Assistants & Apprentices: 5 Pieces Of Advice To Read ASAP

Cos Sakkas’ 5 Rules For Assistants & Apprentices

Assistants and apprentices, this one’s for you! We know getting your start in the salon is a scary yet super exciting time, which is why we want to help you find success. Below, we’re sharing five pieces of advice from industry vet, 3x London Hairdresser of the Year winner and TONI&GUY International Artistic Director and Head of Education Cos Sakkas (@cossakkas) that assistants and apprentices need to read ASAP!

1. It’s Not Reality TV

We as a society love to see instant gratification, but it’s important to remember that success won’t happen overnight. It’ll require lots of hard work and dedication on your part. “We’re not living in a reality TV world where everything is done for you and fame is instant,” says Cos. “You have to prove you are the best and spend time learning the craft.”

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

Did we mention practice is important? “If you think you can do something, do it again and again,” he advises. It’ll take years to hone your skills and repeating a technique over and over again until it’s second nature is the only way to do it, according to Cos.

3. Don’t Be Afraid To Speak Up

Have a question about a technique? Want to try something to strengthen your skills? Say something because your boss isn’t a mind reader. “If you are quiet and look disinterested you’ll be overlooked for members of the team that are more enthusiastic,” warns Cos.

4. Stay Out Of The Break Room 

Aside from lunch, DO NOT step foot in the break room. “If you’ve finished washing hair or tidying up, stay on the salon floor and watch what the stylists are doing,” says Cos. “How they talk to clients, how they section the hair or where they place the pins, you will learn a lot by watching hairdressers at work. And if you see someone is busy, offer to help.”

5. Dress To Impress

“They say dress for the job you want, not the job you’re in, so make sure you always look good,” says Cos. But don’t freak out! You don’t need to break the bank and splurge on designer clothes. Here are other ways to ensure you look put together:

• Iron your clothes so they are wrinkle-free.
• Make sure your shoes aren’t scuffed.
• Do your hair and makeup every day.

And don’t be afraid to switch up your hairstyle often! Cos says wearing different hairstyles is a great talking point with clients and will show the rest of the team what you can do.

6. Find A Mentor

Almost every stylist has had a mentor at some point in their career—and you need one too! Find someone you respect who will spend time with you and offer you advice and guidance.

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