Opening day is always exciting. New paint. New chairs. A playlist you kept tweaking at midnight. Next step will decide everything. Find stylists with the warmth, skill and presence that clients crave. It’s a big deal. It is. It is possible if you take clear steps.
Begin with your vision
Write a paragraph about your salon before you post any jobs. Quietness or buzzing. Classic colors or innovative cuts. Luxury or a friendly neighborhood feel? You can now spot the “right” people because you know how they look.
Define anchors
- What services do you want to be the leader with?
- Price range and target client
- Rent, team structure or commission
- Guest experience standards
- You plan to offer education
Create a role professionals will want
There are many options for stylists. Make it attractive and honest.
- Structure of payment. Clarify any hybrid options, rental rates or commissions. How are tips handled?
- Plan your time off and schedule. You’ll benefit more from predictable hours than you might think.
- Education. Education. Monthly classes or paid-for training shows that you are interested in growth.
- Support and tools. Book software, get marketing help and clear service menus.
- Culture. Respect, teamwork and calm problem-solving. Say it with meaning.
Talent is everywhere
Don’t rely solely on one source. Distribute the word, and then follow-up personally.
- Beauty schools and advanced academies. Invite a guest speaker. Bring a skill demonstration and a Q&A.
- Platforms social Search by location or hair category. Comments should reflect consistent work and a good client-client interaction.
- Ask for referrals from local communities and industry groups. You can also ask for recommendations. Most people know the best and worst of their friends.
- Your neighborhood. Open house. Invite stylists to visit your space and meet with you without any pressure.
Both skill and fit should be considered when evaluating a candidate.
Strong books are great. Fit books last longer. Keep it simple.
- Portfolio review. Request 10 recent images with captions describing the technique and product used.
- Conversation. What type of client is your favorite? How do you deal with a correction? What have you learned from a difficult service?
- Technical audition You can only choose one model and service to match your menu. Be sure to pay attention to the preparation, timing, cleanliness and finishing work.
- Soft Skills Check. Check the soft skills of your employees.
Listen for curiosity. Asking good questions about the brand and clientele as well as the service flow is a sign that stylists are interested in results.
Red Flags to Notice
Nobody needs perfect. You do need reliable.
- Frequently being late for interviews or answering slowly without explanation
- Talking harshly about former teams, without taking any responsibility for the story
- Answers that are vague about sanitation or service timing
- Uncomfortable with the consultation or pricing language
Easy first 90 Days
Hiring is just the beginning. Retention is key.
- Clearly defined goals. The number of guests you want to bring in per week, the rate at which they rebook, and the retail price per ticket. Be realistic.
- Mentorship. Mentorship.
- Plan of education One technique class a month. One workshop for business on retail or pricing.
- Support for marketing. They need professional photos, simple captions and a posting schedule that they can adhere to.
- Feedback rhythm Weekly check-ins of a few minutes. Celebrate early wins and resolve friction.
Some practical tips on the floor
- Consultations should be tested first. Consultations that are thorough prevent awkward situations and re-dos.
- Watch station habits. The cleanliness of the tools and bowls can tell a lot about a day.
- A rebooking script is a great way to get a feel for the stylist’s confidence and care. How a stylist welcomes the next appointment tells you a lot about their confidence and concern.
- Pay for the trial. Payroll is a good indicator of respect, and not just words.
Quiet closing thoughts
It’s a combination of invitation and search to find talented stylists. You present a clear vision, offer real growth and treat people well. People take note of good things. It is shared with their friends. You will see your chairs filling up, first slowly, and then steadily. You didn’t chase everyone. You built a place in which stylists could do their best work, and clients could feel that the moment they sat down.
This post was written by a professional at Salon Sequence. Salon Sequence Studios offers a wide variety of services for hair, skin, and nails with experienced, independent salon professionals. Relax and enjoy your day of beauty with our talented beauty professionals, in your own private suite. Salon Sequence Studios leases studios for independent beauty professionals as well, so if you are looking for salon suites for rent Carrollwood fl, come in and showcase your skills and make our clients feel at ease. Call to inquiry on salon rentals near you with Salon Sequence today.