10 Ways to Get the Career in Hairdressing That You Want
Due to the hair and beauty industry becoming an increasingly popular career choice for many, it’s never been more important to do what you can to stand out from the crowd. Competition for jobs in hairdressing can be fierce due to the outstanding level of hairdressing talent found throughout the world. Whether you’re looking to open your own salon or find a hairdressing job aboard a luxury cruise liner, there are many things every hairdresser can do and services that are available to help you find and secure that dream job.
1. Keep learning.
It’s crucial that you continue to learn new skills not only in preparation of future opportunities but to continue doing your current job to the best of your ability. Styles and the industry change often and its important that you remain up to speed with the latest looks and techniques. Asking colleagues can provide experience based knowledge on everything from effective techniques to customer service.
2. Invest in yourself.
Many stylists choose to attend privately run courses. Courses on a range of hairdressing topics take place at locations across the country held by some of the countries finest hairdressing bodies including L’Oreal, Schwarzkopf and many more. These offer an excellent opportunity to stay in tune with latest trends. (more…)
Hair Scissors: Our Most Important Tool
When giving a haircut, one of the most important tools are your hair scissors. If you have an excellent set of haircutting scissors, it will make your job that much simpler. With proper care, your haircutting shears can last you a liftetime. Without proper care, however, you may encounter a few issues such as –
* hair catching or pulling while you are cutting
* the hair sliding or moving towards the tips of your scissor blades rather than cutting
* hair being pinched or bent when you close the blades
* the shears feeling rough when you are cutting
You can deal with each of these issues with a excellent washing. When you are using your scissers, little pieces of hair and substances can get around the screw and clog the pivot joint.
Cleaning Your Scissors
To clean them, wipe your hair scissors blades with a soft, dry cloth. Put a drop of oil between the blades and behind the set screw. Open and close your scissors several times to work the oil into the joint. The oil and the moving blades dislodge the hair bits that were stuck in the joint. Wipe the scissor blades with a soft dry cloth to clean off the hair and oil. Once you clean this area, the blades should be able to move freely, making it unnecessary for you to adjust your scissors. The oil and the proceeding blades disengage the hair parts that were trapped in the blades. Once you clean this area, the blades should be able to shift easily, making it unnecessary for you to modify your scissers.
If your hair shears still experience difficult after washing them, you may have broken your shears and may need to substitute them.
After washing your haircutting scissers, analyze them to see if they still need changing. If they proceed producing issues where the hair is taking, grabbing, or going, you will need to modify the pressure.
Adjusting Your Scissors
Should you discover that there is not enough tension and you need to modify them, carry your haircutting scissers firmly in a shut positon, and press them down strongly on a hard external surfaces. use a penny, a screwdreiver, or the modification device (that came with your scissors) to convert the twist clockwise just a little bit (equal to 3 – 4 moments on a time face). You want to do this very accurately so you never harm the swivel angle.
If you have the other issue where the pressure is too minimal, adhere to the same actions, except turn the twist ever so a little bit in a counterclockwise route.
Once your haircutting scissers are altered to the appropriate tension and you are sitll having issues, you may need to get them sharpened. Be sure to get them sharpened by a professional, someone who knows what s/he is doing.
With proper care, your haircutting scissers should last you a life-time.
-Sophie Li Wen
Top 5 Reasons to Buy new Hair Shears
Over years of visiting Hair Salons across America, we have seen what one would consider to be horrendous acts of neglect and abuse to Styling Shears. We sell shears, so we might be a little anal when it comes to taking good care of your shears. I’ve been surprised to see everything from using a pair with a broken tip, to a pair dinged up so badly that they won’t even close all the way.
You should probably consider replacing your Shears if:
1. You can’t tighten them any more. You have tightened the screw down so tight that it will not come loose any more, or it is stuck.
2. Rusty Shears are Crusty Shears! If you see any rust at all on your shears, replace them immediately. Before your clients see it.
