The dynamic's of the hair salon. The hair business.

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

Owning a salon. 

Running a successful business has many challenges yet equally can be so rewarding. You get out what you put in. As a salon owner you have to wear so many hats. Think about all the jobs you do out side of hands on hair. How do you ever find time to service your clients. Like so many salon owners is it a juggling act. Do you wish you had another pair of hands or could delegate more? Are you a leader able to delegate or are you one who keeps a tight hand on the reins? If so could this tight rein be holding you back?

Why do I raise such questions?

The dynamic's of a hair salon are quite complex for many reason's it can run either like a well oiled machine or it can stumble along never really functioning to it's full potential.Why is this? What turns function into dysfunction? When or how does it happen?

Vision goals communication:

As a salon owner or indeed as a stylist. When you started in the profession you must of had a vision of what you expected it to be like.

A vision for your salon your business that perfect salon. As a stylist maybe it was the path you had plotted for your career, your success. Take a moment are you still realising that vision or have you compromised got slightly derailed? Don't be discourage it happens without even noticing! Why? Because we are to busy being busy.We lose focus we forget the plot.

Dysfunction creeps in due to. Loss of vision. Lack of strong leadership. Communication breaks down. Collaboration between team members breaks down. Negative competition creeps in. This leads to break down in morale and so effects the working environment and atmosphere. Client can and do pick up on this! This can be cause loss of client retention and so decline in business.

What is required is positive interaction and communication! as above maybe not!

Can this be avoided?

Yes of course it can. I'm not suggesting that this is the case in every salon.What i am suggesting is it can so easily happen.To avoid this sometime professional help is required an outside opinion on how things are looking and running. This takes courage. This takes a honest look in that mirror ask your self the questions. Is my vision a reality? It's hard to be honest with yourself!!

Are you as the owner leader manager communicating with your team? Do you have the right team. Are they on board with your vision? Have you ever shared that vision with them? As a staff team member are you getting the support you would like? Is your vision of being a stylist on track? Are you a team player?

 Do you have? Regular meeting. Do you openly discuss CHANGE and IMPROVEMENT! Are you honest with each other.

Sit together have an open face to face discussion:

What is required for change:

What is required for change to happen. Honest constructive Dialogue. Collaboration. Want for change. Vision supported with Innovative thinking. Willingness to work together through the challenges to make change happen. 'COMMITMENT'.

Working in a salon being a part of a team.

Maybe your renting a chair in a salon have your own business? The above still applies,Not all competition is healthy it can become negative and destructive for all parties! We have responsibility to. Our selves. Our work mates. Very importantly our clients. To have a full understanding of the salon our workplace our shared vision our goals .To help each other reach these goals.TEAM WORK!

Then there is finding time to reflect on.

The direction you and your business are going in. The service you offer the standard of work being done. What ever your business model. How often do you take the time to reflect on any of these topic's in an honest reflective manner? We have to find time take the time to explore avenues to offer help advise guidance.Training up grades staying current with all aspects of our career and business. Seeking out and getting help and advise when required.

On top of all this. New products. New techniques. The challenges of running owning managing a business are is huge. Not to mention the managing of people staff issues it's so much to deal with. How do you? Help is at hand. All you have to do is seek it out be ready and open for change! The challenges it can bring!

Help can be found in many forms, to help and guide you on a journey to reach your true business potential.It is a partnership in as much as you still have to work face challenges make some decisions. You are guided mentored and encouraged supported all the way. Online support both audio and visual downloadable material.weekly updates and check in. Such a worth while programme that will inspire you and your team onto bigger and better. How do i know I did it!

 Below are some useful links:

Three very use books and tools all designed to inspire and challenge you to great things.
The First Piece of the Jigsaw eBook
Get Off the Sales Roller-coaster eBook
Double Your Salon Sales - or else

Link to the salon success club all the support you need to make change happen!

The Salon Success Club

Any questions please feel free to email me or post a question i will respond. Are you ready for. A new look at what you do, how and why. Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone? are you ready for a challenge?

Mike B2MR

Hairdressing: Apprenticeships training career

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR:  regular postings of fresh new topic's

Lets consider apprenticeship and the training it offers!

Is becoming a apprentice the way forward for you. Is doing an apprenticeship the best training. Will it afford you the best opportunities once you have finished your training?

Here in the uk it's fair to say that the government are very keen to promote doing an apprenticeship in most trades. many years ago I myself did an apprenticeship much has changed since those days when at the age of 16 my parents signed papers along with a salon owner committing me to a three year apprentice program. On Reflection I was cheap labor shampoo boy cleaner dogs body. Never given any opportunity to go to college day release.

These days so much has changed and standards of qualification have to be reached. So lets take a look although law's standards differ on a global scale i think the thinking is not that different from country to country.

