. They motivate you when you’re discouraged and energize you when you’re tired. Be flexible but always stay focused on your ultimate goals.

Manage Your Life

Short Term Goals: These are goals that you set within a realistic time frame. They can range from one week to one year. These goals should be obtainable within whatever time period you allow yourself. Although short-term goals are necessary for success, they often develop your self-discipline in completing long-term goals.

Long Term Goals: These are goals set for the future and require more dedication and time. Focus is required! Usually you will need to set monthly goals to achieve your overall long-term goal.

Don’t Procrastinate: Get to work and don’t allow obstacles get in your way. Your time is important and valuable. Make the most out of your time. Although you may feel that everything is important, make the most of your time and evaluate what’s really important. Creating daily and weekly tasks will allow you complete a task in its entirety. This will break the habit of procrastination.

Prioritize: Organize tasks that must be done from important to least important. Focus on the goals at the top of your list. Learn to understand your own natural rhythms--this will help you organize your tasks. For example, if you function best in the morning, that is the time to address the most difficult and important tasks on your list.

Organize

Just as it’s important for you to be organized as a student, it’s extremely important for you to be organized once you are in the salon. Learn to prioritize what’s important and then carry out each task in a timely manner. Remember that in this beauty industry, time is money. You will have busy seasons such as Christmas, prom and wedding. Work hard and give it your best but know your limits and learn to say no when you’re booked.

Also, allow time for yourself in busy seasons. Your health and state of mind are just as important as knowing when it’s time to remove color from the client’s hair.

Time Management

Make sure you arrive on time at all times. Things will happen to throw your schedule off, so allow yourself extra time to prevent falling behind and causing clients to have to wait for you. A client may love the service you provide but may opt to go to another stylist if you are constantly running late. No one wants to wait around especially when they are spending their money. They will seek other salons or stylists that stick to their schedules.

Remember, clients want to get in and out of the salon as quickly as possible. Learn how much time is needed for service and it book accordingly. This will help you with time management.

As you become more experienced, you will reduce the time you need and learn how to accommodate late clients.

Practice Good Study Habits

This may be the last thing you want to do but it should be the first thing you do. We all know how easy it is to procrastinate. But avoiding your studies will cause you to fall behind and fail tests. Understand your preferred study methods, whether it’s short time periods, large blocks of time, with music playing in the background or in absolute quiet. It’s so important to create the best possible studying environment. Once you figure these things out, you can better mentally and physically prepare yourself for a good environment to study.

It’s also important to understand which study aids best suit your studying style. For example, flash cards are ideal for visual people who learn by seeing the material. Recording notes and playing them back is ideal for people who learn by listening. If you prefer to learn by doing, create games that help you learn actively. Understanding how you learn will lead to greater accomplishment and success. Get to know yourself and you’ll be able to accomplish more by understanding how you work best. Work smarter not harder.

Exercise Ethics

Ethics are important in your personal and professional life. Your ethics reflect who you are and carried out even when no one is watching. Conducting your life honestly and ethically commands respect, which leads to success. Exercising some of these key ethics will make all the difference in your daily environment; be genuine and caring. Respect other people’s possessions and privacy. Trust your co-workers. Treat people as you would like to be treated.

Keep your clients’ confidences. For example, if you’ve scheduled a color appointment and your friend wants you to go shopping; don’t cancel the appointment to go have fun. Do what you say you are going to do. Keep your word.

Follow up and follow through. Embrace integrity.

The Basics of Communication

Communication is the key to success. Ineffective communication with clients will always lead to problems. Say, For example, if your client requests a short haircut and you don’t communicate thoroughly on how short she wants it, you run the risk of giving her something she does not want.

Listen carefully when your client speaks and be sure to ask open-ended questions.

Never make assumptions when providing client services. Good communicators are kind, easy to talk to and come across as caring individuals. They take the time to really listen. They ask questions in order to understand what they are being told. They give each client their undivided attention.

