cph21
New Member
I'm hoping to get some guidance from all you experienced hair stylists on here!
Basically, I've spent the last 10+ years working as a hair & makeup artist in the fashion industry in London, where I'm from. I've since relocated to a EU country where the industry for this is tiny so I've decided to retrain as a hairdresser. While I have experience working with loads of different hair types already, of course it's only been basic styling so no experience with actual cutting/colouring, etc. I recognise I am starting from scratch.
The top hairdressing school here (a Sassoon academy) has a 6 month intensive and a 12 month regular course - both offering the same curriculum (cutting, colouring, both men & women's styling, etc). The only difference being of course that you get that extra time gaining experience and guidance on the 12 month course.
I'm wondering if a 6 month course is enough for me to learn the basics and get out there working on slowly building up my mobile hairdressing business and over time improve my skills? Or is it foolish to consider anything less than a 12 month training? I really have no idea what is reasonable because everybody seems to get into this industry in different ways, i.e. apprenticeships, salons they're already working at paying for their training, and so on. I have no idea about the amount of time it would take to learn everything to a workable degree - not to be the absolute best (that'll take decades of experience, I know) but to be able to have the skills to actually get out there and start working.
I'm entering this later in life and with a young baby and house to provide for, the sooner I can start working, the better. But I also want to be realistic!
Thanks so much in advance for reading all this and for any insight you can provide. How long did you all spend on training? At what point did you feel confident working with clients without direct guidance?
Basically, I've spent the last 10+ years working as a hair & makeup artist in the fashion industry in London, where I'm from. I've since relocated to a EU country where the industry for this is tiny so I've decided to retrain as a hairdresser. While I have experience working with loads of different hair types already, of course it's only been basic styling so no experience with actual cutting/colouring, etc. I recognise I am starting from scratch.
The top hairdressing school here (a Sassoon academy) has a 6 month intensive and a 12 month regular course - both offering the same curriculum (cutting, colouring, both men & women's styling, etc). The only difference being of course that you get that extra time gaining experience and guidance on the 12 month course.
I'm wondering if a 6 month course is enough for me to learn the basics and get out there working on slowly building up my mobile hairdressing business and over time improve my skills? Or is it foolish to consider anything less than a 12 month training? I really have no idea what is reasonable because everybody seems to get into this industry in different ways, i.e. apprenticeships, salons they're already working at paying for their training, and so on. I have no idea about the amount of time it would take to learn everything to a workable degree - not to be the absolute best (that'll take decades of experience, I know) but to be able to have the skills to actually get out there and start working.
I'm entering this later in life and with a young baby and house to provide for, the sooner I can start working, the better. But I also want to be realistic!
Thanks so much in advance for reading all this and for any insight you can provide. How long did you all spend on training? At what point did you feel confident working with clients without direct guidance?