Wedding day hair a real story.

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. Created as a source of advise education knowledge skill experience

preparing hair planning Up-do

As I played with my daughter's hair whilst trying to find that perfect look for her trying to make her have an elegant sophistication I was drawn to the reminder of the very fact that this for a young women is that child hood dream her dream come true. Hair. Makeup .Beautiful Dress. That happy ever after.
I was also and have been as a Dad. For some time been reflecting on the passing of time how quickly we went to baby bouncer to this. As of now it's official my little girl is married and all grown up!

Any way I digress but well worth a ponder and a mention.
Moving on we have to remember that peek wedding time for me was around 1978 to mid eighties, remember the hair wash leave perms! The Purdy cut. Blow dried hair  lots of volume. Lady Di look a likes. How topical this of all weeks with a Royal wedding in London. Congratulations to the couple.

Starting to build a shape

One big wedding I attended comes to mind clients name changed ! This particular wedding was a big event months and months of planning and hair growing.
But a true story all events happened: 
The plan here for Lucy was an up do very elegant  it had to show off the family tiara a very Breakfast at Tiffany Audrey Hepburn look. Any way i arrived at this country house/mansion  huge iron gates, gravel drive way oh my good it was a true family estate peacocks running around the chapel was it the grounds,
Parking area allocated, Helicopter paid marked out. Marquee the size of a big top right down to wooden floor laid down and me still not fully comfortable with weddings all the fuss pomp ceremony.
Although I has pretty much conquered the fear of the up do. I had replaced it with the resentment of the event the ceremony! Being on reflection a little discourteous and unprofessional.
I would usually arrive in a pair painters white bib brace work pants or an old aviator flight suit basic casual - work man!  oh they were very fashionable at the time .why did i act this way  I now wonder ! To carry this irreverence on I would have all my kit in a black plastic bag grab it from car arrive with it the slung casually over my shoulder. [quite dreadful] and really un-professional. I did thankfully eventually get over rebellion embrace and enjoy the privilege of being part of this special day. I did  get a camera case for my tools and dress smartly!! In some cases even attended the event with those very special client I would wave the fee as a wedding gift never expected and I loved doing it!

slowly work on the hair to create the look

 I would intentionally park in the wrong place. In this case walking towards this monster stately home gravel drive peacocks running around.  The huge  stone stairs up to the front no door bell! just about to pound on the door and it swings open! The butler! good morning may I help you. looking down his nose! or so i thought . yes say's I. I'm here to do Lucy's hair very well I will inform her you are here the trades man entrance is around the back, Is that your car he then says? yes kindly move it to the allocated car park!
Well now biting my cheek took a little breath and said firstly I am not a trades man I do not do back doors the car is parked so I can get away once done before the wedding starts! So please tell Lucy I am here if she wants her hair done! Again how rude of me! With that an up stairs window fly's open and loud voice shouts down my name followed by oh so glad your hear come on up would you like a glass of champers!
 In I go past the butler still looking a tad put out. Up this huge stair case in these time it was fashionable to slightly different artistic creative yet none conforming so I had a novelty value the plan was do the hair of the Bride I tried not to do the bridal party to many heads ! In this instance it was the Up-do but then i had to hang around until the formal part of the wedding was over and then cut all of her hair off one to shock her friends this was so much about out doing each other bigger and better you know leaving in a helicopter or hot air balloon!
It was also being cut off for the three week beach holiday have to admit she did look better with short hair.

Shape starts to form

The Up-do went quite smoothly fear had been dealt with many practice sessions so it became easy I looked like I was in control yes a big act! yes but key to keeping the bride relaxed as she trusts what I'm doing.

The hair is up. Make up on I get to help with the dress. I forgot to mention hairdressers get away with murder when it comes to dressing the bridal party the thinking being we are all gay. Half naked top less did not really matter I would help get into do up the dress do up buttons  arrange the train.
If a photo session was called for spread out dress for different shots take charge.

different look and shape

shape from texture form

This was as I have indicated a huge and formal wedding so photo's on the stairs in the main hall now with all the staff looking on yes butler too!!ha ha revenge was mine as he admired my work!

