Consider Beginning your Career in a Commission Salon

One of the first decisions you will make after graduating beauty school will be which salon you will start your career at.  

It can be tempting to become your own boss immediately and start in a booth rental or suite salon. As exciting as that could be, it may not be the best idea to start your career. 

For most stylists, a commission salon is the best way to build a strong foundation. A commission salon can provide you with the salon’s clientele, marketing, other stylists to bounce ideas off and learn from, an associate program, a receptionist, education, and overall guidance. 

Picking the right salon for you is just as important as choosing which type of salon to work at. Consider asking these questions during your interview: 

Is there an apprentice program and what does that look like? 

How does the salon assist in growing your clientele? 

Is there a noncompete in place? 

Does the salon offer continuing education? 

Is the pay hourly or commission? 

The first salon that you start at does not have to be your forever salon. It is an opportunity to gain education and confidence while learning what you want in your career. 

Use Social Media as your Portfolio

Use your social media as your digital portfolio. Social media is an excellent way for guests to find you. 

When someone views your social media, they should see your work, your specialties, what sitting in your chair would feel like, and you! 

You can use social media to post before and after photos, a day in your life, your favorite services, your accomplishments, your salon, and your personality! 

Captions can be hard! Here’s a tip: 

Use your caption to explain your process used to achieve the final look! 

Your social media presence should not begin the day you graduate. Start now. This will give your future employer an idea of your talent while attracting guests. It is also a wonderful opportunity to track your growth! 

Create a Referral Program

Creating a referral program gives you the opportunity to turn one guest into many. 

A referral program works by having your guest tell their friends about you. When their friend comes in, the original guest will receive a discount or another incentive to get them excited about sending their friends. 

Referrals are so beneficial because they allow your name to travel to others by people that they trust. Before people trust an internet review, they trust their friends. 

Your new salon may already have a referral program in place; however, if they do not, feel free to ask! 

Make the Client Experience Unforgettable

The client experience matters and here’s why- it is easier to get a client and keep a client rather than trying to get 10 new guests every week. This is why ensuring that you are consistently creating an amazing experience is so important. 

You can do the most beautiful color and cut, but if your guest did not love their experience, they may not come back. And, if you do a service on a guest that they do not love but give them an experience that they cannot forget, they are more likely to keep coming back. 

Think about every aspect of the experience and how you can make it wonderful. 

The experience starts before the guest even books. Provide a professional portfolio and make it easy to book. Offer an in-depth consultation where you listen intently to your guests’ requests and offer a realistic expectation. During the service, answer any questions that your guest might have while ensuring they are comfortable. After the service, show them their hair, give them time to look at it, and educate them how to create the same style at home. After they see the final product, explain their upkeep and suggest they prebook their next appointment. 

Creating an experience that your guest loves makes building a clientele even more achievable. 

Your Career is already Started

Do not be afraid to be a beginner. Everyone starts somewhere. 

Your clientele will grow one person at a time, so take your time and prioritize each and every guest the same.  

Do not be discouraged by the lack of clientele when your career begins. It takes most stylists years to build a clientele and a successful career. Be persistent and do not give up. Remember; there are enough guests for everyone. Collaborate with your peers- they are not competition. 

This is the beginning of your career and it is so exciting! 

Photo by: Lindsay Cash