First of all, Im a dude. Im a newly licensed stylist in Ohio and Ive had alot of interviews. I dress up, im polite, and im nice. BUT, it seems NO salon will hire me because I have no experience? SORRY!

I dont want to assist a stylist and be their little ***** for a year. Any advice? Should I move?

Ok SHANNA I never assisted either.  so what do you make, $12?  I don't have an attitude, apparantly you are not reading ALL THE THREADS FROM ALEX.  So don't act like you KNOW EVERYTHING, YOU DON'T.  I SAAAAAAAAAAAID IF YOU WANT TO MAKE MONEY AND LEARN FASTER, IT IS BETTER TO ASSIST.  IF NOT, IT WILL TAKE YOU LONGER TO LEARN TO BE SUCCESSFUL ON YOUR OWN.  i SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSAAAAAAAAAAAID I WISH I ASSISTED.  BUT I DIDN'T.  ASSISTING FOR A SUCCESSFUL STYLIST IS WORTH MORE THAN ANY BEAUTY SCHOOL OR HAIR SHOW CAN GIVE YOU.  If you don't realized THAT, then you are a know it all (know nothing) just like ALEX

Also, I HOPE SOMEONE DOING HAIR FOR 12 YEARS KNOWS MORE THAN SOMEONE GETTING OUT OF SCHOOL.  IF THEY DON'T THEY ARE IN THE WROOOOOOOONG BUSINESS! 

AND YOU KNOW WHAT?  THERE ARE STYLISTS THAT HAVE BEEN DOING HAIR FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS THAT HAVE NEVER RAISED THEIR PRICES.  To THINK YOU KNOW EVERYTHING, IS TO KNOW NOTHING.  AFTER 17 YEARS OF DOING HAIR, I STILL TAKE CLASSES 4 TIMES A YEAR.  SO BE A DUMMY IF YOU WANT!  ALEX YOU ASKED FOR ADVICE.  i AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT TOLD YOU YOU HAD A NASTY ATTITUDE.  so if you think it is me, then you REALLY ARE FREAKING STUPID!

The man said he doesn't want to assist! So what's with all the blah blah blah blah blah on assisting... and the # of years that you've been a stylist has no reflection on your quality of work, success as a stylist, or the $$$ that you make.

xalexx, It seems that you need to change the way that you approach  salons.  Be confident in your appearance, approach, and attitude.  Show some style and personality.  If they say thet they want you to assist first, that's one thing, but the no experience excuse(I feel) is bullsh**!  It is an easy way to tell a stylist that "I don't want you working in my salon."  If you decide to move, then your just gonna get the same response in a new city.  From reading your posts(all threads) it sounds like you are approaching salons with this hard to describe attitude that I find in a lot of newly licensed stylists.  Stay positive and don't get discouraged!

...and not to sound sexist, but to me, it's easier for us(guys) to get a job at a salon than it is for women~

thanks hotlocks,

you make a very good point above. i have only been licensed for a couple months now and i think that you have a good outlook. i wish people wouldnt get so offended, its just constructive critism. i am looking to learn new things everyday.  we all learn new things everyday. i think people should see that. its so easy to take things the wrong way in posts because there is no tone of voice just words and posts. just look on the bright side everyone and the more you learn each day will only make you better at your skill, so good luck to everyone out there.

cosmo

I love this business in the aspect of creating and hair in general.  I've on both sides of the spectrum.  If looking for a job I will visit salons and look and observe before I even ask for an application.  If you don't feel comfortable in the salon...walk and I've looked elsewhere.  You can feel the mood immediately when you walk in a salon!  Reception, staff, customers & atmosphere. 

But with hiring I found I look at personality and drive before any experience.   I feel you can teach an old dog new tricks, and I feel you can train anyone with the right supervision & vision.  Your personal attitude is what gets you the job.  Yes it is personal.  But that is the way the world works.  Your stylists are a reflection of you!  If people are threatened by you or your attitude, in this business it becomes very negative!  NO  JOB for you!  BE yourself and hopefully one day the sun will shine on you...

Just look in another direction.  Alot of salons look for someone they can mold too.  Your best bet is a chain, or really look into all the salons.  Don't give up...this business is so frustrating on so many levels.

The chains: Gclips Supercuts Costcutters...etc.  You can really make money & tips and they all send you to continual training to learn "their"  nitch.  But it's really good experience on all levels...  

It's tough on all of us when we first start out. I would suggest a faster paced, not too expensive place with a lot of walk-ins for your first job. A place like (but not these places exactly) Hair Cuttery or a Regis type of salon. You can be a stylist, even get benefits and build your clientelle doing all of the services you want. I understand the whole not wanting to assist thing. This is what I did and I gained tns of experience and can now work in any type of place I want.

Good-luck!!!

I got an email that said this thread got a reply...I didnt know it would still be active after 2 years. I have to say, I was a real dumb**s right out of school. Yeah.

Welcome back.  Please take a few moments to read over the board rules in the green box above.  Post edited, please no bad language on the boards.  This is a professional forum.  Thanks!

Cindy Farr Hester  Asst Moderator

So Alex, did you get a job?   I really don't post on these boards much either.   I just started to check back into them though and see that alot of the reasons I left are gone.   Interesting to say the least!   

Where are you working??  Did you find what you were looking for or did you assist for a bit?    Just curious...........

I actually moved to Florida to get away from the midwest winters, and because Ohio has reciprocity with Florida. I was working at a Regis salon and through a client, met someone else that was looking for a band.

I worked there probably 6 more months, and then left to start playing shows full time. The bands not together anymore, and now Im back in school pursuing a bachelors degree in business. I never thought doing hair would have taken me down this odd path in life.

Dear colourthis-

Welcome back to the BTC Talk Back Boards!  Please take a few moments to read over the board rules above.  I am glad you find the boards more to your liking now :)  We look forward to your participation.

Cindy Farr Hester  Asst Moderator

Why thank you Cindy!    It's good to be back.  

Good Luck to you Alex.   And yes-this profession can definitely take you down some different paths can't it!