Top 5 Ways Hair Stylists Can Build Self-Confidence

Everyone finds themselves struggling with their self-confidence from time to time—and being a hair stylist is no different. If you often find yourself second guessing a decision or having anxiety with certain guests, there are a few solutions that might help. Here are five tips for building self-confidence as a hairdresser.

1. Build Up Your Education

In any professional environment, education is the foundation to self-confidence. Building your education continuously throughout your career will ensure that you’re using the latest techniques, know the trends, and are able to earn the most money. The beauty industry is always evolving and there is always something new to learn.

A strong education will naturally help you feel confident in your work so you can provide your guests with their best possible results. At Fantastic Sams, we offer education to our salons on an ongoing basis. We’re here to help our stylists keep up with the ever changing trends and become experts in a variety of service areas.

2. Develop Your Guest Consultation Skills

As a hair stylist, you have the opportunity to build your (and your guest’s) self-confidence by making sure each person in your chair loves their new look. While there are many ways this can be achieved, the first and most important step is a successful guest consultation. Consultations allow your guest to feel heard and valued. They also help you understand the end goal and develop the best strategy to get them there.

Three things that make up a great consultation:

• Active listening with a neutral face.
  Allow the guest to speak freely about their ideas without feeling judged or embarrassed. Let them know you understand what they’re saying by nodding and making eye contact. Be sure to politely ask questions for clarity if needed.
• Take notes!
  Notes keep your guest’s information organized all in one place. They are also helpful to reference later.
• Repeat key information.
  You’ll find it beneficial if you repeat some key phrases back to the guest to confirm that you’ve understood them correctly. It may even be helpful to repeat their goals using different wording, to ensure you’re both on the same page.
•  

3. Get Hands-On (Practice, practice, practice!)

As a hair stylist, you’re probably already aware that practice makes perfect. The more you practice your skills and techniques, the better they will become. Practicing as much as possible is a sure way to feel ready and confident when a guest comes to sit in your chair.

Remember to not only practice techniques but also get comfortable using different tools and various products. This gives you an idea of what works best with a range of hair types and how much time certain processes may take on different hair. You’ll find there is always something new to learn and the best way to feel confident in each new lesson is through experience.

4. Set SMART Goals

One of the most powerful ways to build lasting self-confidence in any venture is to set goals. When done correctly, goals give you a path forward, they teach you about your abilities, and they create an end point where your hard work can be rewarded. A popular method used by many is the “SMART” goal system.

Specific

Measurable

Achievable

Realistic

Time-bound

When you use the SMART system for your goals, you can define exactly what you’re looking to achieve, determine a measurable strategy to get there, and have a timeline to keep you accountable. If your goal is to gain experience in hair color techniques, then the SMART version of that goal could be to take five trend color classes within the next six months. Be specific in the goals you set, using time and other measurable markers as your guide down the path to achieving them.

5. Track and Record Your Progress

Tracking and recording the goals you’ve accomplished is a great way to keep yourself accountable, build your resume, and celebrate your successes. Whether it’s a physical notebook, a digital app, or something else entirely—use whatever makes the most sense to you and helps you easily view the progress. Finding a system that works for you is the key to staying organized. This portfolio can also be a useful tool to show potential employers or even guests when prompted. Track your goals and accomplishments to increase your self-confidence and know you’re on the path toward becoming the best hair stylist you can be.

With these five tips, you’ll be on your way to building yourself a strong career as a hair stylist and feeling confident in yourself.

Learn more about how Fantastic Sams can help you build a career as a hair stylist and give you the resources to grow your skills by visiting:

www.fantasticsams.com/salon-careers