Hair Extension Stylists: 9 Vital Tips to Find Your Forever Salon

If you're a hair extensionist on the hunt for your next job, you already know how important it is to find a salon that's the right fit for you. 

Fortunately, in 2022, the hair extension industry is booming, and skilled extension stylists in Victoria are in huge demand! This means that up-to-date stylists with killer hair extension skills can be a little picky about where to work their extension magic from.

Here are nine tips to help you find your ideal, forever salon. 

 

1.Know What You Want from a Salon

As a stylist, you know how personal the hair industry can be and how each salon typically has its own unique culture. You likely have first-hand experience working somewhere not suited to your personality, work ethic, or workplace safety standards. And, like many stylists, you've probably left a salon due to these incompatibilities.

Knowing what you want in a salon is essential to find the best work environment.

Before you start applying for jobs, research your needs and figure out what kind of salon would be the best fit for you. Consider things like:

  • What's your ideal location?
  • Do you have a preference for the type of clientele?
  • What size of salon do you prefer? Intimate or bustling?
  • What energy do you want the salon to have?
  • What environment would your current clients find most appealing?
  • Will they help recruit new hair extension clients?

Once you have a good idea of what you're looking for, you can start narrowing down your options.


2. Check Out the Salon's Website and Social Media

After you know what you want and you've got a list of potential salons, take some time to check out their websites and social media accounts. This will give you a good sense of the salon's style, reputation, and what kind of work they do. 

As you scroll through their social feeds, pay attention to things like:

  • the type of photos they post
  • how often do they post new content 
  • what kind of language do they use 

If a salon's website or social media is outdated or poorly designed, it could indicate they're not keeping up with industry trends.

But, If you're attracted to what they're posting and want to know more about them, it's probably a good idea to explore that salon further. 

It’s also important to consider how they showcase their extension stylists as this demonstrates how they value their staff. 

 

3. Read Online Reviews

Online reviews can be a great way to get an insider's perspective on a salon. Make sure to read reviews from multiple sources and pay attention to positive and negative comments. As a job seeker this is important both from the customer and from the employee perspective.

 

4. Ask around

If you know someone who works at a salon you're considering, ask them about their experience. Some questions to ask could be:

  • Do they enjoy working there?
  • What improvements would they like to see? 
  • How does management support their stylists?
  • Do they follow environmentally conscious practices?
  • How knowledgeable are they about hair extensions?

They'll be able to give you a good idea of what the day-to-day is like and whether or not the salon is a good fit for you.

 

5. Workplace Safety Standards

A salon's safety and hygiene standards are extremely important when looking for a salon to work at for several years. Make sure to find out how the salon protects its stylists from the following:

  • Long-term chemical exposures
  • Aggressive customers
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Covid 19

6. Inquire About Training and Education Opportunities

If you're looking for a salon that will help you further your career, ask if they provide training and education opportunities.

Find out if the salon offers regular in-house training and whether they're willing to invest in your education by sending you to courses and workshops.


7. Ask About Clientele

If you're looking to increase your client roster, finding a salon with a steady flow of new and returning clients is important. A few key questions to ask the salon owner or manager include:

  • How do you attract new business?
  • How are new clients assigned to stylists?
  • Can my existing clients request to see me?

8. Find Out About Compensation

Of course, you'll also want to find out about compensation. Most salons will offer a base salary, commissions, and bonuses. It's essential to make sure that the compensation structure is fair and that you'll be able to earn a good living working at the salon.


9. Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, it's essential to trust your gut. If you walk into a salon and immediately get a good feeling, it's probably a place you'll be happy working. On the other hand, if you have a bad feeling about a salon, it's probably best to steer clear.


Design House Salon is hiring extensionistas. If you’re interested, you’re certainly welcome to apply.