Dear Tina,

Welcome to the BTC Talk Back Boards.  Please take a moment to read the rules and regulations located in the green-ish looking box that is located above!

I understand the frustration you are going through.  My first salon that I worked with right out of beauty school was not ideal.  I was a brunette in a blonde barbie type world.  And the only way you would get promoted is to actually look like barbie...and that was not happening.

This experience is in one salon and lots of salons are not like this.  Where are you located?  Are you willing to move to a bigger city to work in a lager salon that would more readily fit your personality.  if you are currently working for Minimum wage + tips, I would suggest looking into an apprenticeship program.  You will be able to do some research in that area to see if it is a good fit.

Another thing to try is actually interviewing salons.  The way you can do this is by going and getting a service done there.  Get a manicure or a blow-out.  This way you can get the vibe of the salon and see if it is someplace you can see yourself thriving in.  Don't give up hope yet!  This industry has lots to offer, you just need to keep your mind and heart open!

Thank you!

Sarah                                                                 BTC Bulletin Board Moderator sarahk@behindthechair.com

sounds like you might want to get a little more education under your belt before you go out on the floor 'without a net' so to speak.

the best thing i can advise you to do is to research salons in the area you will be living in, do some calling and find out which ones have apprentiship programs. or you could be hired as an assistant to just one stylist or colorist, where you would learn by doing.

you could also add to your knowledge by going to classes on the topics you feel you need to learn more about.

its all up to you to make this career happen, nobody is going to hand you anything you didn't earn.

you've only been out of school for a month, that's the beginning of your learning, not the end.keep your chin up, and go for what you want out of this industry.

i do know that there are companies based in minneapolis that you could get a great continuing education from.

good luck, and don't let this one bad salon dampen your spirits!

thank you for your advice, i just keep thinking, 2 more weeks! one more week! im sure when i go back to school in mn i will be inspired again! i went to a great school before, but i do really want to be an assistant first, i just love learning, and taking all the extra classes i can, i just cant take not being as good as i expect myself to be, i guess im kind of hard on myself, but i dont think thats exactly a bad thing.