3. You can’t get the screw out. Scissors need to be taken apart to be cleaned properly, which should be done daily.
4. Old Faithful: You love your shears so much that you have not even considered a new pair in the last 5 years. Chances are, you will be surprised at the ease of use and quality of steel that is used in newer shears.
If you fall into any of these categories, you better go to our shop and buy some new scissors immediately. In early 2009, Shiro Shears started using the new Vacuum Heat Treatment Process: Temperature is controlled of a cycle of time in Shiro Shears Advanced Heat Treatment Process. This process is what makes Shiro Shears stand out from others. This extra step is what gives the steel its extra strength, and is key in creating alloys capable of holding the “Ultimate Edge”.
Losing a Salon Client to another Stylist at Work
Every hair dresser probably knows how awful it feels to lose their client to a co-worker. The agony in wondering what you did wrong can greatly affect your self-confidence, and you may even start to doubt yourself when styling a loyal client’s hair who has no intention of leaving you for someone else in your salon.
“What is she doing that I didn’t do?” is a question you may be asking yourself. But don’t worry, this situation does happen, and even though it may seem like an embarrassment to you, you can learn from the situation and turn it into a good experience.
Find Out Why
First off, you want to know what happened, right? Why did she choose my co-worker over me? There may be a few different answers to that question. You can start off by talking to your co-worker to discover why she chose to go to her instead of you. Does your co-worker style hair differently? Maybe her cuts are more modern. Maybe she specializes in curly or wavy hair. Maybe she can straighten out curly hair with an excellent blowout.
Any of these differences may be very important to your client’s needs. Every staff member is valuable to the salon for their different talents, and that’s a good thing! You want the salon you work for to be diverse to accommodate the needs of each individual.
If your client chooses another stylist at your salon because of her specific needs, something you may not specialize in, don’t fret. You have your own talents. Use them, market them and always make sure each client has a great experience, even if that means sending them off to a stylist that is better suited for them.
Be Professional
Addressing the client herself is not a good idea in this particular situation. She is still a loyal customer of the salon and that is important. Your number one priority as an employee is to make sure your salon doesn’t lose business. If you address the client personally, she may feel embarrassed and stop going to the salon altogether. Trust me, you do not want this to happen.
This will only cause problems with you and your boss and with your co-worker, and no one likes to work in a hostile environment. Tension between co-workers affects everyone in the salon, from clients to the staff, and that’s bad for business.
When addressing you co-worker about the situation, be sure to do so in a private setting, keep calm and be professional. Have an open mind. After all, it may not even be your fault. If you co-worker is professional, she will never make you feel bad about the situation.
Shrug it off
Don’t worry so much! Everybody is different, and different people like different things. Maybe you can learn something from this. If a co-worker has a great technique for curly hair, you can always ask her for pointers. Don’t ever think you already know everything; none of us do! All of us could use a little room for improvement.
Losing a client to a co-worker isn’t a big deal if it only happens once or twice. It’s when it keeps happening to you that there is a major problem. If that’s the case, do what you have to do to fix the problem, and fix it fast, because ultimately you are the one who will lose.
Hair Scissor Sharpening Service
Shiro Shears is now offering sharpening & repair services for all your scissors. Our factory trained professionals are dedicated to the restoration process. Most dull or damaged shears need the blade angle and shape to be restored to original factory specifications, re-establishing the cutting-edge to like new. In addition to sharpening the blades, we also make sure that the shears are balanced and adjusted properly according to factory specifications before sending them back to you.
INCLUDED IN OUR SCISSOR SHARPENING SERVICE:
- Take apart Scissors and inspect thoroughly for any areas needing special attention.
- Disinfecting of scissors or shears from fungus and other bacteria
- Minor repairs such as small nick removal
- Razor Sharp Honing and Sharpening
- Lubrication
- Balance & Adjustment
- We also can add or replace finger rings, washers, finger tangs, stoppers and more!!!
