Beauty School Students: 5 Things To Look For When Choosing A Salon

5 Things Cosmetology Students Should Look For In A New Salon

Whether you’re fresh out of beauty school or eagerly awaiting graduation day, one thing’s for sure: You can’t WAIT to start working behind the chair full time. But before you build your clientele and elevate your Instagram with new hair pics, you first need to find a salon that’s right for you.

It can be a stressful time so below, we’re sharing the five things BTC Team Member Gina Bianca (@iamginabianca) says to look for when choosing a salon! Check it out. 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gina Bianca (@iamginabianca) on Mar 29, 2019 at 3:20pm PDT

1. Hourly Pay

We know that starting out is tough because as Gina puts it, “Clients don’t just come flooding through the gates because you have your license.” That’s why she recommends finding a salon that pays hourly instead of working commission. Knowing exactly what’s coming in each week will take away the stresses of a variable income AND give you a consistent paycheck while you’re learning and growing your clientele.

2. A Strong Training Program

Just because you’re graduating (or have already graduated from) beauty school doesn’t mean the education stops. One of the best things about this industry is that you’ll constantly be learning new things, which is why it’s important to find a salon that offers continuing education and people on the team who love training. “If you’re the smartest in the room, you’re in the wrong room,” advises Gina.

3. A Mentor

One of the best benefits in a workplace is having a mentor, so try and find someone at your new salon who cares about where you’re going and will take you under their wing. Not only will a mentor help you grow but they’ll also hold you accountable and keep you moving forward in your career.

4. A Visual Growth Plan

Having one of these will keep you from getting complacent and push you toward the skill requirements and pay you deserve, and Gina says most salons that are organized have a set growth plan for their team. To help determine if the salon you’re eyeing has one, here’s what to ask during the interview:

• Where can I expect to see myself next year?
• What about 5 years? 

5. An Assisting Program

“The time you spend assisting is what determines the stylist you are going to be,” shares Gina. So don’t skip this phase in your career! If you’re wondering what exactly it entails, assisting is where you take models, do redos, take out the trash, hold hair, clean and do the stuff your mentors did when they first started out. We know it’s not the most glamorous of tasks but it’s a crucial time for growth. 

Note: Based on your level of confidence, Gina recommends assisting at least 3 to 6 months full time.

TAP HERE to learn the five signs that indicate you have (or are) a great stylist!