Advice For Hair: Recent Episodes
Emily Cain
Encouragement and guidance for Cosmetology students and Hair Stylists to stay the course with their goals. It’s not A -> Z. Each step requires positive mindset from starting cosmetology school, to finishing on time, to assisting, to creating your portfolio. This podcast helps to remind you that each 8hour day your in school- there is a lot of room to lose focus OR sharpen focus.
As a cosmetology student I’m trying my best to think of things I learned in school that as well serve me as a hairstylist.
When I explain to my clients their two very important bonds in the hair strand the disulfide bond (chemical- relates to coloring and chemical services)
and the hydrogen bond (physical- relates to styling ie blowing drying and all heat) my clients listen up!!!
They may never care about hair chemistry and they don’t even care if you REALLY care BUTthey LOVE that you know your stuff!!
In Cosmetology School and as a hairstylist the only space you need to focus on is your chair and the 3ft surrounding. In other words focuson YOU & YOUR CLIENTS!I have worked in 9 salons, and one thing has always remained true my business is my responsibility. In cosmetology school the only thing that should matter to you is your course work and your procedure work. You may make a friend of two but understand building your career is WHY you are in cosmetology school!
Yes I have made close friends in my industry like anyone at work, but if you take things too personally you will lose focus.
As Cosmetology students we are RARELY given instruction on business and business making decisions. We are about to go into an economic downturn which is GREAT while you’re in school.
Nonetheless, I remember having SO MUCH FEAR because I didn’t really do research on how economies work. For the next year and a half you’re going to wonder “The economy isn’t doing well, will I be okay?”
YES!!! Stay focused! People in your life who are OLDER stable, have great careers, manage money take their advice!! The more you know about the economy you’ll be prepared and LOSE FEAR while you’re building your business!
As cosmetology students and hair stylists we are in the SERVICE INDUSTRY which means it’s always best if we do not party too much on holidays!
HEAR ME OUT!
- These holidays there are so many ways to network just by helping people set up their events and break down their events!
It’s doesn’t matter how big or small the BBQ or party is PEOPLE appreciate HELP!
As a cosmetology student and/or as a new hair stylist I HIGHLY suggest trying to attend the LAST day of the LAS VEGAS hair show! Today!!
Many people will have stayed out a little too late or spent too much money the past couple of days!
It’s honestly such a GREAT day to newtwork and to negotiate great deals on items like aprons, flat irons, shears, BlowDryers etc. [BIG ticket items as hair stylists]
It’s always amazed me as a hairstylist how many hats I wear for someone in just a few short hours.
As a Cosmetology Student in Cosmetology School I de credited the procedures I was learning other than cutting or coloring hair.
The soft skills of listening 👂 and the magic touch of a head massage 💆 take your business further than you will ever think.
In Cosmetology School as a cosmetology student it’s really really really important that you learn to multitask and stay focused when applying bleach.
1) Mix FREASH Bleach every 30min
2) “Veils, Curtains, Drapes” (width of 1, 3, or 6 rat-tail combs)
3) LEVEL 5 or darker AND/OR it’s going to take more than 1 appointment.
COLOR THEORY is SIMPLE but NOT EASY!!
As a cosmetology student I wish I would have asked EVERY single student that was applying color to a client, “What’s the EXACT FORMULA you used in that client?”
MOST color formulas for covering gray will ALWAYS be:
Level 4-00/4NN= 20vol
Level 5-00/5NN = 20vol
Level 6-00/6NN = 20vol
Level 7-00/7NN = 20vol
FROM DAY 1 Start training your eye!!!
LOOK 👀 at the clients roots before & after!!
EVERYONE S clients NOT just your clients!
As cosmetology students, teachers, hairstylists, nail technicians, estheticians we have the world against us IN OUR MINDS…
The thing about the lies we tell ourselves is there always a very STRONG TRUTH in the 💯 LIE!
There’s never a good time to step out of your comfort zone, that’s why they call it, “A LEAP OF FAITH!”
DO NOT LETschool get IN THE WAY of your EDUCATION!!!
So much about building that arch of person confidence as a cosmetologist/ hairstylist is getting out there is PARTICIPATING in peoples lives who you do not know yet.
