With such a large and varied industry, there’s a lot apprentices can learn from those who came before them. Here, 10 experienced hairdressers share their biggest pieces of advice as part of HJ's apprentice week.
1. I think my advice is really, really simple. I would say learn to do everything as far as colour goes, even if you think it's old fashioned, because all these things keep coming around. Learn all your classics, don't shy away from something and say you don't like it because you don't understand it or because you're not good at it. Try everything, do everything, become good and experienced at everything. Don’t try and find who you are until you've done all of it.
- Jack Howard
2. Focus on getting your 10,000 hours in – that’s the amount of time that author Malcolm Gladwell believes it takes to master a craft. The more opportunities you have to practice your skill set, formulations, applications and various techniques, the faster you’ll become an expert. There are no shortcuts. Find the love in your craft and do it as much as you can.
- Tom Smith
3. Don’t be in a rush. When you come back from a course, take the time to practice the techniques on a dolls head.
- Coia Dahill
4. Treat your work like a masterpiece. Treat the hair with respect and work ultra-clean; when you work clean, you get clean results. What I also recommend to everyone is to wear gloves from the beginning of your career, even when you’re washing hair. Contact dermatitis can end careers – I’ve seen it happen.
- Norman Boulton
5. Always listen and never be closed off to learning. I’ve been in this industry for almost 18 years and I’m still learning and growing as a colourist and stylist. Watch as much as you can and enjoy it.
- Ashley Long
6. When you find the thing you love, put your all into developing it. We don’t all have to be amazing at everything, there are so many colourists out there. Once you find that one thing, you’ll be excited to go into work each day.
- Rachael Lomax
7. Never compare yourself to others – just look at where you are now and where you want to go. I’d also say to celebrate all your little wins; even mistakes are wins, because you learn from them.
- Hayley Johnson
8. Know your science. I’ve always loved the practical side of colouring and getting creative, but it wasn’t until I went further into the world of colouring and the science of hair that it all clicked for me.
- Sophie-Rose Goldsworthy
9. To keep watching and learning with those around you. It’s taken for granted how much you can take in by shadowing someone. It may make you think slightly outside the box and give you some much needed inspiration to create something different in your own way.
- Katie Mulcahy
10. You will never have as much time to make mistakes as you do now. Cram as many models in as you can, don’t waste your education days. Do competitions, try new things and learn to love and appreciate the magic in messing up while you’re allowed. Above all, make sure your curiosity and future development are being nurtured by your employer.
- Connor James Doyle