What is an apprenticeship? 
Apprenticeships enable you to. Practically learn your trade, as well as studying to gain the theory and enable you to receive your qualification. It is a marriage of hands on work experience, as well as having time to get day release to college for your NVQ qualification. They are aimed at young people aged 16 and over, to enable them to earn money whilst gaining experience in a hairdressing environment. Equally importantly the experience gained working in salon environment is invaluable An apprenticeship in hairdressing will normally involve, you working in the salon every day bar one or two when you will be attending college. It can take up to 5 years to qualify as a hairdresser but if your committed work hard show willing this does not have to be the case. So if you have the patience and the commitment to keep at it. Then an apprenticeship would be for you, gaining the experience of salon working  at the same time as doing the college work. The alternative would be college and then having to then find, a salon to gain the experience and skills to be qualified in all aspects of the hairdressing industry.

Are you creative good with your hand? Do you like people? Are you prepared to offer service?

Why do an apprenticeship? 
An apprenticeship enables you to earn a small income.  Whilst working and gaining qualifications needed to become certified .You can use an apprenticeship to gain NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) levels which is what you need to become a qualified hairdresser The main advantage to you as an apprentice, you will also gain many years experience in the practical environment and learn communication skills, people skills, things that are not always best taught at college, as opposed to all that time studying just the theory at college. Employers like to see that their future employees are keen to learn, but also see it as away to bring new energy and levels of talent into the salon team. Because of this salon owners are usually, very keen to take on apprentices

who are committed enthusiastic and willing to work learn be a team player, it's not always easy but it can be very rewarding and fun.

Will I enjoy an apprenticeship? 
When thinking about undertaking a hairdressing apprenticeship, You should be certain that this is the career path you wish to take, hard work for little financial reward long hours. You need to be really focused to be successful, know that you will need to put in the work and organise your time really well to balance salon work, college and personal time, not always easy. I would say it's a life style choice certainly not for everyone. But the rewards can be many, in ways one cannot explain  you must be prepared. To be responsible for all aspects of your life and work ,finding time at work with studying in order to get the most out of it, this can be very challenging, its all about balance. You can’t just work in the salon and not go to college, because this doesn’t meet the requirements of partaking in an apprenticeship scheme. You should also be  prepared to be able to, work as part of a team and as an individual . Make you own choices decisions and live with the consequences for you choices hairdressing has no room for a huge EGO!

Lets face some facts! Answer some questions!

How long does an apprenticeship take? 
This can vary from 1 year to 5; it is dependent on the contract you have drawn up with your employer and on your own ability also.

As a norm 3 years of hard work should get you through to level 2NVQ,. it can take up to five years but within in this you could be, performing many salon tasks. By proving you worth and talent, some salons will promote you and give you opportunity to grow and advance, we all learn and grow at a different pace.

How do I apply to become an apprentice? 
You can call the National Apprenticeships Helpline on 08000 150600. They will provide you with information as to where your nearest opportunities are. They will advise you on the career you wish to take, they will have access to many employers and be able to advise you on where learning providers are in your area.

You can also get in touch with employers directly. Ask them if they take on apprentices or would be interested in doing so. If they do. Then they will probably arrange to meet you, as they would a proper employee and interview you, to ensure you would be a good investment for them to make.

This being said you should also make sure. It's the right place for you, ask to chat with staff members.maybe offer to do a few trial days. This is a big decision. This is a two way thing both parties have to know agree and be committed to this journey together. Not all salon owners have the best interest of trainee's at heart! Some look at it a cheap labor  so ask the right questions make a list! compare what an apprenticeship offers against college or paying to take a shorter route career path by going to a private Academy ! lots to investigate.

Become part of a team! Learn how to communicate! Maybe gain some stage presence !

  

Use the internet as a tool to help you find. Where takes on apprentices in your area. Additionally, look in your local newspaper and visit your nearest job center. You have to make sure you choose the right apprentice scheme to embark upon as well, so look upon it as finding a job. Check out you college. Find out about the courses, meet some of the instructors, just because they are qualified standards of commitment vary greatly. Make sure you do your research, before applying to ensure that you would be happy, working in the salon you choose and the college you have to attend. This is a big decision.

Explore you creativity discover your self! Hard work but endless possibilities!

Again talk with people. Ask question, read and research. I hope that my blogs help to advise and guide you with this wonderful creative challenging career. 

Mike B2MR

Blondes and hair colour

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR regular postings of fresh new topic's.

A place to share thoughts post comments and idea's on matters relating to hair colouring skill and techniques and anything industry related.



Blonde hair colour reviews:





As my re-search into hair colour blogs and new places to read reviews find helpful information I'm amazed at the content the misinformation or lack of content.
I really enjoy the sights that allow you post comments and share thoughts ones that don't edit you response.                                                                    
Below are some highlights from an article its ok but it rather lacking in informative content it does not give any real information it strokes the surface but then leaves you hanging lets take a look.
I will put the article in question in small bold print!
             

Good Colours to Dye Blonde hair:
Choosing a flattering shade or colour depends on a couple of different factors ideally you want to choose a shade that is flattering to your skin tone and eye colour. so the colour that is best for one may not be right for another. even if they both have blonde hair, luckily there are ways to decide on a colour to get the best possible results, read on to tips to help you choose.

So far so good sounds interesting agree on considering skin tone eye colour they contribute to how a colour looks.