The chapel was in the grounds but i now find out a horse and carriage ride away the guest and the press are all there! Father. Dad. Lord of the manner giving her away nice chatty man but no way is he going to help her in or out of the Carriage with that dress I now have a new role help her into the carriage load very carefully the long silk train careful not to wrinkle it then load myself climb in on the floor! Oh yes the only way this works is if i have my head up the brides underskirt well.
How to get to know your client and bride ping her garter! The fathers asked if I am ok on the floor ? slightly nervously tells me how thankful he is for my assistance. Yes I assure him that I am fine it's not every day that I get to put my head up a brides skirt! He laughed this was going well,we had broken the ice.
Lucy giggles ! I asked  how do you think the groom would be if he knew I had my head up the dress of his soon to be wife! ha ha
Well once at the chapel the door is opened foot man opens the door ! The step folded down I appear from under the dress the press taking pictures help the bride down spread out the train the and formality of the this splendid event returns. But for a brief time in that carriage it was funny we were equal drawn to together by the event and the situation. She looked amazing. I was proud of the look Dad was very proud.This is what weddings are about Princess for the day.

finally a shape that works for me and the Bride.

The rest of the day went with out a hitch I hung around had a walk in the grounds I don't do weddings.I was always invited as a guest but hey I am doing a job and being paid very well paid so would not cross the line of business and pleasure maybe why I never dressed for the event!
The time came the dress came of the hair came down and I had 20 mins to cut all her hair off into a funky sort wash and go look hair flew all over the room nothing like audience to encourage you to through hair around we went from half way down her back to maybe 2inches in a very short space of time, again all done what a transformation she now puts on her going away suit all done. Just as she is leaving to rejoin the reception I get a big hug a kiss and many many thanks your amazing oh and send Daddy the bill won't you!!
I'm on my way another wedding another day another story The butler opened the door as I left with my plastic bag of tricks and the car is still out front! a good day.
With planning fear can be over come and for me with a bit more time embracing and enjoying the event the brides special day for it was not about me it is and was about the bride her day!
In my case now my daughters big day maybe this day was what it's all been for experience.
I have on a number of occasions become close friends of a bride and it would be fitting to give her as a wedding gift my time and service as my thank you for her support over the years, for me these gestures make what we do so worth while,  A long way from the hairdresser rebel!
Why today to post this article.Well it was this wedding day experience. This open welcoming family that opened my eye's to accept that it's the Brides day it's a Dad giving away his daughter be it a Lord or a normal working class person. Its the same My role is to be professional to think how much of an honor it is to be a small part of this day. It was this day the boundaries of class distinction and stigma came down for me.
It was the day I started to enjoy embrace and attend the Weddings of my clients when invited.
I became a better and more professional hairdresser and person.
In closing we as stylist have to remember that we offer a service it's our skill and creative talent that we are relying on. But we must remember that humility and understanding the magnitude of the day will keep us grounded and sympathetic to the Brides and her families needs in what can be a very emotionally charged day.

Again Congratulations to the Royal couple
I have very much enjoyed re living this day and sharing it with you.
Mike B2MR
                                                http://www.back2myroots.co.uk/

Wedding day

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

Well the day starts bright and early.

 After Months of practice and working together the big day has arrived and up it goes.

Working towards the finished look a touch of blue just for a little edge.

Vintage Rolls Royce ready to carry the bride.

Arriving at the Ceremony for the service.

The happy couple now Mr and Mrs.

Cup cakes how topical and a very happy couple.

 Well this was a pictorial story of a wedding day that is the closing of this weeks postings all around weddings. Working with the Bride.Being creative. Celebrating the day. As hair dressers we have so much power over this day it is our job our role to make sure it runs smoothly and the brides looks and feels like a princess for a day.
For me as the father of the Bride my daughter Emily Kate.It was even more of a journey we tool together.
Many thanks to Emily now happily married love Dad .

The dark side of hair colour:

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR
 A place to share thoughts review hair colour and products, techniques

If you’re are  like so many not blessed with natural blonde sun kissed hair or maybe your unfortunate enough to be cursed with true natural blonde! Maybe you want to tone down your hair one of the best ways to do this without walking out of the salon looking like you just put a wig on your head is to have Demi-permanent hair color  this form of colour leave the hair looking more natural the deposit offering more tone and dimension but has a translucent look to it.

                                                           The big question Why?

Permanent or Demi deposit:
Permanent hair color both lifts you own hair whilst deposits color into your hair.  If your hair is lighter than your target colour there is no need to “lift” your hair  it will introduce unwanted warmth and may damage it . Demi-permanent hair color is easier on the hair but the deposit is deeper than traditional semi permanent colour.

                                     

Demarcation lines or  re-growth:
A demi-permanent color will help ease the growing out process because it doesn’t create a stark line in contrast with your natural hair color so long as the correct shade is chosen  as it fades, the lines get a little blurred this form of colour blends and really supports the growing out process.