Be accountable for your own success and personal daily happiness today-
You CANNOT CHANGE the people around you, BUT you CAN change the people AROUND you!!
LINK for $27 Bridal Hair Course!https://www.summergracestylecourse.com/
As Cosmetology Student OR Hairstylist I make sure I’m asking myself,
“Emily, are you making this decision as a student, an employee, or a business owner?”
This question is important to ask your while your twiddling your thumbs in class!! I promise a year from now when you have you license you’ll know WHY I told you to start thinking this way!
NO ONE ever REGRETS being PREPARED!!
A HUGEpart of being a cosmetology student and hair stylist is learning the self discipline to being constructive during down time.
I share a little about my own challenges I had finding the “right” career and the curve balls like threw at me 5 years ago.
THIS industry will never let you down as long as you are continuing to practice self 💕 love!! I PROMISE YOU!!
YOU DON’T NEED A COSMETOLOGY LICENSE TO DO MAKE UP!!BUT…You DO NEED a portfolio & discipline!! Again this career is not for the people who are good at it or who deserve it- it’s for the people who do it!!
Secret- you’re not the best-
Next secret - you’re not the worst
Be honest, practice, get better
RepeatDo that for 10yrs and you’ll have a life you never dreamed of… OR MAYBE that’s Exactly what you’ll have- YOUR DREAM LIFE!!
When you’re at a hair show or scrolling through Instagram or Tik Tok either as a newer hair stylist OR cosmetology school student- DO NOT GET SOLD on GADGETS!!!
DEFINITELY scroll scroll scroll for FREE EDUCATION!! I’m going to give you a great secret the MORE you feel out of watching educational videos the better your understanding of creating a specific look becomes!
IBS Las Vegas Hair Show!!! (Link below)https://www.ibslasvegas.com/
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You DO NOT have to BUY a ticket or attend to network with fellow cosmetologists!!!
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Our job CANNOT be preformed on ZOOM so it’s so so so important as a cosmetology student to START networking face to face- Even if you just meet 5 NEW PEOPLE , it’s a GREAT start to you feeling a part of this hair world that’s so so so fun!
22 May 2022 Parsons School of Design Panel Talk | Olivier Roustesing, Brandice Daniel, Victor Gemaudhttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ki5UuiZCzQk
I by no means am black, but I am not clueless to the underlying racism in the hair industry. It presents as the inability to style black hair. MOST professional hairstylists do not know how to style black hair.
There is a void of black hair stylists I believe because just like the fashion world these black hairstylists have been undervalued. And by undervalued from a professional point of view is black hair is SUBSTANTIALLY more difficult to cut, color, style. Black hair stylists have black hair (duh) therefore they INTRINSICALLY have experience in working with hair that’s not easy.
If you are a cosmetology student who is black NOW is the time to directly contact black designers, hair artists, & makeup professionals who are wanting to accelerate your career.
List of Designers “NYFW 2022”https://s3.amazonaws.com/cfda.f.mrhenry.be/2022/01/American-Collections-Calendar_SS-2022_01-12-2022_2.pdf
- Follow all these brands on your professional Instagram account.
- REMEMBER DON’T BE INTIMIDATED by PEOPLE , PLACES, THINGS & WORDS!!
- Look to see the celebrities who walked in their show 2022.
- Look to see who those celebrities hired (TAGGED)for hair & makeup- - FOLLOW those hair & make-up teams!
- Send a brief message saying you’d like to work on their team for 2023. Emphasize you know the entire week is beyond exhausting but everyone has their first “NYFW” and 2022 is your year! Tell them you are RELIABLE!!
Products Mentioned:• Hair Brush $17.25
https://www.houseofbeautyworld.com/sptobobrrobr.html
•AG Blow Dry Lotion $25.00
https://beautymellow.com/ag-hair-natural-rose-hip-balm-hair-dry-lotion-3-oz.html
• Design.Me Blowdry lotion (never used but great price point- new company) $13.00
https://www.amazon.com/Design-Me-POWERDRY-ME-BLOWDRY-LOTION-100ML/dp/B08B31G1QB/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=5Y2HDV2KZAZF&keywords=design+me+blow+dry+lotion&qid=1654869038&sprefix=design+me+blow+dry+lotion%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-3
The power of a GREAT blowdry is NO joke!!!
