Behind the Chair Q&A

Throughout my career I get asked a lot of questions, some more than others. I've complied a list of the most popular ones in hopes that you will feel more informed by the end of this article.

Q: What's a cosmetologist?
 A:The field of cosmetology has to do with anything related to the hair, skin or nails. 

Q:How long does it take to become a hairdresser?
A:Each state has different guidelines but in the state of Kentucky it takes at least 18 months to complete the cosmetology program. I signed up for 30hrs but some days I did 40hrs and I was able to graduate sooner.

Q:Do you have to take more classes?
A:6 continued education hours are required every year. Hairdressers can either read material from the Kentucky State Board of Hairdressers & take a quiz online or attend an actual hands-on class.


Q:How do you get paid?
A: Salons vary when it comes to income.

• Booth rental salons require employees to pay rent weekly, including supplies and tools, some place may supply you with a color and product line, tools and other amenities. They may also offer commission for *apprentice stylists. Booth renters and salon owners determine their own pay by their price list, the hours they work and the amount they work. Without a steady client base, networking and marketing, being self-employed can really be a roller coaster if the economy is struggling or if  you are out of the hair industry for a time.

• Chain salons such as Super Cuts or Great Clips offers commission and/or hourly pay. Commission  may increase based on the amount  of hair that is cut hourly.

*An apprentice is a student who recently tested & passed their state board exam and have their license. They must complete a six month apprenticeship and return to Frankfort and complete their exam to become a master stylist.

Q:Why do we need to tip the hairdressers?
A:

1. You should always tip for a service of any kind.
2. Some would consider their services priceless so when business owners set their price list, their asking themselves, "How much do I want to make per hour?" "How much do I need to run my business & make a profit?" There may be times of little to no income, just starting out. When you tip, you're helping a small business owner succeed and expand.
3. In commission salons, employees starting out may only receive 30 - 40% percent of the services they've done. Could you imagine working your butt off and after commission and taxes, receive half or less than half. Those tips have gotten me through some rough times.

Q:Well how much do I tip? How much is a good tip?
A:When you know you're going to a salon, plan it in your budget, along with the tip and money for product. When hairdressers don't receive anything it's a smack in the face. Never sit in the chair with the mindset of  "I'm doing you a favor by giving you my business.", instead, depending on where you go, have the mindset of  "I'm going to a professional who is going to educate me on my hair, provide a service and with product." A good hair dressers is an investment. Here's a How-To Video on Salon Tipping...

 For this last segment of Q&A I decided to do something a little different. Here are real life questions that I was personally asked or witnessed being asked. This is called: Things You Don't Say to a Hairdresser!

Q":Can't you just put it in the microwave?" (talking about relaxer)
A:Because it's a chemical. It could explode or cause a toxic chemical reaction. (I'm sorry relaxer is cold.)


Q:"Why pay you $30 every week for something I can do at home?"
A:(calmly I replied) So did you want your hair done or not? I am a certified cosmetologist. We have to be licensed and receive additional training for a reason, which brings me to my next question...

My actual textbook.

Q:"You have a text book? I thought ya'll just did each other's hair."

A:(Annoyed I still answered.)"It's a school, there's a lot of chemistry and science involved."


Q:"They taught you that? I didn't know they taught you that.?" (referring to resumes.)
A:We had a whole course on business management, including how to write a resumes.


Q:What's in the backroom? What do you do back there? What takes so long?
A:I'm about to reveal a secret about the back room area...
The back room is the panic room! When we're not back there mixing and formulating color, we're freaking out. If a client is rude, has unusual quirks about them, annoys you, has a 'complicated order' or very demanding...whoo...that room is a lifesaver. The other reason we're back there so long is because a client wants to be the shade of brunette you showed her in the book and 'oh no!', we don't have that color. Mad-scientist-crazy-chemist-ninja-magic is going on and yet I always manage to pull it off.






Q:"But why does it cost that much? I can go to Walmart and get a box of relaxer for $6."

A "kiddie perm" (children's relaxer), is the same as relaxers for adults

A:(*long sigh*)  "The chemical in the boxes are not professional, I am a professional. You're paying for a service." Not only was she wanting a relaxer on chemically damaged hair that she had chopped herself but for her six year old sister to get one too.

"Box color" may contain clothes dye.

Q:If I bring my own stuff (e.g. color, shampoo, relaxer), how much would you charge me?
A:You can't come into a salon with store bought products and ask a professional to perform a service. Say I went to a doctor and said hey, if I bring my own surgical implements, would you cut the price on my knee surgery? Many box colors, relaxers and perm kits have very high concentrations of it's active ingredient which could ruin the integrity of your hair.

I'll leave you with additional advice for your hair journey...

1. Find a professional. Remember, we continually educate and train for this.
2. Build a strong relationship by being consistent and appreciative.
3. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Being the curious client keeps us on our toes.
4. Refer people to your hairdresser, this can lead to awesome discounts for you.

Informing my clients is my number one objective. When they leave they should feel loved, relaxed & educated, oh and don't forget...look beautiful and still have money in their wallet.