Transitioning:
It helps you to transition to a darker shade if you are unsure about going darker.  In many case a Demi  colour application will last longer than a permanent hair color  due to the fact your not introducing the peroxide and thus lightening part of the colour equation to the hair, it will help the “going darker” process since  hair previously made blonde hair often times needs to be “filled.”  Basically, bleached hair is like a sponge as easily as it soaks up color it loses color.  (Keep in mind that this is also why low light's fade more quickly the more blonde you get in your hair).
A Demi application will help to fill in the gaps so when you do choose to go darker there is something already in the hair for the color molecules to hold on to.
Should you hair be naturally light but you want to try going a shade or a few shades darker the same applies you don't need a permanent formulation.

It's all about change:
It’s an opportunity to have fun.  You can try different tones and different colors without having to worry about it lasting as long as normal hair color.  You can make your hair a “chocolate” brown or you can give it some warmth and make it a “golden brown” or even “auburn.”
Always consider where you natural level sits on a shade chart and how many shades you want to darken it by, also consider that a change in colour will effect skin tone and choice of make up!
A Demi formulation slowly fades out but constant use of this formulation can build up and create a more permanent demarcation line.

Hopefully you enjoy playing with your the darker side! of your hair, that is.  What’s color  do you wish you could achieve with your hair? Or do you like your natural color?
Its all about choice making one and living or maybe embracing the consequences!

Thanks Mike B2MR

Hair stylist hair colour and product information

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

What do you know about Formaldehyde?
What do you know about Ammonia and MEA ?

Some facts for us all to know and so i thought I would share some chemistry with those who might be interested. We owe it to ourselves our work mates and our clients to be informed. We have to make the right choices and also pass on the right information.

What do you know about Formaldehyde?  Yes it's found in many of the keratin relaxer!

What is Formaldehyde? What are the risks?
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature. It has a pungent, distinct odor and may cause a burning sensation to the eyes, nose, and lungs at high concentrations. You are exposed to small amounts of formaldehyde in the air. It occurs from both natural and man made sources although combustion is the largest source. There is usually more formaldehyde present indoors than outdoors and is often used as a preservative. Formaldehyde is irritating to tissues when it comes into direct contact with them. Some people are more sensitive to the effects of formaldehyde than others. The most common symptoms include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, along with increased tearing, which occurs at air concentrations of about 0.4–3 parts per million (ppm). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states that formaldehyde is immediately dangerous to life and health at 20 ppm. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that formaldehyde may reasonably be anticipated to be a human carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that formaldehyde is probably carcinogenic to humans. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that formaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen.  Given its known health risks, it is important to limit exposure to formaldehyde especially in high and repeated concentrations.

What are other names for Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is also known as methanal, methylene oxide, oxymethylene, methylaldehyde, oxomethane, formalin, aldehyde, formic aldehyde, formol, biformyl, glutaraldehyde, ethyl alcohol, methylene glycol, glyoxal and new kid on the block Octanal is known as an aldehyde C-8 which is a formaldehyde based preservative.

What do you know about Ammonia and MEA ? Used as the active Alkaline in hair colour?

Monoethanolamine and Ammonia Fact Sheet

1. Monoethanolamine (MEA) is a stable alkaline liquid.

 2. Ammonia is a gas. 

3. MEA has a larger molecule than ammonia, which means it is less volatile. 

4. MEA does not give off gas when used in hair colour. 

5. Ammonia gas is given off when used in hair colour.

6. Ammonia gas can dissolve in water to form Ammonium Hydroxide, which is highly corrosive. This can occur on the skin, eyes and lungs if large enough amounts of gas are released. (Source MSDS sheet from Airgas Inc.)

7. The Danish government has banned the mixing of ammonia colours in the salon. They have to be mixed under an extraction system in a separate room.

8. The symptoms associated with specific ammonia concentrations are as follows:

0.6ppm-53ppm 25ppm-50ppm

Odour threshold. Irritation of the eyes and mucous membrane, which can be tolerated for several hours. Immediate irritation of the throat which may be tolerated for 1 hour.

100ppm-150ppm (Source MSDS sheet from Airgas Inc.)

9. Ammonia in small doses does not present a health risk.

10. Prolonged exposure of ammonia does present a health risk.

11. Many colours, including Matrix, use ammonia and monoethanolamine.

12. The argument that MEA has not been used long enough to be judged “safe” is completely untrue, it has been used for at least 30 years in hair colour.

