Junior to stylist transition

[Youngstylist]

Hi there! I have worked in the same salon for 3 and a half years and I am currently coming to the end of my NVQ level 3. I completely understand that in the salon everyone mucks in and does the work but I was just wondering how long it takes to shed that 'junior' title. I am perfectly competent in cutting colouring and styling as thought so by myself, my tutor and my very pleased friends and family. As of yet I have had NO clients of my own bar friends for college training purposes. I have discussed how I feel with my manager and the other staff on several occasions but have come no further forward. I would like to hear from stylists and their experiences with helping their juniors become stylists and from juniors who are just starting out on the shop floor. I don't know if I am being held back by my salon or if it is myself being naive. I'd love to hear your replies!

 

[HairByCharlotte]

I had clients as soon as I finished my level 2 but was still doing the junior jobs when I was not busy. I then started my level 3 and was on the floor full time while doing that. I guess it depends on your salon situation we always had a 1st year and 2nd year apprentice so their was enough juniors without me having to do much. But of there's no one kind of "below" you then you may find it hard. Saying that though if our not busy there's always something to do (cleaning wise etc) thats what I had drummed into me lol x

 

[Youngstylist]

Yeah I totally don't mind doing cleaning and stuff when it's not busy but the fact I'm doing it all day everyday is starting to make me hate my job. There is another junior below me at level 2 and she isn't being pushed to do anything either. Don't know what it is with my salon they all work different ways I suppose. But it's embarrassing when people know I've been doing it for 3 years and they can't just book in with me! Don't feel like I'm ever gonna shed my junior tag! X

 

[Pika]

Hiya, I had a similar thing after finishing my NVQ, but I was working a full column every day and was still being to,d to shampoo/make coffee/mix colours/cut foils etc 5 mins before my next client was due. A few times my clients were sat waiting for me to finish shampooing another stylists client whilst said stylist was having a quick fag or something to eat. So, I left after a few months later and now 10 years down the line I work for myself
If I were you, I'd have another chat with your manager and explain that this is quite upsetting for you as you don't feel you are being allowed to prove your true potential (dress it up a bit) and see how you get on good luck babe xx

 

[sarah_clancy]

Hi there! I have worked in the same salon for 3 and a half years and I am currently coming to the end of my NVQ level 3. I completely understand that in the salon everyone mucks in and does the work but I was just wondering how long it takes to shed that 'junior' title. I am perfectly competent in cutting colouring and styling as thought so by myself, my tutor and my very pleased friends and family. As of yet I have had NO clients of my own bar friends for college training purposes. I have discussed how I feel with my manager and the other staff on several occasions but have come no further forward. I would like to hear from stylists and their experiences with helping their juniors become stylists and from juniors who are just starting out on the shop floor. I don't know if I am being held back by my salon or if it is myself being naive. I'd love to hear your replies!

Find a new salon!
They are obviously not going to push you further, I had this when I first qualified.. So I moved to Australia and got an amazing stylist position there, which was well paid, there was still so much I didn't know though! Managed to blah my way through it still.
Good luck hun!xx

 

[Youngstylist]

Thanks a lot for your help guys. It's making me want to leave hairdressing all together but then I dont want to ruin three years of hard work. And ah id love to move to Australia! It's my dream!x

 

[sarah_clancy]

Thanks a lot for your help guys. It's making me want to leave hairdressing all together but then I dont want to ruin three years of hard work. And ah id love to move to Australia! It's my dream!x

Such a beautiful place, always jobs for hairdressers and it's well paid!!

Don't give it up, I see so many talented stylist do this, don't chuck it away, persevere, find a new lovely salon that will help you progress to you full potential!!xx