SCISSOR RECONDITIONING WILL RESTORE YOUR HAIR SHEARS. SOMETIMES HAIR SHEARS REQUIRE ADDED CARE DUE TO: IMPROPER SHARPENING, EXCESS WEAR, AND RUST.
Some sharpeners sharpen at the wrong angle destroying the convex edge which decreases the efficiency of your hair shear. We are able to fix this problem for you by re-convexing your shear.
When a shear becomes worn, it needs re-convexing to increase the function of the shear.
To avoid rust, keep your hair shears away from hair chemicals. Letting chemicals set on any part of your shears will pit the surface, even stainless steel can be corroded by strong chemicals. Be sure to rinse any chemical solutions from your shears immediately. Also keep them dry and clean.
INCLUDED: If needed, we will replace the Finger Rest or Tang, Finger Rings, Washers, and Bumper. NOTE: We have parts for most makes of professional hair cutting shears.
Hair Shears Reviews
“Since I have received my pair of GV-55 styling shears, I have fallen in love with them. I’ve never gotten to use a pair of Swivel Shears before and the marked difference in decreased strain on my hand was a NICE surprise! Not only are they sharp, but they have a nice feel to them, not too heavy, and not too light. If you are looking for a nice pair of shears that won’t set you back an arm and a leg GET YOURSELF A PAIR OF SHIRO SHEARS!”
–TJ PoisalOwner of Hair on the Side Salon
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Lauren Alaina-Big Voice, Big Hair
March 29, 2011:
UPDATE
Lauren has now made it into the top 11.
Lauren rocks a big pop of white blonde color merged into her chocolate brown base. Her luscious tresses have already transformed just in the few weeks the teen-ager has been on AI.
Recently Lauren showcased beautiful volume and texture on the American Idol stage.
How To Copy Lauren Alaina’s Long Lush Waves
Follow the steps below to re-create Lauren’s American Idol hairstyle:
1. Cleanse hair in lukewarm water according to your favorite method such as Diluted Shampoo (DS), Conditioner Only (CO), Low Poo (LoPoo) or Water Only. Select a product which is best for your hair type, texture and current condition.
2. Rinse with lukewarm water and gently squeeze excess water out with your fingers.
3. Apply a rinse-out conditioner from the top of your ears down to your ends.
4. Detangle strands with your fingers or a hair-friendly smooth wide-tooth comb. Work from the ends up to the roots.
5. Rinse conditioner from hair and finish with a cool/cold rinse.
6. Towel blot to remove excess water from strands.
7. Apply leave-in styling cocktail consisting of leave-in conditioner, defristant and styling cream, mousse or gel.
8. Separate hair into individual sections which are 2-4? in thickness.
9. Use a long finger diffuser set on low or medium speed on a cool or low heat setting.
10. Working from one side of the head to the other use the diffuser on each section drying hair until 85% dry.
11. When entire head is 100% dry use a 1 and 1/2? curling iron. Spiral curl hair from roots to end holding the iron up with the barrel pointed down towards the floor and your elbow up towards the ceiling. Wrap the hair around the iron around the iron directed away from the face. For a realistic pattern alternate size of the sections, how tightly you wrap the strands or the direction of the iron.
12. After each section if curled re-roll around fingers and pin to the head to cool.
13. Before leaving the house unpin each section, spritz lightly with light hold hairspray and tousle lightly with fingers while tipping your head from side to side.
14. Finish with a drop of shine serum applied to the palms of your hands and massaged completely. Smooth over the top of your new wavelicious hairstyle.
I look forward to watching Laruen Alaina’s hair journey on American Idol. She has such long and lush strands I’m sure the AI hairstylists will create some amazing new styles for her to rock along with her talent.