As a cosmetology school student this is something you a offer to family, friends, strangers on DAY 1.
1. Get 50%-80% Dry
2. Get roots BONE dry first before you even THINK about drying the kids trans or the ends
3. THE BRUSHES bristles are spreading the product and smoothing each hair strand FOR YOU!
*Just because the brush is round does not mean you have to turn it!!”**
Two things are talked about in this episode that I did not learn in cosmetology school OR assistance ng
1) Cutting DRY hair FIRST before you apply hair color is going to save you BIG TIME & $$$ on your color services. Not to mention builds just for a long hair client to let you shape their look. Trust is gained in inches NOT number of appointments!
2) It’s STILL wedding and graduation season!! Follow up with those hotels, wedding planners, and conference centers! Repetition is KEY when first building a client base not matter WHAT you’re selling!!
So often when I look back to when I was 25 and I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life and realize how intimated I was to FAIL.
I thought I would choose the wrong industry and I didn’t know if I was going to “Be Okay” mostly because the financial crisis still was affecting the service industry economy.
My advice for cosmetology students is to UNDERSTAND- you are not EVER required to be a strong reader in our profession. If a beauty professional doesn’t not treat you like an equal, ignore them. If you don’t know what a tool is in your beauty kit, google it.
My decision to enroll in cosmetology school in an indecisive part of my life was the best one I made. Maybe it’s the best one you will make or someone you know who is feeling “lost.”
It’s month #2 as a cosmetology school student and most likely you have NOT been 💯 perfect with your plan for month #1. DON’T worry about it!! Shake it off!!
If you pressure yourself too much to “play catch up” you might BURN OUT!!
Stick to what you need to do for month #2 in your plan to earn your hours and procedures in cosmetology school. It is SO easy to get distracted I GET it, but the more you stick to a monthly plan they better you’ll become at self discipline!
Cosmetology students AND INSTRUCTORS are a population of people that not only are under valued, but more importantly are not taught about fiscal (money) management.
Similar to professional athletes, many people admire and are in awe of successful hairstylists, but while we make decent money - companies make BILLIONAIRES off of our talent.
From day 1 - it’s important to not be afraid of asking for money and do not be afraid of saving money- NO MATTER WHAT. Get that money and BELIEVE you are going to live a long life, BELIEVE you’re going to retire, ACT your dream from DAY 1!!
This concept of the UNIVERSE is NOT against me I think about multiple times a day if not multiple times an hour.
What does this have to do with hair? It has to do with people - And people have hair. The more you choose to CONTRIBUTE before you COMPLAIN the happy your life will be. The happier your life will be the happier people you will attract to your life.
In school today you should be done with 1month of Cosmetology School but more likely you have taken lunches a little too long or skipped school. DON’T get down on yourself- remember PROnoia!!!
THE UNIVERSE wants you to ask yourself why are you doubting my path for you? Go to school today put your head down and work toward your dreams!
This is NOT a WILD IDEA!!!
Cosmetology Schools are riddle with single moms. The absolute enormous and overwhelming job can keep women from completing their required hours-
This is just ONE of many side hustled to incorporate making money into the life of a very busy single mom cosmetology school student lifestyle!
When completing procedures in class I suggest it’s best to not talk to your fellow cosmetology school students during completing each individual procedure.
Learning the procedures, ESPECIALLY the procedures you’re not planning on pursuing professionally, “The Right Way” (state board required sequential steps) in the long run IS “The Fast Way” in the long run. Memorizing these steps in each procedure is MORE important than racing through to procedure to simply get a ✅ “completed” from one of your cosmetology school instructors.
All I wanted to do when I first started cosmetology school was get my hands on some hair color and start creating!!
On Saturday you’re going to be finished with your first month of cosmetology school. Your’re in the middle of course work. I know it is boring- I know. TRUST ME !
