Any hair stylists in da house?

[renren]

Hey Ladies,

I was just curious as to how many hair stylists we have here with us on this forum.... Last year I completed my BA in Business Management and now I am doing my diploma in cosmetology. I had my first class yesterday and was so disappointed with what I saw.

I would really like to know how you incorporate healthy hair practices into your business and how it affects your prices and profits.

 

[babayred_86]

I know Sharon from Salon Balisi is a member here

 

[renren]

I know Sharon from Salon Balisi is a member here

Thanks...btw are you living in Trinidad?

 

[babayred_86]

No im in Atl now all the fam is back home

 

[renren]

Bump bump bump!!

 

[mscocopuff]

I am a stylist. The way that I incorporated healthy hair care into my practice is by studying different cultural habits. I studied Indian hair regimens, holistic treatments, traditional Chinese Medicine, blogs, anything that I could find. The sad part is, when you go to cosmetology school, they are prepping you for the practical and written state test, little care is taken in regards to teaching you the good healthy hair tactics. Most hairstylist that participate in these efforts usually learned so thru self inquiries and research.

Good luck! I hope this helps you out some and I hope that you make that 1500!

 

[Minty]

YUP! What Catrina said. There are a few stylists on this board -

You incorporate HC into your business by being educated and know how to apply that knowledge to your clients as individuals - because each one will have different needs.

 

[renren]

I am a stylist. The way that I incorporated healthy hair care into my practice is by studying different cultural habits. I studied Indian hair regimens, holistic treatments, traditional Chinese Medicine, blogs, anything that I could find. The sad part is, when you go to cosmetology school, they are prepping you for the practical and written state test, little care is taken in regards to teaching you the good healthy hair tactics. Most hairstylist that participate in these efforts usually learned so thru self inquiries and research.

Good luck! I hope this helps you out some and I hope that you make that 1500!

Thanks for responding... hmm sounds like I would have to figure things out on my own then because from what I saw at my first class, they are def. not focused on healthy hair.

 

[Minty]

oh to your second question, with knowledge and EXPERIENCE comes higher rates.

 

[renren]

oh to your second question, with knowledge and EXPERIENCE comes higher rates.

Thanks.. I feel like providing haircare in a healthy way would increase my operating cost and therefore make me less competitive in the market. For example, at my beauty school I didnt see them using leave-in conditioner, neutralising shampoo, deep conditioner nothing...

I would like to give my clients a DC treatment once poo was used. A nice spray/cream leave-in. , use heat protectant etc. The time and products it would take to this might bankrupt me lol

Do any salons actually do this?

 

[mscocopuff]

Thanks for responding... hmm sounds like I would have to figure things out on my own then because from what I saw at my first class, they are def. not focused on healthy hair.

Right. That is the sad part about cosmetology school. You learn bare bones minimum. But you would be amazed by what a Google Search would provide. Or just by going to the bookstore and picking up material. I was absolutely amazed and it really opened me to a whole new world!

 

[Nayna]

Thanks.. I feel like providing haircare in a healthy way would increase my operating cost and therefore make me less competitive in the market. For example, at my beauty school I didnt see them using leave-in conditioner, neutralising shampoo, deep conditioner nothing...

I would like to give my clients a DC treatment once poo was used. A nice spray/cream leave-in. , use heat protectant etc. The time and products it would take to this might bankrupt me lol

Do any salons actually do this?

Some do. The salon I work in definitely does and my boss has been in business for over 20 years. Also if you are buying the right wholesale products the cost shouldn't be too bad. What beauty school do you go to? Mine emphasized using leave ins and deep conditoners, etc... especially when you're upselling.

 

[BananaClipQueen]

renren- i just cmpleted cosmetology school and became licensed a few months ago. I agree with the poster who said the goal is to pass the exam. I also went to a white school and learned NOTHING about black hair specifically. They treated our natural hair like it was a problem that needed to be "fixed". Anyway, i know my join date doesnt show it, but I have been on this board, youtube, blogs, you name it... For years now. I have learned sooo much. If you are an aspiring stylist pay very close attention in Kim Love- Kimmaytube. I dont many woman can appreciate her WEALTH of scientific information about black hair because they dont work behind the chair. She is so much more than just a youtube hair personality. States scienfic fact with studies and proof. Thats why she was able to grow her hair long and healthy, once! Without the detrimental setbacks that others face. For a stylist this is key. I currently work for a healthy hair stylist and let me tell you... "the growing hand" coupled with the able to keep natural and relaxed hair thick and healthy will make you VERY successful! The lady I work for has a waiting list. I am an apprentice, btw. When black women cut all their hair off for a sexy summer cut, they want to find a sista who can grow it back lickety split...lol! Also in healthy hair care your clientele will be amazing. The ladies in your chair will be the successful professionals on this site, celebrity lurker, politicians, pharmicists, news anchor women... Not to mention the ladies who are not educated on hair care and want better. You will be known for transforming them. The sistas with the cash who want their hair and weaves done right so they can keep their edges! Do not doubt for a second the potential on this side of the business. We are a force to be reckoned with. Look at how well Reniece in ATL is doing. The healthy hair stylist I know are the most sought after. Stay on the internet reading and watching. Also find a black stylist who is in to healthy hair care. They do exist. Learn how to STYLE the hair after it is cared for. Styling is very important amongst healthy hair salon goers. These women tend to be social, so they like an everchanging look. On message boards I see tons of healthy heads but styling is not done well because they cant find a healthy hair stylist they trust, who wont cut all their hair off or worse. Also that BA in business is a win! In this industry so many lack business savy and knowledge. It can hurt a lot. Anyway, good luck to you.