13. There is no proof that ammonia washes off the hair and that MEA does not.

14. Tints of Nature uses oleic acid in the formulation specifically to neutralise MEA, so even if the colour was not washed off correctly, the MEA has been neutralised and would have no adverse effect on the hair.

I hope having read this it was helpful maybe pushes a few buttons raises some questions? If so seek out the answers ! We all have choice.

Mike B2MR

Wedding day hair Consultation practice honesty.

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR

                                                             A place to share thoughts.

As Stylist's having the honour  to work with a client on her wedding day should be seen as an honour.For it is such a special day in the eyes of any bride to be. But this honour should not be taken lightly or seen a away to make some extra cash!!! Are you good enough are you up for the task and all that can and will face you . Emotion stress family pressures. Creating that perfect look.
As stylist's we all our basic skill and knowledge we then have the things we love that we excel at could be colouring cutting. How often do we think about our weaknesses? How often do we face  the fact that we need to learn new skill or up date what we have?
Wedding hair has to be of those really skilled in the art of dressing hair! Are you?

                 How are you at putting up hair? do you have the skill? The patients. The Creativity?

The skill re leave college and any said academy with are for the most part so basic colouring cutting and Up-do's a safe set to get you bye but i implore you take the time to hone these skills especially if you intend on promoting your self as a wedding up-do specialist and charging accordingly.

I think that as mentioned so many times the initial honest consultation is key to success honest sharing a vision working out a time table for practice sessions colouring if needed a calender to work with.

Stress to your client that the first session is getting a feel for the hair how it moves lies bends folds, yes it does all this , I firmly believe that hair indicates where it wants to lie how the shape forms all we have to do is watch feel.

A wedding a day a celebration possible the one of the biggest days in any Womens life For any couple a huge day life changing a huge commitment the start of a new journey a new chapter.
All this aside for a women it's so much more it's the event the ceremony. The reception. It's fancy dress it's being the center of attention princess for a day!
Taking the social side and relationship side away for a moment to talk about wedding hair, One can not talk about wedding hair without considering the following. Dress. Makeup Headdress. Theme. Size of event,  Location. Number of guests. Budget. Brides expectations.Oh and HAIR!
Being involved in a wedding is very special it can be stressful for a stylist because of all the stress and expectation around the event, so first question can you cope? Do you like doing wedding hair?
If the answer is no! Take my advise. Don't get involved it's not fair , it's about so much more than a big money day!! It's emotional, It's charged with stress. As stylist's we need to be in control cool calm collected.

                                         It's Wedding day:

A day to celebrate if well planned rehearsed short cuts can lead to nightmares!

This is of course written from a hair point of view but the same can follow through planning of this special day.
Planning for hair starts with knowing the date the time frame having a consultation agree some understanding of a look plan a schedule to work towards make sure that you and your stylist are on the same page you feel confident in what they suggest. [don't feel bullied]

First of all the colour for the big day if hair colour is part of the look these days normally it is to some degree. During the consultation discuss vision goals expectation, how many times will we have to colour from this first meeting until the day.
For me High-lights should be done to grow out as naturally as possible tones and shades that work with skin tone eye colour the hair's natural base shade.
If we are talking colour is it all over solid are we thinking highlights?

So to the look
Make sure your stylist likes putting hair up, also get a quote for the big day like all aspects of weddings the price suddenly goes £££££££! I don't agree with this i think as a stylist it's part of your journey with your client! hey I've given them the up do a wedding gift!
So many stylist resort to hot irons curls and those nasty little white flowers! work with what you have consider will it last all day last through all those pictures. weather is also an unknown!
The way the hair is arranged and done on the day of the wedding is an integral part of the perfect look  Remember that all eyes will be upon the bride from the moment she steps from the wedding car and walk to the aisle towards your groom. So it is important that she looks stunning from top to bottom.
As a hairdresser consider how your clients looks! consider the dress, the neck line a look that compliments and makes her look her best!

As stylist we have a huge responsibility here we can make or ruin this day no pressure ha!
So much to consider to help make the bride look and feel her best consider bone structure the dress cut high collar or plunging  in some cases we might even have to advise on a look in a tactful manner if weight is an issue. The only goal is to make the bride look great feel great your the professional  honesty consultation practice all key to success.

