Any advice for a newly qualified stylist?

[EvaLily]

Hi Everyone

I'm new to this site and looking for some advice and support.

I qualified in hairdressing 18 months ago. I have been doing mobile clients since then and 5 months ago I started in a successful salon 2 days a week, doing unpaid work and observing/asking questions to increase my skills and gain salon experience.

I have since been offered a chair on a self employed basis. The main problems I have are:

1 - I am struggling to gain clients. The other stylists have 20+ years experience and have a well established client base. I have tried offering discounts and putting a poster in the window but this does not seem to attract loyal clients, just people after a cheap cut.

2 - I have a real confidence problem and don't know how to get over it! I think my lack of confidence comes across to clients and sometimes my hands even start to shake which obviously looks awful.

I think I'm relatively good at cutting but need more practice in other areas. I'm lucky that the other stylists and the salon owner are very supportive.

Has anyone got any tips or advice for me?

Thank you in advance!!

 

[dazzleuk]

You need confidence in yourself in order to portray confidence.. believe in yourself and know that every client that sits in your chair will leave happy. If you cannot believe this you will struggle. This was the best advice I was given 18 years ago it truly works... u just need to believe in yourself first ;-)

 

[EvaLily]

Thank you Dazzleuk, that sounds like good advice.

I am normally confident in most areas of my life - but for some reason I have lost it when it comes to hairdressing. I am a worrier and I tend to overthink things which doesn't help. I am old to be coming to the industry too (34) which may or may not be relevant.

 

[jenny miles]

hi, i think at some point we all lack in confidence especially when we've not long qualified. i started hairdressing at the age of 16 (20 yrs ago) and one of the girls i worked with always used to say 'its only a head of hair its not going to bite you!' and as silly as this sounds its stuck with me, you trained to do this job and your manager and work mates sound like they are all willing to help you out if need be, so dont be afraid to ask for their help even stylists with years of experience need some back up now and again!x

 

[EvaLily]

Thank you Jenny. I definitely need to sort out my confidence issues. I'll bear this in mind. It's good to know so many others feel the same.

Any advice on trying to build a client base at all?

 

[mallory12786]

I So understand, I am of 2 years of an being a stylist and it's all about confidence. It's hard when all you want to do is a perfect job and make the client happy but sometimes fears get in your way. Have faith In yourself and it wil only get better in time.
Always watch the more expierence stylist you can learn so much from them, never stop your education. Take classes, know what is always trending.
As for building a clientele it takes time but marketing yourself will help, join social networks. Use it only for business not personal give specials, show your work in pictures, give hair tips and advice, share what's trending. Another way to help is pass out business cards to your work neighbors give specials to the people that work in your area. Use a referral program with existing clients. And the best Advertisment is word of mouth, having some one always tell others how good you are and need to see you will get new clients in your chair.
Please private message me if you need help with anything
Good luck
Mal