You don’t want any surprises later down the road when you accept your first position as a stylist or esthetician. Shadow a professional for a day and ask plenty of questions to ensure you’re headed in the right direction.
Get the Most From Your Salon Shadowing Experience
It’s exciting when you’re nearing the end of your beauty school training, and you have more real-world opportunities. Before you know it, you’ve earned your cosmetologist or esthetician certification, and you’re on your own.
But before instructors set you free into the world of beauty, you have the advantage of an apprenticeship or shadowing a professional in your field. Shadowing gives you a chance to experience a day in the life of a beauty professional and get answers to your most pressing questions.
Take advantage of the days you’re still learning, and use this time wisely to leverage your knowledge and sharpen your skills.
Consider these questions to ask when shadowing. They could help determine whether a career in the beauty industry is right for you.
What Does a Busy Day Look Like in This Salon?
Being a hair stylist or esthetician is not for the faint of heart. It takes lots of patience, endurance, and, most importantly, time management skills. Some beauty professionals hit the ground running early in the morning and don’t stop serving clients until late at night. Whether you’ve had your eye on a salon and were interested in working for commission, or you’d rather rent a booth, you want to know what to expect on a busy day.
Some establishments may have a smaller clientele, and the days are relatively slow. However, popular salons can have appointments nonstop from open to closing time. If business is booming and you’re booking clients back to back, that’s great. But it can also become tiresome or overwhelming in the beginning. It’s something you learn to get used to as you become better at planning and pacing yourself to keep up with client flow.
What Are Your Biggest Challenges in This Position?
If you love what you do, challenges won’t faze you to the point of changing your mind. However, you do want to prepare for them and come up with practical solutions. Ask the cosmetologist you’re shadowing how they learned to deal with difficulties in their position.
While adapting to a new environment and growing in your profession, you may face adversity and unpleasant situations. But hearing how a seasoned professional navigates challenges can help a lot when you least expect it.
How Did You Get Your Current Position?
Some may be familiar with the phrase, “It’s not always what you know. Sometimes, it’s who you know.” That can be true in the beauty industry, as well. Of course, you have to demonstrate skill and a level of expertise before working with clients. But you’d be surprised at how some cosmetologists landed their first beauty career after earning their certificates.
Some beauty schools put in a good word of recommendation for outstanding students. On the other hand, the beautician you shadow may tell you that networking and referrals ultimately got them to where they are today. A fantastic stylist or esthetician is what makes a great salon experience. So, it’s best to keep a positive attitude, remain confident yet humble, and leave a positive impression on clients and industry professionals.
Why It’s Important To Ask the Right Questions While Shadowing
You’ve dreamed of working in a salon and beautifying your clients for a living. As you get closer to making your dreams come true, make sure you do your part and assert yourself as someone eager to learn. Meditate on the feedback and use it to prepare yourself for cosmetologist interview questions. Job shadowing at a hair salon or day spa gives you an idea of what a positive client experience looks like from the professional’s point of view. With their pointers and honest advice, you’re on your way to success.
Brillare Arranges Cosmetologist and Esthetician Shadowing
Brillare cultivates a learning environment that encourages students to ask questions. We aim to ensure everyone gets the most of their beauty school investment. Our experienced instructors are thorough, patient, and diligent. We advocate for curiosity and nurture our students’ inquisitive nature. That’s why shadowing is an essential part of Brillare’s curriculum.
If you’re in Chattanooga or Cleveland, Tennessee, visit either of our conveniently located campuses. Take one step closer to achieving your beauty career goals. Call us today to schedule your tour.
