MUST HAVE SKILLS FOR ANY HAIR PROFESSIONAL

Gege
Mar 22, 2022
5 min read

So, you’d like to be a hair professional?

Perhaps you were one of those kids who were always cutting their dolls’ hair? Perhaps you just love talking about different hairstyling techniques with your friends?

You just love hair and cannot imagine your life without it?

Well, hair styling might just be your gift. If you are considering a career as a hair professional, this article is just for you. We will together delve into the skills that any hair professional must-have. This will help you determine if a career in hair is really for you or not.

So, read on.

First, what do hairstylists do?

Hairstylists offer a diverse range of hair services, such as colouring, cutting, shampooing, and styling. Some hairstylists also braid and provide specialised services. Hairstylists use different tools such as scissors, blow dryers, hairbrushes, and flat and curling irons.

On a day-to-day basis, hairstylists typically greet clients, make them comfortable, and discuss hairstyle options. They wash, condition, treat, and colour hair; cut, dry, and style hair; make recommendations about scalp or hair problems; and possibly change hair textures chemically, etc. This is by no means an exhaustive list of what hairstylists do in one day. For hairstylists who offer and curly hair services, some of these services listed above will definitely be increased. Detangling, In-depth hair assessments, weaves, hair extensions, twists, dreadlocks and the list goes on. This is simply a snapshot of a hair professional’s typical day. Of course, some days are more typical, and some are not as typical as others.

First of all, passion is a must

The first key to succeeding as a hairstylist is to be passionate about everything that is hair. Doing the work that you and are passionate about energises you and fuels you from the inside. This is particularly important in a profession like hair styling while the hours are often long and the task is demanding.

So, what are the skills you must possess as a hairstylist?

Technical skills

Of course, the number one thing on the list is technical skills. You have to have incredible hair knowledge. No matter your soft skills, you cannot achieve much hairstyling success without the technical skills to back up your soft skills. As a hairstylist, you must be committed to learning the intricacies of several techniques. The phrase, “practice makes perfect” encapsulates what a good hairstylist is all about. You learn through practice, practice, practice until your technical skills are astounding.

Creativity

Learn all you can in cosmetology school (or wherever else you learn your hairstyling profession), and then add some creativity to all that knowledge. As a hairstylist, your clients will seek your advice on the best way to cut or style their hair. You have to understand lines and shapes and combine this with creativity to come up with the best hairstyle for your clients. Creativity is essential for keeping the job fresh and exciting.

A listening ear

As a hairstylist, you must have a listening ear. And this begins from the moment your client sits in your consultation chair. You want to be sure that you have clarified exactly what they want from the service. You want to be sure that you are on the same page. One other thing I love about being a hairstylist? Your clients want to share the ups and downs of their lives with you. Learn to show consideration by listening more than you talk. Talk when you have to, but don’t take over the conversation. And never forget to smile. No one loves a frowning hairstylist.

An ability to create reality from a client’s vision

As a hairstylist, you need to keep up with the trends. What hairstyles are reigning at the moment? But beyond keeping up with the trends, you must be able to integrate the trends into your clients’ personal styles. Your clients will definitely come in with a vision of a hairstyle they want you to execute. As a trendsetter yourself, you have to ensure that the reality you eventually create is the one that best suits your client.

Honesty and diplomacy

Your job is to make your client feel and look good. While you do not want to insult your client, you also have to be honest about what looks good and what can use a little (or much) tweaking. You want to be honest enough to ensure your client looks their best when they get out of your chair. You also want to be diplomatic enough to not hurt their feelings with your honesty.

Adaptability

We keep seeing new tools and gadgets for hair coming on the market. Trends are also forever changing. If you are not adaptable as a hairstylist, you won’t last very long.

Customer service

No one wants a sullen, bored, or angry hairstylist working on their hair. As a hairstylist, you need to be engaged, pleasant and attentive to provide the best customer service possible. This is the way to keep your clients’ happy. And remember that happy customers become return customers. They also introduce their friends and relatives.

Physical stamina and dexterity

To be a hairstylist is not a joke. You need loads and loads of energy. For one, you are on your feet for long periods. You are bending and standing and then bending again. You also have to have some level of dexterity, as you will need to use your hands to grasp small objects when styling. The ability to make coordinated, accurate, and quick movements with your hands is a must.

Cleanliness

It is a must to keep the work area clean. You also want to be fashionable and clean yourself, with a good hairstyle, neat attire, and great personal hygiene.

Self-confidence

Second-guessing yourself is never a good thing to do in front of a client. As a hairstylist, you need to be able to make quick decisions without second-guessing yourself. For example, make that new haircut with confidence, so that your clients also feel confident. Don’t forget that self-confidence is contagious.

Time-management skills

You need to be able to prioritise your time. This means managing your time efficiently, whether you are scheduling appointments or providing services. It also means avoiding overbooking clients. You don’t want your clients leaving the salon unhappy or having to wait even though they made their appointment in advance.

Teamwork

Most hairstylists work with others, and the best thing you can do is be an excellent team-player at the salon where you work. This is irrespective of whether you are the boss or a lowly hairstylist. To enjoy your job, you need to have a good working relationship with others.

Sales

Being able to sell is a non negotiable skill for a hairstylist to have. You must be able to sell the style. You must also be able to sell the salon products that the client needs to maintain the style. You must therefore be very persuasive.

Patience

Finally, you will need lots and lots of patience. You must be patient with clients. Take the time to do what the client wants. If your client is not too happy with you and snaps at you, don’t snap right back. Keep the interaction professional and try your best to leave all clients with a good experience.

In conclusion

So, how do you rate yourself?

Do you have some or all of these skills that we have looked at in this article? If you have most of them, then you are on the way to being a great stylist. What skills you don’t yet possess, you can always pick up along the way, as long as you’re willing to learn.