Greeting and Meeting People First impressions are so important. When you first meet someone, smile and extend your hand. Be enthusiastic. Remember this client could have gone anywhere for their service.

Your attitude when you first greet your customer will compel then to look forward to seeing you again!

Helpful tips for winning over a new client:

• Smile and greet them with excitement every time you see them, regardless of how you are feeling. It’s not their fault if you are having a bad day.
• Take the time to give new clients a tour of the salon.
• Offer additional services that may help the client meet trier goals for her hair.
• Offer a beverage like water, tea or coffee at least once during the service.
• Be true to yourself. There is no use pretending to be someone you are not. Authentic behavior is always the best way to connect with other people.

Positive Troubleshooting is Crucial

So it has finally happened. After a streak of perfect clients and perfect results, you encounter a tough client who is not happy with their service. What do you do?

• Treat- the client with respect
• Maintain your Composure – Be patient and find a resolution while your client is present. You can fall apart later!
• Listen – Let your client know you understand she is unhappy and you are willing to resolve the situation to her satisfaction.
• Be Professional – Communicate your professionalism with your actions, your words and your tone of voice. Be polite. Behave like a serious businessperson.
• Avoid gossip – It doesn’t solve problems; it actually fuels problems!
• Be confident – Believe in yourself and don’t allow a single client to agitate you or cause you to doubt yourself.

Client Communication

In any service business, you will encounter individuals who are not easy to get along with. You cannot please everyone. Unless you’re a psychic, you can’t read minds. Even the most intuitive hairstylist will discover, from time to time, that what you thought a client wanted was actually way off course. A detailed consultation is key! You can minimize these situations by taking the time to consult and communicate thoroughly before performing each service. By listening and paying close attention to what each client requests.

Keep in mind that everyone wants to be happy. This is a valuable insight when trying to understand clients. But first, you must understand what makes YOU happy. Knowing your true desires will help you understand others’ desires. Then be sure to listen and treat everyone with respect. Doing so will ease your way in life. Your peers and clients will value and respect you.

Here are some valuable tips for communicating with your clients:

• Keep in mind that a person’s sense of security eliminates doubt, exudes confidence and implies self-assurance.
• Insecurity, on the other hand, leads to unease and apprehension, which can make an individual difficult to deal with.
• There will be challenging situations within the salon, whether it’s with a client or salon staff. Many times you will encounter individuals that thrive on creating confusion or complexity. Remember, to stay calm at all times and always consider the feelings of others first. Stay professional!
• Humans like to interact with other humans. We like to tell others what we think and we like to seek advice. We often feel proud when we’re able to help someone. Always be open to helping others, and allow others to help you in return.
• Talk less and listen more. The word “listen” contains the same letters as the word “silent.” Allow every client to share everything he or she has to say before you decide to speak. A few keys points to effective listening are to demonstrate engagement, focus on understanding what you have heard and ask for clarification.
• Have confidence in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, who will? Hold to your values, mean what you say and say what you mean. Don’t allow yourself to be affected by self-doubt.
• Respond instead of reacting. When faced with problems, keep your emotions under control. Don’t allow a situation to fluster you. If someone offends you, don’t try to retaliate or get even. You never know what has prompted someone to behave in a negative manner. Many circumstances, which have nothing to do with you, might cause a negative reaction or action.

The Client Consultation

Client consultation is the verbal communication with a client that determines the client’s needs and how to achieve the desired results. A consultation should be done with every client, both new and old. The consultation is one of the most important steps you will take before performing a service for any client. It allows you to get to know your client and their needs. Every consultation should clearly convey that results may vary depending on the client’s hair type and current condition. Ensuring your client understands this fact will increase client satisfaction and raise the chances of a repeat customer which is always a stylist’s goal!

When booking appointments, allow time to talk with your client to ensure you know what they are expecting out of their appointment, especially if you are coloring their hair. Always be prepared with color swatches and pictures to provide your client with ideas. As a salon professional if you know your client likes a certain actress’s hair and want that hairstyle, let the client know their hair may not turn out the same. Do not give your client false expectations or hopes about results you cannot guarantee.

