i started school at age 37, because hair has been a passion for as long as i can remember. I'm 44 now and have been licensed for about 4 years. please dont think i'm whining and want someone to pave me a golden path but it seems like i have had to fight twice as hard at each salon i've work at (especially high end) because of my age and in the last year and a half have lost around 50 lbs, because i know we work in 'beautiful world". so i'm asking, is it an unconcious prejudges or my own insecurity and how do i solve the problem? i am very confident in my work and abilty to do the job, but seem to get half the bookings of stylist half my age. what can i do?

How many salons have you worked in during your 4 years as a licensed stylist?

I've been a cosmetologist for 18 years now and the best bit of advice I can give you is "Stay Put". The more times you move the harder it going to be to build a client base.

Last thing, don't compare yourself to stylists unless your looking to depress yourself. But use the other stylist success as a gauge to see how you'll fair when you reach that point. Ask other stylist things like how long in the business, how long in current salon, what extra training do they have. Then you'll be able to see what kind of book you can expect to have. Some keys to think on: Talent, Stability, Availiblity

****  I have deleted the web sites listed.  They were websites to a villian game site.  This has nothing to do with our business.  You are welcome to post at our site about salon topics.  Thank you.........Cindy Farr Hester   Asst Moderator

New name for you... cause  you were sent at just the right time. Went out today to really work "Cherry Creek"(Denvers old money) shopping area and enjoyed myself alot.... Forgetting that it was Monday and alot of shops are closed. Can go back to ADC, but really don't want to specialize.So today will hit all 300 shops in that 2 mile radious. Forgot just how much I do have to offer untill I see it on paper...Can't thank you enough for kicking me in the pants....and can't wait to hear from you again.

p.s. will get that book asap...need all the help i can get!!