 

[BananaClipQueen]

@ RenRen, i just read also where you said that being a healthy stylist will increase your operator cost, NOT! You can charge more! Women will pay for quality. Especially the ones you will be working with as a healthy hair specialist. They care. Those into healthy hair care will pay for their conditioning and protein treatments.

 

[Minty]

Thanks.. I feel like providing haircare in a healthy way would increase my operating cost and therefore make me less competitive in the market. For example, at my beauty school I didnt see them using leave-in conditioner, neutralising shampoo, deep conditioner nothing...

I would like to give my clients a DC treatment once poo was used. A nice spray/cream leave-in. , use heat protectant etc. The time and products it would take to this might bankrupt me lol

Do any salons actually do this?

Of course there are! And they charge for it too. Listen there are people who like to go to doobie shops and there are those who want haircare. They may complain *they will complain - if only to themselves* and they may decide to try out the neighborhood doobie shop, but when their cut comes out funky, color comes out brassy or relaxer overprocessed, they come right back to the haircare salon. That's business.

You need much more experience before you should consider such things as product. You are at the wrong end of the horse. Product is absolutely nothing. - did I just say that

Healthy haircare and product are not synonymous - it comes from stylist education. Right now you think you are ahead of the curve, but beware of falling off the cliff - find yourself an experienced stylist and work for them -

Notice I didn't mention - manufacturer education - because that is secondary.

 

[HappilyLiberal]

Hey Ladies,

I was just curious as to how many hair stylists we have here with us on this forum.... Last year I completed my BA in Business Management and now I am doing my diploma in cosmetology. I had my first class yesterday and was so disappointed with what I saw.

I would really like to know how you incorporate healthy hair practices into your business and how it affects your prices and profits.

Don't Speak Defeat is also a member.

One piece of advice... learn what they tell you to learn so you can pass your boards and when you open your salon you can incorporate all the healthy hair practices you want.

 

[divachyk]

Right. That is the sad part about cosmetology school. You learn bare bones minimum. But you would be amazed by what a Google Search would provide. Or just by going to the bookstore and picking up material. I was absolutely amazed and it really opened me to a whole new world!

I checked into cosmetology school for personal gain but the cost and time was too much for me to juggle since I'm already with a career. I don't have a desire to sit for the board, just a desire to learn more personally for a better HHJ. What materials would you suggest I pick up from the book store?

 

[mscocopuff]

I would suggest that you pick up Textured Tresses by Diane Acosta, No Lye by Tilani Kinard are two of my favorites.

 

[DrC]

I have my license, but I very seldom use it.

When I was working in a salon, nobody really cared about having healthy hair. The only thing that mattered was colors cuts weaves and the quickest way to get a nice looking hairstyle....which is one of the reasons why I stopped working at salons completely.

Maybe one day I will go back into it on my own terms.

 

[renren]

Thanks soo much for the help ladies!!!!!!!!

 

[ajargon02]

Some do. The salon I work in definitely does and my boss has been in business for over 20 years. Also if you are buying the right wholesale products the cost shouldn't be too bad. What beauty school do you go to? Mine emphasized using leave ins and deep conditoners, etc... especially when you're upselling.

just a side note from a customer and non-licensed stylist.

I have gone to Aveda salons in the past. The ones that I went to did a dc after pooing and used a leave in on me too. Now that might not be standard practice in all the salons, but I request these things when I am making my appt.

ETA: I have NO issue paying extra to get the services that I want and there are MANY women out there like me!

 

[aja1121]

Although I don't currently work in the field, I am a licensed cosmetologist. I totally understand how you feel about school; it is all about state board prep. I've learned so much more from this board, youtube, and blogs. When I was working, it was all about updos, crunchy hair, and bleach. I fell out of love with doing hair; now that that era is over, I might start back up.

Most prestigious salons make you apprentice or assist for a year or 2 until they feel you are ready because they know how horrible these schools are.

I do agree that people pay for quality. However when you preach about healthy hair make sure your client knows why she is paying an extra $5, $10, $15 for treatment, conditioner, etc. I get into arguments all the time with my friends still in the business who only care about the business aspect of it and really think they are promoting healthy hair. For example, charging someone for a deep conditioner because you bleached platinum blonde highlights on a relaxed head (making the client think it's her fault). It is okay to say "NO" and compromise, but she said yes because she knew the outcome would be more money for her. This same person talks about how her clients have long and healthy hair. One client's hair in particular was shoulder length at most and she was talking about how long it was....GIRL BYE!!! I could see if she grew it out or overcame severe damage, but nothing like that at all. That day I told her I would pay for her membership to this forum; she declined.

 

[renren]

Thanks soo much ladies for your input. I have my next class tom. and I've decided to just do what they say so that I can get my certificate... but Im gona be doing my own thing when I open my salon. For now I will be gathering and recording a wealth of information to help me provide healthy hair care. Thanks again.... you guys have really encouraged me.