4 Tips for Being a Great Salon Assistant

Most young stylists get their start in the beauty industry as salon assistants. In cosmetology school, budding stylists learn the fundamentals of cosmetology and all about how to pass the State Board exam, but their real education begins on the salon floor.

Working as a salon assistant is the best way to get your foot in the door at a high-end salon. It will give you the chance to sharpen your cosmetology skills, get more comfortable talking with clients, and prove yourself to the salon owners who might consider promoting you.

So what will you do as a salon assistant? Everything! That’s the best part!

Your primary job will be to assist the other stylists, which means you’ll do whatever they need you to do. This could include shampooing, drying, mixing color, and doing styling for their clients. You also need to be willing to pitch in to make sure that the salon is running smoothly. You may greet clients, help out behind the desk, book appointments, stock inventory or sweep the floor. Learn more about What You’ll Do As a Salon Assistant.

You’ll get hands-on experience working with every aspect of the salon, which is the best kind of education you could ask for. Below are some tips on how to excel in your role as salon assistant.

1. Be a Sponge – As a salon assistant, you could be working one-on-one with a single stylist, or you could assist several stylists. Everyone you work with can be your teacher. Do you want to do their job someday? Then, pay close attention. Remember, the more helpful you are to the stylists, the more they’ll be willing to go out of their way to help you learn the ropes.
2. Do Everything – There’s no job too small when you’re a salon assistant. If you’re asked to answer the phone, sweep the floors or wash towels, do it and do it with a smile on your face. Your pleasant and positive attitude will show everyone in the salon that you belong there –now and in your future.  It’s a blessing to have a chance to work on every side of the salon and the experience can only benefit you in the long run. [ctt template=”5″ link=”l7q5J” via=”no” ]If you hope to be promoted to stylist, you need to dress and act like a stylist[/ctt]
3. Act Professionally –If you hope to be promoted to stylist, you need to dress and act like a stylist. This means your hair, makeup, and wardrobe should be perfectly polished. You need to show up to work on time, with a great attitude. Don’t play with your phone or take up in salon gossip. The salon owners will be watching closely to see if you’re worthy of being promoted. Carry yourself professionally, just like a full-time stylist would, so they take you seriously.
4. Show Your Passion – Tell the salon owners that you want to be promoted and you want it badly. Better yet – show them with your actions! Show that you’re passionate about your new career, you’re willing to learn, and you’ll do whatever it takes to make it to the next level. When you show that you’re dedicated to your job in the salon, they’ll be more willing to invest in you.

Working as a salon assistant is a great opportunity for you to see what it will be like to be a full-time stylist. So make sure to take the time to really learn all you can. Can you picture yourself working full-time in a salon? Remember, though, working in a salon isn’t your only option after graduating from cosmetology school. The beauty industry offers lots of fun and exciting career paths to choose from! Check out the Top 5 Beauty Careers in 2014 for some inspiration.

Salon Success Academy is a cosmetology school with five convenient locations throughout the Inland Empire of California. The beauty school offers in-depth, hands-on training in cosmetology and esthetics, as well as extensive preparation for the State Board exam and financial aid to students who qualify. Call 877-987-4247 or fill out the form to get started today!