Continuing education is a prevalent subject in the beauty industry. Why? Of course, some states require it by law to keep your license, and the rest of us… We just love to keep learning! There are many benefits, but with a lot of thought, we’ve narrowed it down to 2 big reasons we believe beauty professionals should invest in continuing education.
You’re probably wondering, “Well, education costs money – and time – I don’t always have or want to give up. Why should I spend money on a class or travel to a hair show? Wouldn’t my time be better spent in the salon, making money?”
As you read this article, you’ll find that continuing education can be a huge asset to help you advance your career – and yes, maybe even make more money. There are also many types of education available, so there are plenty of different options to fit your schedule and educational needs! Read on to learn more about the benefits of education and find options to explore.
1. Learning new things prevents boredom and makes you a more versatile stylist.
Being up to date on the latest beauty trends is absolutely crucial to your success in the industry. When someone brings you a reference photo that uses a new style, cut, or coloring technique, you want to be able to bring their vision to life! Satisfied clients are far more likely to come back…and tell their friends what a miracle worker you are.
Additionally, you often get the chance to experiment with new products and tools! Everyone has their favorites that they can’t part with, but clients love to try new things, and everyone is different. If you’re doing the same cuts or color techniques over and over again, chances are you may feel bored or complacent. Branch out, and your clients will thank you. And let’s not forget how important selling those new products is to your revenue.
2. You’ll have higher earning potential.
Some may think, “How could spending money on a class put more money in my wallet?” Stylists who regularly take classes and implement what they learn – whether that’s technical, business, product knowledge, or personal development – see a much higher paycheck!
Whether you’re commission, hourly, or rent a booth/suite, ongoing education is always a great way to boost your income.
Maybe you have been averaging the same take-home pay for the last few years. By taking a financial class, you can learn how to organize and manage your finances better. Whether you’re a salon owner or service provider, this is always important because it helps you get the most out of your paycheck.
A leadership class strengthens your team’s communication systems, keeping your salon running smoothly and boosting productivity. Both of these scenarios are great examples of applying things you learn to increase your income.
Lastly, to touch on a previous point, being a versatile stylist allows you to make more money in a few key ways: more clients book with you, and they’ll often book more frequently, usually with a higher average service ticket. More services offered = more income potential.
Okay, so now let’s talk about your options. The best kind of education for you will depend on your learning style, budget, schedule, and what you’re trying to learn.
In-person Classes
In-person classes are one of the best ways to strengthen your skills and your team. These can be taught in a venue or right in your own salon. Technical classes taught in person offer the kind of immediate guidance that is crucial to learning new or complex techniques. And hands-off classes, such as business or team building, allow plenty of room for questions, brainstorming, and direct communication with your trainer or coach when taught in person.
Live Virtual Classes
Can’t travel for a class? No problem! There are plenty of live options available online, and you’d be surprised at the variety that is available. When it comes to technical classes, you can grab a model or mannequin head and follow along, and still ask questions in real time. It’s a great happy medium between in-person and pre-recorded classes.
It’s especially nice to be able to practice or study within the comfort of your own home, but with the same level of almost face-to-face communication as an in-person class. These classes are ideal for people for whom travel is more difficult – for example, parents of young children who want to stay sharp or learn something new while their little one naps.
Pre-recorded Classes
If you have a busy schedule, tend to stop and start sporadically, or need a tutorial for a particular technique, these are the classes for you. Again, plenty of variety – everything from technical classes to business and team-building advice. This class type is great for those who like to learn independently and require flexibility. Want to practice that new color technique or learn to reconcile your books at 3 in the morning? Go for it!
Beauty Industry Trade Shows
In our book, trade shows and larger events are the top dog. You can usually find them in your nearest city, but it can also be fun to travel to one that’s far away. They offer such a wide variety of educators, products, tools, and subjects that it’s impossible not to find something that benefits you! Not to mention the people. Trade shows are such amazing places to network, collaborate, and find inspiration from both experts and your peers.
You also get so much for your money! You can explore different educators and products, and it gives you an idea of who you’d like to consider hiring to get more in-depth assistance in the future. Think of it like a wine tasting! You get a little taste of everything, even a few bottles of your favorites, and when you find one you really love, you can buy a whole case later. If you’d like to read more about the merits of trade shows, keep an eye out for our next article!
We hope you’ve found this article helpful! If you’re ready to jump in and look for a class, there are a bunch of great options that can be found on our directory on Salontraining.com under the education tab.