A few things to remember during the consultation:

• Assess the client’s current hairstyle.
• Ask your client what she likes and dislikes about her current hairstyle.
• Assess the condition, texture, color placement, areas of thinning and/or cowlicks.
• Discuss how the desired style will work with the client’s lifestyle, personal style and budget.
• Share your professional opinion on what you believe will be the most flattering cut and color for your client.

Invariably there will come a time that despite your best efforts, the client will not be satisfied with the service. In these instances, behave in a professional manner and be patient. Respond positively and with understanding. Offer to adjust the work at no charge. Most clients will respond positively to this offer. Remember, hair styling is a service profession and your goal is to please the customer. A satisfied customer is a loyal customer.

Client Intake Form

All new clients should complete a client intake form. The form should ask for the client’s name, address, additional contact information and service and hair history.

Let your client know this form will be used to keep accurate records, and to contact her regarding appointments and promotions.

Download
Customer Profile Card

Your Professional Image

Your professional image is the impression you project through your outward appearance and your conduct in the work place. Dress for success at all times. A first impression goes a long way, especially in the beauty industry. How you look and represent yourself has a huge impact on your success. If you are going to be an expert on image, be sure to represent that subject well. When your image and the way you choose to represent yourself are in harmony the rewards are amazing.

Dress for Success

Your clothing should be a reflection of you. Wear stylish clothing and stay in-tuned to your salon culture, so you can make the best clothing choices. Your clothing should be comfortable and suitable. When you look great,  you feel great. As a cosmetologist or makeup artist, you are representing the beauty industry. You are your own best advertisement. A stylish and professional image will increase your confidence and encourage clients to feel confident in your knowledge, ability, judgment and style.

Dress the Part

Adhere to your salon dress code. If your salon does not have a dress code, dress tastefully. Avoid ultra-short skirts, low necklines, overly-tight clothing or see-through fabrics. Shoes make a statement, but as a hairstylist, you are on your feet for many hours, so factor in the importance of comfort when choosing footwear!

Body Language

Be aware of your body language and the message it may send. You want your body language to be welcoming and engaging to your customers. Always make eye contact and give your customers your full attention. People will be more inclined to return to you as a client if they feel you are really interested in them as they express their needs.

Personal Hygiene

Good personal hygiene is critical. As a stylist, you are in close proximity to others at all times. So cleanliness should be your first priority. Apply makeup, keep your nails groomed and take care of your skin and hair. Your client is coming to you for hair, skin and nail services, so you must set an example. No matter which services you offer, you should always look your best.

Daily personal hygiene is imperative. Shower every day and be sure your hair always smells fresh. Smoke discreetly and be aware of the smoke smell on your hair and clothing. Avoid strong perfumes which can cause discomfort to sensitive clients. Keep your clothing clean and wrinkle-free. Apply deodorant every morning to protect you throughout a long busy day.

Pay attention to your breath--brush your teeth or chew gum or mints to keep it fresh.

Good Hygiene Habits:

• Self – check periodically to ensure you smell fresh.
• Always brush and floss your teeth especially after eating or drinking.
• Use antiperspirants daily.
• If you choose to smoke cigarettes, try to wait until you go on your lunch break and brush your teeth afterwards.
• Make sure you wash your hand periodically, in the beginning and after a client.

Food For Thought

As a cosmetologist your professional success come from you. The skillsets you practice and the training you acquire over time are the building blocks to professionalism. Think of it as having great business management and customer service skills. While providing the customer with a great experience, you are giving them the best of you. Overall your approach, communication, confidence and a willingness to learn is the key to your professional success.

Be Sure to Remember:

• Be the best you can possibly be.
• Communicate effectively.
• Create a mission statement.
• Set Goals.
• Stay Organize at all times.
• Take time to study, study, and study more.
• Maintain a good image at all times.
• Take care of you first.
• Practice good hygiene habits.

You may not be able to change who you are, but you can definitely work on developing and maintaining a pleasing personality.