But WOW! SOME of my course work really helped me in retaining and winning over my color clients. I just wanted to tell you a brief story about eumelanin (brunette) and phenomelanin (blondes/red heads) pigmentation that I NEVER thought would matter. Remembering that little bit of science HELPS YOUR CREDIBILITY !
I know, you’re getting tired of this podcast in cosmetology school b/c I’m talking a some about hair but A LOT about mindset.
Daily reading course work, learning a tactile trade, taking action to overcome fear to add to your portfolio, & measuring your “P&L” (profit and costs of doing business) and is A LOT for anyone person, let alone someone who has NEVER done it prior to cosmetology school.
If you’re a cosmetology student, I’m you’re cheerleader. If you’re an instructor at a cosmetology school, I’m your cheerleader. If you’re getting back into the business after a break, I’m your cheerleader. Make sure your “selftalk” inner dialogue is encouraging to YOUR BIGGEST DREAMS!!
Look around you today and see if you can begin to see the world in a different light through the lens or a hair colorist!
How would you create certain colors?
So I know how personalities don’t easily melt in a cosmetology school and that can be true for a salon. Cosmetology School is GREAT practice to beat the mindset of scarcity. There is MORE THAN ENOUGH “hair to share.”Creating a team mindset for anyone who is aligned with wanting to achieve the same or similars goals as you is like iron sharpening iron. It’s keeps YOU MOTIVATED and CREATIVE!!
Product Mentioned:
1) Liquid Texture Medium Hold
2) Liquid Texture Firm Hold
https://whitesandsproducts.com/collections/frontpage/All-Products
Do NOT give into your fear and negative mindset when someone calls you for an appointment!
Instead do quick research on Instagram for recent easy to accomplish looks. YOU can do this!!
Modern Business Card:
Local Mobile Hair Stylist
Name: [Your First and Lastname]
Call/Text: [(000) 555- 5555]
Email: [ Your Email Address]
Keeping it simple attracts SERIOUS people - who need their hair done. Mostly people who want a nice blowdry.
I have a love hate relationship with Fridays. Even though I am TIRED just like every other person ending their week psychology I know there’s LOTS of money being spent the next couple of days $$$!! How can I earn some of that money?
When I was in cosmetology school I figured out a way of making some of that money! It’s TERRIFYING learning how to sell your services - but it’s this simple.
People- ESPECIALLY event coordinators & concierge professionals need to know you EXIST!
It’s Thursday and that means it’s our “hump day” as cosmetology students and hairstylists! This is the day in our industry we can make up for a slow start to a down week. OBVIOUSLY starting off with the horrific news of a mass shooting it’s understandable we needed a mental health day.
On this “hump day” remember you have a lot of downtime in an 8 hour cosmetology school day! Make sure you’re checking in with what you need to get accomplished by the end of Saturday’s class.
In this industry ESPECIALLY in school there is NO reason to be bored!
When the noise of the world is so loud - that’s the time to be really present with people.
Social distancing is not an option for the physical action of doing someone else’s hair and that goes for their emotions as well.
Heavy heavy days require us to hold space to be able to get the little things done.
High School & College Students!!! You have enough $$$ & time to get your cosmetology license and get your bachelors degree. I promise- it sounds like a lot but so much of cosmetology school and college course work is NOT what you might expect.
Many skills acquired translate to being a successful student and a structured self employed hair stylist.
Look up your local community college and see what programs they are offering!
For me the mechanics of cutting hair was the most difficult to execute of a look, and the amount of education offered online can be overwhelming.
I completed a structured weekly cutting program and rely on 2 different “one-liners,” or rules, when I’m in the middle of creating a look!
1) “Short hair controls long hair.”
2) “I can always cut more.”
You made it- one week of cosmetology school and 1 more week of listening to my mindset rants and hair tips for cosmetology students and hairstylists.
The best piece of advice I’ve been given is to never criticize other hairstylists- we are the ones who give one another work! The more love you have for your fellow hairstylists the good the bad the ugly the more successful your career will be.
Saturdays are SO busy whether you’re a hairstylist or a cosmetology student or an instructor. We need to make sure we are prepared on these mornings to take us through the finality of our week.