Same thing applies when choosing a hairstyle for you to wear on your wedding day but with an extra factor to consider. Aside from the shape of your face, your wedding hair style and your hair accessories should also be in harmony with your wedding dress for the perfect bride’s look.   
[a great deal of expectation on you the stylist].
So for me I love putting hair up i also like classic looks that stand the test of times! but it's not for me to do what i like what I feel comfortable with. It's for me to listen advise maybe do a few different looks until we start to get an idea of the final look, many Brides start off with a preconceived idea born from dreams and in some cases collected from magazines we have to work through this. Practice sessions, honest communication, consultations, commitment to working together to an agreed time frame.

We can also advise the bride to be. On places to research looks, there are a lot of hair style pictures which they can collect and review from fashion magazines and online sites.
Online sites may be more preferable as they have special features that allow you to determine your facial shape. You can choose from model matching your personal facial features and skin tone or you can also upload your photo and try out different hair styles. This may sound extreme but in the end it all helps!
For long hair and a dress with elaborate back details, i would normally try and advise an up do for  it last longer and stands the test of time but again we have to consider the the brides wishes the hair type as well,
The hair may be curled for a more romantic bohemian medieval  look but i would not suggest this on fine hair that takes hours to curl and may well not last the day. It may also be braided with flowers then swept off the neck to be able to move freely and look fresh up to the reception.
For short hair, tiaras would be a wonderful accessory to wear in place of a veil. Other alternative accessories to make short hair stunning for the wedding are dazzling hair pins or a flower clipped to the hair or stuck behind the ear.

So in this instance having decided on an up do, things to practice and consider
First stage build a base so it's firm and feels comfortable at this point note how the colour works with the look if hair, having prepared the hair we now have to play at this point there is no right or wrong it's getting a feel for the hair playing finding that look!

First attempt above ok but not quite the look I am hoping for a little saggy a little tight but loving the high-lights and low lights they work very well together blending really well with the un-coloured area underneath, after a third attempt you should start to get the look soft yet sleek with lots texture shows off the colour and it works with the client our Bride to be! so it's a process your involved in it's not just taking a booking for a wedding without being involved. it not fair to you or the Bride.

So finally how does our bride to be feel this is key are they HAPPY? if not take it down start again or agree to call it a day but book another session.

As a stylist or client if you cannot get the look you want or don't fell comfortable find some one else or try another stylist.
As a stylist or client if the chemistry is not their pull out Wedding days are full of stress do you like that can you cope with it!

As a foot note the above has been fun to put down as an exercise but think on this.

How much more pressure can be on any stylist? Well consider being father to the bride and Stylist and my ex-wife is attending! No pressure!!!!!
We did find the final look but i will post that in the coming days as this is wedding hair week.

After all that practice take it down relax oh and your left with all that volume! and a smile .


One hopes it's a good day all round.
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

Salon service . That bit extra

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

A true story relayed to me of an experience.

A friend was growing out her hair but like so may women new that part of this process was regular maintenance a trim.  although the model in the picture is not the one in the case example provided the issue was the same and addressed to correct.

Having booked an appointment at the salon a well known and much respected establishment the day arrive she arrived at the salon and met her stylist . Explaining that she was growing out her her and layer and only wanted trim.

The young stylist went ahead and started cutting quite large amount seemed to be coming off up on  completion the result was a re layered much to short cut .
What to do leaving the salon trying to put on a brave face not wishing to make a fuss! This happens oh so often.

Before I carry on. I raise the question Consultation listening to the clients wants. Maybe doing what they request!  Is it that hard?

Upon getting home and seeking advise from a friend. It was decided to call the salon and ask to speak to the manager A call was put through to the receptionist  who although helpful said the manager is out today But here is her home number!  Odd thinks i does this happen a lot?

At the friend rather loathed to call and bother manager home but then thinking hey they gave me the number. So full of courage and still upset the call is made.

The Manager could not have been more helpful and concerned. Offering full refund instantly but also wanting an opportunity to right this wrong! Suggesting a different salon with a very experienced stylist to try and sort this out.
A new appointment booked this new stylist went out of his way to resolve the issues a re cut and change of style was the only way forward.But very attentive and professional and caring .the out come armed with a new look not planned, but so much happier with some complimentary products she left much happier. So the salon refunded. Re did and offered token of products.
Out come wil she go back ,to the first stylist no never the the second stylist and the salon chain yes.
I client served and saved .This is a fine example of customer service and great salon policyIt should not have happened in the first place but it did but so more importantly they took responsibility and sort to resolve the issue.
Well done the salon and the manager who are they AXIS Vancouver BC Canada.

We can all learn a great deal from this example of addressing a situation taking control and putting the clients needs and interests first.  Service. Consultation.Communication. skill.

Mike B2MR