Should I become a hairstylist?

I have been working in retail for 11 years and I am looking for a change. I am thinking about going to school to be a hairstylist. I have 2 kids and I can not keep working at a company that requires working nights. I have always wanted to learn how to cut and style hair. My issue is this, I am a very friendly person but I have a lot of trouble starting conversations with people I don't know. A lot of stylists are very perky and talkative. I don't want to be the stylist who just cuts hair but does not develop a relationship (not that kind!) with their clients. Other than cutting hair well that relationship with your client keeps them coming back. Should I go for it? Will I eventually get better at conversation with strangers as time goes by? Has anyone else gone through this? I am so confused....
Oh and what is the average salary for a stylist just starting out in a semi-small town?

Sur La Mer2010-01-07T22:51:15Z

Favorite Answer

Some stylist are so boring, they don't really care much or not as talkative to their clients, as if they're too busy concentrating or thinking about their own relationships with their families or love ones.

Once I get used to one, they move out or go somewhere and they don't let you know, or that they don't care to let you know where they moved to.

I'll tell you more about it, by email.

hikara2010-01-09T20:06:56Z

Sorry this is a long answer >_<;;;

Just like with any job, it takes time to get comfortable with the environment. Some just get comfy more quickly than others. I know from personal experience that you can definately get better communicating with clients as you learn more about the people and hair.
I have found personally that many of the hair dresses I have went to, are not that out going.... (although I usually like this because I talk all the time with people....).
I think that you should go for it, but this can also cost a lot of money to go to school for! I just graduated from a good aveda based institute and it was a wonderful experience. I was busy cutting hair to doing facials 5days a week. I didn't really know how to have a relationship with my guests even though you could say I was perky with people in the resturaunts I had worked at. This was different because there is so much to focus on. As I learned to get more comfortable, I was able to relax and talk about a lot of things and build a lot of close relationship before I graduated. It is one of my best experiences so far. I honestly feel this has helped me with my communication skills with strangers.
A hairstylist can be a tricky business with money, you can either make it, break even, or flop. It really all depends on your determination. I know a LOT of people that decided after paying about 16,000 for the education, that this just wasn't for them, but it's a backup (that you know they will never actually use). Depending where you are at, school can be difficult while working. Some schools you can also get tips while attending (I so would advice this as this can help pay for your education!!). Although I guess you can get financial aid for some also. Some schools are also difficult with schedual times for attending.
Just do a lot of research and make sure this is what you want to do.
If you love being creative, and hearing a lot of gossip (lol I swear I never heard people gossip more till I started cutting hair :P but it's fun ^^;;;) it's for you. I believe it can really pay off, it depends also on the area, what kind of clients.... too many things... one thing is for sure... you can make a LOT of money donig weddings ;)

Bee2010-01-07T22:54:14Z

Cosmetology is fun because you get to try and do all kinds of cool stuff. The bad thing is there is so much competition so you really have to be on top of your game to keep up. The most important part is your clients, if you are good to them they will stay faithful. People get bored while getting their hair done, they want to have a person there who is keeping them entertained. They teach you how to treat your clients in school but over all it depends on you. I'd say go for it, school and interacting with other people on a daily basis should prepare you for the real thing,
And pay really depends on how good you are and what spots you get into or if you rent a booth, how many clients you have.

?2016-12-17T18:35:43Z

pass to cosmetology college, do incredibly properly, and get a job in an particularly good salon. It facilitates in case you will get slightly tiem job in a salon whilst going to college. you may sweep hair, run the sign in, time table appointments, and in the adventure that your fortunate they are going to enable you shampoo.

Anonymous2010-01-07T23:03:47Z

If you're interested, go ahead and just do it! :)