Why Education Is Critical For Hairstylists

By Lora Brown

Many hair stylists believe that receiving a cosmetology degree or some other initial training is adequate to build a career on. While this preliminary step is important for developing skills and landing a job, it shouldn't be the end of your education. 

Whether for personal or professional reasons, lifelong education is the key to success. This is especially true in the beauty field, where trends and customer needs are in constant ebb and flow mode.

Still not convinced that continuing education makes a difference in your salon career? Here are three concepts that will change your mind.

Staying Relevant
In an industry that is always evolving, hair stylists must stay "in the know" about current styles and techniques. It’s all too easy to succumb to the monotony of the day-to-day and never venture outside of your comfort zone, but that’s the fastest way to lose customers.

Participating in regular continuing education – both in your salon and at outside events – keeps you relevant to new and existing customers. With so many outlets to learn and stay educated on hair and beauty trends, there’s really no excuse to continue your education.

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Keeping The Spark Alive
Just as with any career, burnouts happen in the hair industry. Maybe it’s a result of working with the same people day in and day out, or maybe it happens because you lose your passion. You forget why you began this journey in the first place.

One benefit of attending trade shows and hair events is that you become surrounded by new people who remind you what you love about your career. This reignites your spark, making you a better stylist as a result.

Honing Your Craft
Working on a client’s hair is generally not the time to experiment with new techniques. But without experimentation, how can you possibly learn new things?

Educational events allow you the opportunity to try things you may not ordinarily have the chance to try. You can even fail with no repercussions. This kind of freedom releases your inhibitions and allows the creative juices to flow.

Taking Your Skills To The Next Level
One of the best ways you can improve your education is by getting some new hands-on experience. Online courses are great for learning the fundamentals, but they don't provide you with the same knowledge as you would get from practice.

Continuing education courses like the Associate Program at the Salon by Lora Brown provide you with invaluable experience you can't get through a textbook. Additionally, these programs are designed to equip you with the business skills you need to succeed in your career as a hairstylists. Many hairdressers are forced to find new lines of work. With the Associate Program, stress about finances and the future will become a thing of the past.

Find out more about the Associate Program at the Salon below.

*This post was originally published on May of 2016 but has been edited and republished for the sake of accuracy and freshness.