If you wake up with a mentality to really double check your supplies and product, double check your packed lunch, double check double check double check in the morning you will have such an AMAZING end of your week!
It will not disappoint!
Yes!! You can finish cosmetology school in 9months but they give you 12months to complete the program without any late fees!
I choose to start making money in school ASAP by researching graduations around my area, weddings, events, YOU DON’T HAVE TO WAIT TO START MAKING $$$!!!
Wow! I wish I would have reached out to my community of people in my family and friends circle a lot sooner than AFTER I had my cosmetology license!
The truth is so many people buy hair color at grocery stores or convenient stores and online because they are covert their own roots at home. Your cosmetology school kits come with a brush and a bowl, utilize it as you can and become comfortable with touching up someone’s roots!
My instructors in cosmetology school were people on the surface I did not feel I would benefit from. I was focused on my skill capacity as a hairstylist and a student and not my capacity in my social soft skills capability and availability.
Availability in our hearts as hairstylists is a HUGE part of not just building a clientele but retaining or keeping your clients. My clients that have been the most understanding of my own flaws are as well people who went through challenges in their own life.
So often as cosmetology students and hairstylists we get caught up in personalities of our fellow colleagues and our clients. This episode is encouragement for anyone already feeling that energy and being push or pulled out of MAIN focus.
You’re MAIN job is to learn and/or preform a MANE job. 😝- haha get it? I know cheesy. But we often are in charge of having to simply remember we are not here to learn a complicated service. We are here to accomplish a simple service that because of its social layers can be extremely difficult. Learning that balance will sustain you through the entirety of your career
Social media can be a source of stress and inadequacy or a source of inspiration and encouragement.
This episodes discusses creating a professional acct for YOUR eyes only as you build your portfolio in cosmetology school!
So often instead of dreading the things I did not do to best prepare myself for the week prior- I make sure I decide I’m going to be prepared for the week to come!
In school just like every other aspect of life you’re not going to get along with everyone. “You don’t have to dance with everybody, but you have to dance with somebody,” is the message sent in this episode.
Often times as a hairstylists or cosmetology students we get too wrapped up in other hairstylists and students- focus on the work you need to accomplish. This career path is not for people who need it or want it it’s for people who work it!
This VERY first day in Cosmetology school someone FRIED my hair with bleached and I looked like. A yellow light bulb! To say I was devastated is an understatement.
However, to this day every new client I have I can feel their energy and when a hair trauma has happened because of another hairstylist I can personally relate. It makes the biggest difference in when someone is wanting to trust you with their own hair!
Unfortunately/ Fortunately 90% of most of like is just showing up. When in a trade especially cosmetology school you typically just need to watch your attendance percentage.
As hard and as confusing daily life can be- ESPECIALLY when you’re not making any $$ - keep your eye on the prize.
Stay positive in the face of potential negativity and make your goal for right now SIMPLE- “I’m going to go to school, because I’ve already signed up.”
OR “I can’t do much right now BUT I KNOW I can just show up.”
OR “I’m going to do WHATEVER it takes to JUST SHOW UP b/c it’s 90%!”
Tell yourself the constructive self talk that’s going to HELP YOU not hinder you
A really BIG part of achieving your goals as a cosmetology student and hairstylist or ANY profession for that matter is to just START.
Stop thinking of what you want to do and start doing what you want to do!
Google “cosmetology schools” in your area. Use your phone or someone else’s phone if you don’t have a phone of your own- NO EXCUSES. TRUST ME I felt like such a loser when I first began my journey- but what I didn’t KNOW was I WASN’T a “LOSER” and NEITHER ARE YOU!!
So google the schools, click the links to the websites, one the websites find the phone numbers a take your 10,000lbs finger and click “CALL.” When they pick up the phone, say, “I’m interested in becoming a student as soon as possible.”
Follow through with this and sign up. Ignore the negative voices in your head ANY negativity from family & friends and hug that bestfriend you have within yourself that’s saying, “We’re changing our life TODAY.”
This is a podcast meant to encourage cosmetology students and growing hairstylists! Don’t wait for tomorrow grow today, just like your roots 😉☺️!