Working as an assistant to a seasoned hairstylist can be a highly formative time in a new professional’s career. From learning firsthand how the business is conducted to studying coloring techniques, there is a lot of information to absorb. We asked our Instagram followers what advice they have for new salon assistants.
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Working as an assistant to a seasoned hairstylist can be a highly formative time in a new professional’s career. From learning firsthand how the business is conducted to studying coloring techniques, there is a lot of information to absorb. We asked our Instagram followers what advice they have for new salon assistants.
@naeemahlafond:
Work hard, leave your ego at home, be your own competition and absorb all the information. Don’t let people treat you horribly—respect and humane treatment are nonnegotiable.
@tammymason:
A stylist is only going to tell you things that will help keep and satisfy clients. Put the phone down, smile and listen. PS: Some instruction the stylist gives you is not from the stylist; it may be feedback from the client who is scared to tell you themselves.
@celestethestylist:
I was terrified to mess up as an assistant. So if you feel this way, I get you. Be open to learning and trying new things even if you are scared. Being new doesn’t mean you don’t have skills to give. I am so grateful for doing things scared half the time. It gets better (anxious human over here).
@sharon.simplyinsane
Don’t get taken advantage of!
@beautybusinessguide:
Be kind even when others are not.
@samburnsbiz:
Come prepared. Come early. Come happy. Stay late. Clean as you go. Smile a lot. Dress professionally. Have fun.
@amandazextensions:
Find an artist or salon with an actual assisting/apprentice program that has a time frame, structured hands-on training, business training and someone you really connect with who has a passion for teaching.
@raestantonhair:
Take everything in and be open to coaching. Things will feel awkward and intimidating, but this process helps you get ahead. Don’t be afraid to ask every little question that pops up, too.
@hairbyshantelle:
Don’t forget the head massage. The tip money adds up, honey.
*Posts edited for length and clarity.
@alicia.mce.hair:
You will make mistakes. Learn from your mistakes and don’t let them bring you down.
@anthonybarnhillhair:
It’s an amazing learning opportunity but it’s also still a business, so don’t forget to keep your ears open to how conversations go with clients, retail suggestions, prebooking, everything. You’re there to learn everything you can. So even on days where it seems like the same old, same old—Guess what? That’s how it is as a stylist, too. Knowing what you’ll know will keep those same old, same old booties in your chair and open for potential new booties, too.
@hairflowstudio:
Keep your head down, be humble and do what you must with intention—no matter how small the task or whether you think it’s important or not. Use all your free time to watch the stylists and ask questions. Be a sponge.
@stephhstyles:
I like to say, “There are almost always six ways to grandma’s house.” You will learn different ways to create something (foiling, placement, etc.). Watch it all and take it in with an open mind. Every method you learn you will extract something from, and it will become your way.
@wesdoeshair:
Just say yes and don’t complain.
@jesscernahair:
Be on time… Actually, be early.
All-Star Assistants
While becoming a salon assistant is a huge step in a stylist’s career, it is also an important move for the seasoned pro themselves. We spoke with Beauty Launchpad educators Ashlie Marmo, Hana Norris, John Nguyen and Cameron Kepford about what they look for in an assistant and advice for making the most out of this opportunity.
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is your advice for new salon assistants?
Ashlie Marmo (AM): Find a salon that specializes in what you want to do. Go in wanting to learn everything from the proper way to drape a client to shampoo—these basic things are the foundation to becoming a great stylist.
Hana Norris (HN): All egos aside, know your place. You are still learning to be the best stylist you can be. This is the time to learn. You were hired to make the person who hired you look good and assist in making the overall production run smoothly. In addition, treat clients like you want to be treated. Your position is to go the extra mile to make the experience amazing.
John Nguyen (JN): Assistants have chosen a very rewarding career. There’s no shortcut to becoming a successful stylist. Always watch or assist other stylists’ work and learn from them. Take additional classes online or in person. Have a hair Instagram page and be active on that page.
Cameron Kepford (CK): Stay hungry. Practice everything you see and learn on mannequins and models. Pay attention to details and be a beacon of positive energy.
BLP: What do you look for when selecting a hairstylist to assist you in the salon?
AM: I want someone who asks questions—lots of them. This shows me they want to learn. I’ve worked with many assistants over the years who were lazy, which often signals they don’t have the ambition to learn or grow as a stylist. We all start from the bottom and work our way up.
HN: I look for someone who is a self-starter, motivated, positive and confident without cockiness. It is important to accept constructive criticism. Assistants should be career-driven, enthusiastic and want to excel professionally, and in return, they keep their mentors on track. It’s a win for all involved.
An efficient assistant can look ahead and anticipate what comes next. They should always be prepared because not everything goes as planned. They should keep the work area clean with extra towels, foils and tools readily accessible.
JN: I like hiring assistants straight out of beauty school; personally, I feel they’re most eager to learn. My most important policy is that they must be on time—preferably 15 minutes before our day starts. Following the dress code (black, always) is a must for me, and their hair must be done prior to arriving at the salon.
CK: Energy, presentation, communication skills and client awareness (read: not blowing hair toward the face or being too rough).
BLP: How can spending time as an assistant benefit a stylist’s career in the long run?
AM: Starting out as an assistant is a great way to learn and grow. The opportunity teaches many techniques and tips that will help budding pros determine the type of stylist they want to be. Nothing is better than learning firsthand next to a stylist who has been in the game.
HN: Being a salon assistant can help one’s career long-term by building confidence, learning technical skills and teamwork. Anything you take away from an experience is valuable. Communication, technical and business skills as well as boundaries are all essential for success.
JN: I don’t know any of my colleagues or other successful hairstylists, including myself, who didn’t start out as an assistant. It is so important to be surrounded by and work for busy stylists to learn the ins and outs of the industry.
CK: Development. Spending time as an assistant can create a beautiful foundation for future careers. I personally believe that this depends on the mentor. If the assistant is in a toxic setting, the foundation can be broken. There is responsibility in being a mentor to an assistant. Seeing positive attributes, techniques, social skills, presentation and willingness can catapult an assistant into a successful career.