More Information
Follow Lauren
http://twitter.com/LAlainaAI10
http://www.facebook.com/LAlainaAI10
http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season_10/lauren_alaina/
Win the Chance to go Backstage with Ouidad at NY Fashion Week
Curl queen Ouidad is giving one lucky stylist the opportunity to assist her in creating gorgeous runway curls backstage at an upcoming Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week show in New York City. This once-in-a-lifetime experience includes a trip to New York City and two-night hotel stay from February 12 to 14. The yet-to-be-named show will take place on Sunday, February 13, and styling prep will start at 5pm. To enter, click here and fill out the entry form, then share two sentences about why you’re passionate about curls on Ouidad’s Facebook page.
You can also enter to win our Giveaway for a Free pair of Hair Scissors on Shiro Shears facebook Page
Your Shears Can Make or Break The Cut
I have heard it all from stylists about what you should and should not do when cutting curly hair, which got me thinking: What is the difference between shears and how they shape your hair?
For more information about this, I went straight to my local curly expert, Ron Valdez at Estilo Valdez Salon in Austin, TX. There are so many different types of shears on the market, each claiming that it is one and only tool you will need. Ron Valdez sings a different tune, “I cycle through six pairs of shears. You can’t tell which you will need to use until you cut down into the hair. Every head of hair is different, so it responds differently to each pair of scissors.”
How can you tell when you’re using the right pair or scissors? Valdez offers some advice, “Start off with one pair and (it) may change throughout the head. One pair won’t always cut it. When you close the shear and it glides through the hair and doesn’t push it out, that is the right type of shear for that hair.”
Not surprisingly, there are many types of haircutting scissors available on the market, including: barber shears, thinning shears, styling shears, tempered shears, left-handed shears and more.
One glance at these scissors will tell you just how different they are from each other. Each is designed to perform a specific task—some are used to create subtle effects while others are perfect for basic haircuts.
What Type of Shear is Best for You?
You have some choices to make before you select the right pair of scissors. Of course, you’ll also want to shop around for the best prices.
Type of Blades
Beveled blades feature one serrated edge and are ideal for layered cuts, tapered cuts and the “scissor over the comb” method.
Convex blades are razor sharp and promise a clean, smooth, flawless cut. They are ideal for slide cutting.
Type of Handles
Opposing grips feature handles of the same length that are symmetrical to the center screw. It is perfect for individuals who cut with the thumb and middle finger.
Offset grips feature a short thumb handle and a longer finger handle. This allows natural, fluid movement and is ideal for individuals who cut with the thumb and ring finger.
Crane grips feature a long finger handle and an angled thumb. This ensures less strain on the wrist and shoulder and allows a freer, open cut.
Types of Thumb Grips
Standard thumb scissors feature a removable and reversible finger resting piece that can be attached to either the left or right. This allows individuals greater versatility (with left and right hand use.
Cutaway thumb scissors do not feature the reversible finger resting piece, but does provide exceptional comfort.
Anatomic thumb scissors allow for greater radial movement due to its curved design. Thus it provides more freedom of movement for the stylist.
Rotating thumb scissors are a new advancement in the haircutting industry. They reduce hand and wrist strain and feature an open-hand grip design, which reduces thumb “travel” and creates a more comfortable experience for the stylist.
Length of Blade
Choosing the blade length is really a matter of comfort and preferred styling methods. You will find you probably need to utilize several different types of scissors, but your hand should feel comfortable no matter what size it is.
Short blades are useful for detailed touchups, such as cutting around the ears or very close to the skin. This type of blade is recommended for all stylists; chances are it will be used frequently for more intricate cutting. The blade should be no longer than 5.5 inches.
Long blades are ideal for cutting thick hair, slide cutting, scissor over comb methods, and bobs, to name a few.
Some other features that stylists may choose to focus on include the production material of the shears, the method of production of the shears and the tension system the shears provide.
So how can you get hands-on experience using various shears with different curl patterns? The new stylists at Estilio Valdez ask their curly friends to come in for a cut, and Valdez even puts an ad on Craigslist for all types of curls to receive a free cut while the stylists are learning how to shape and style curls correctly.
The best advice Ron could give me was, “It’s a craft and just like any other craft, you will master it over time.”
by Megan Dorcey