Jobs in a hair salon: the stylist

Jobs in a Hair Salon: The Stylist

Amy Marsden, aged just 20, from Adee Phelan’s Manchester salon, may be young but there is certainly no stopping this ambitiously creative stylist. What would you say to someone considering jobs in a hair salon who is put off because they don’t view it as a career? Being a hairdresser is the most rewarding career out there. The industry brings endless opportunities to you as long as you are committed to working hard. It is not just a 9 ‘til 5 in-the-salon job that people often think. The job will take you out of the salon and around the world if you want it to. How did you enter the hairdressing industry and what was the attraction for you? I have always loved everything about hair since as long as I can remember. I was constantly styling my mum and sister’s hair from a very young age. I love the creative, hands-on approach to hairdressing that also comes with a real sociable ‘community’ aspect. I went to college to study A-levels but it just wasn’t enough so I then went on to study hairdressing at college and started my apprenticeship. What were your first impressions of the industry and the possibilities open to you? Challenging! I can’t deny the fact that starting off in the inudstry is hard work. You have to start from the bottom and work your way up but the higher you get, the more opportunities you are offered. There is also a great sociable side of hairdressing which makes it even more enjoyable. How did your career progress? I guess my career really progressed with my clientele list. I started at a salon doing the shampoos, then built up to blow-dries and then began getting models in every Friday to assist with my training. From this step-by-step progression in my career it taught me how valuable your clients are in building up your reputation. How did you start to work towards achieving your goals? I saw the opportunity to work in Adee Phelan’s Manchester salon and I went for it! It was the direction that I wanted my career to go and has developed me massively on both a personal and professional level. The salon is fed off creativity and is so inspirational to be a part of. The fashion and photoshoot side of things is where I want to take my career and it’s amazing that the salon gives me these opportunities. The real milestone for me was being given the opportunity to assist with a 60’s inspired shoot for a music video. That was when I knew I was living my dream career. What advice would you offer someone looking to carve a long-term career in hairdressing? Stay open-minded, be patient and keep going! It’s hard starting out to begin with but the end results are so rewarding. It’s important to take each step at a time so you can really absorb all that you learn. Your experience and training are truly invaluable. What have been your career highlights to date? Definitely the Vogue’s Fashion Night Out catwalk show we held recently. We were chosen to showcase our hairstyles on models unveiling a new flagship collection for new brand Ono Uno. It was incredible to be part of such an amazing event. Most recently, one of my career highlights has been a shoot that we have just finished at the CornerHouse in Manchester. We took film icons such as James Bond and Mary Poppins and gave them a grungy, dark alter-ego which really unleashed my creative side. What characteristics do you think it takes to be successful in hairdressing? Confidence is really important but this will gradually build with time and experience. It is important you are able to build a good rapport with your clients, understand what they want and adapt to different personalities. I also strongly believe in practicing what you preach. So ensure you make an effort in your appearance, particularly in taking care of your own hair. You cannot give your clients advice in haircare when you do not follow the same rule! Who is your inspiration in hairdressing? Adee Phelan for his creativity. It should go without saying that Vidal Sassoon is of course the most inspirational hairdresser ever though. His quirky, innovative styles and his power to be ahead of high-trend fashions was outstanding. What is your ultimate career goal? Ultimately, I would love to own my own salon. For the near future my goal is to build up my portfolio to a high level and continue to work on creative fashion shoots.