Warm and cool
Skin tone is probably the single biggest factor in determining what colour will look good on a person  followed by eye colour, to make a decision based on these factors determines whether you are warm or cool type. The majority of natural blondes will be cool with fair skin that burns before tanning, blue or green eyes. if you have olive or golden skin that tans easily and brown eyes , you are warm.

Ok this is where i loose the plot it's way to sweeping my wife has green eyes tans easily and bright red hair! I have dark brown hair green eyes and burn inside on a sunny day! it's just not helpful it's to sweeping as a statement it confuses.

Hum so i disagree this infers or suggest what? nothing if you have olive or golden skin forget going blonde! that's going to upset a few people like half of Hollywood!

Moving on:
For cool Blondes, cool brown to ash tones will typically be the most flattering, coppery should be avoided as they bring out the red in  your skin tone.
For warm blondes look for gold and bronze tones that are darker than your skin. very light shades with brassiness can be harsh on a warm skin tone, avoid black as it will wash you skin tone out!

 Model below natural level 7 blue eyes i think the red works?

So if you have Mediterranean skin colour forget blonde. if you suntan! again far to sweeping. and what about all those amazing Italian Blondes!


Shades
A good rule of thumb is to only go two shade lighter or darker than your own skin colour,to dramatic a change can look very awkward if you are not going for a bold statement colour.
For example many people who go from very light colour to Black complain it makes their skin look very purple.this is likely because someone with naturally blonde hair would not have the right skin tone to support such a dark colour.

Well on this bases if you Dark Blonde natural level 6 guess what  if you want to go lighter you will never be blonde  two shades lighter giver you an under tone of orange! now that will not work with your skin colour will it!
Blonde to Black their are people with blue eyes and black hair! again does not go far enough to inform correctly.

Don't trust the Box:
If your going to do a home dye job,be careful not to completely trust the picture on the box!
{go figure best advise in this article so far} the picture may be misleading if the model has a different
skin, eye, colour underlying hair colour from yours. most boxes have a colour swatch on the top of the box.{always a big help} that you can hold up to your face in front of a mirror also look for key words like Ash and caramel to help you work out if it will compliment your natural warm or cool tones.
You can also do a strand test to see if the colour will work for you before you dye the entire head.

                                    To the right dark blonde natural level 6 blonde it works!

OMG! so you can tell if it's going to look good by holding the box to your face! Ash Caramel do what? do you know? are you any clearer. [think not}
Ash is designed to neutralize Orange. Caramel is what you might end up with if you neutralize orange!
Ash is not the answer to all you prayers.
My past blogs explain all the issues of tone lift colours  this was an exercise in misinformation.
Knowledge is power  A little knowledge is dangerous get informed.

If in doubt go and have a consultation with a professional stylist to get real colour advise! don't rely on half cocked info such as this. moving on lets take a look at Blondes
Blonde lets get to the bottom of it!





A good example of why we some times struggle to attain a really nice natural level of Blonde   is there are so many factors that have to be considered, first and foremost hair natural level target level the colour we want colour.

Unfortunately the over the counter box can be misleading in the way they are presented don't be taken in by packaging or the shade on the box
Some stylist just don't fully comprehend the lifting process, 
Choice of product is key be it professional or a store purchase.


Any natural level darker than level 6 this would be a [Dark Blonde] will not lift to natural Blonde level 9 it will always have a tendency to be to warm orange or yellow.


Why because of the underlying pigment exposed. With a natural level 6 expecting more than a level 9 from a permanent tint colour is still pushing things in most cases you will always be fighting warmth.
Even using a 40 volume peroxide and a high lift Tint level 9 is max although many colour companies claim 4levels of lift with 40 volume that only takes you to a 9 why?


 We have to lift through level 6 then level 7 then level 8 finally 9 so it does not go 4 levels so 6 to level 10 is an unlikely target colour

So we have to see through what some companies portray natural less harmful chemistry it is not always the case adding natural oils or waxes to protect scalp, to make application easier are all part of this process portraying that oils protect add shine.


This is why knowledge research are key and empowering when it comes to colouring hair and the choices we make on products must go beyond what the sales rep or promotion material say.

Consider this would a hair colour with a low volume of Ammonia be less harmful than products posted as being herbal natural but don't fully disclose what they have in the them or where they are sourced from i find the idea of colour that works miracles in 10 minutes should be seriously wondered about! 
It is also key to have a consultation with a stylist ask questions  i try on this site to inform both hairdressers  and the client be clear about what you want be clear about your expectation be clear about the upkeep maintenance.



I read so many articles that give misleading information or partial information on colouring,
yes skin type eye colour they are all things to consider in the consultation phase ask for swatches to be held against you face does it bring out your eyes? do the pop! home colour a part from researching the product maybe try on a wig see if it works for you!

We have products claiming to be organic all natural deep condition and so on but really think what we are asking these products to do then decide if they can be really that wonderfully healthy and natural recently i was reading about an all natural product but in its description stated a blend of all natural flowers, vegetables, with added hair dye!da it's all in the print. get informed. then go Blonde with the knowledge of what your doing or having done.
Thanks Mike