Perms are back – filling a skills gap

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW

I always encourage salons to invest in training equipment, build up a bank of training heads making sure to invest in heads that use ethically-sourced human hair. Then create a collection of classic shapes e.g. a classic bob, a classic wedge, uniform layers and short graduation, and keep these somewhere where they can be repeatedly used for training and practice sessions.

I advise salons to commit to spending a set amount each year on new training heads that can be used for cutting, start off with longer cuts first and rotate the heads so that the head can be used for several, progressively shorter looks. Keep some long and uncut for perming, roller setting and long hair practice.

Also, I recommend salons commit to invest in sturdy floor stands, the table top stands can be limiting and often condemn a student to the cramp surroundings of a staff room to train. Good quality floor stands can be bought for £30 to £50 and offer far more flexibility and a better learning experience.

I also find it amazing how many salons don't let stylists or assistants practice or receive coaching during salon time. By planning ahead and identifying any down time as training/practice time, we create a productive and motivating investment that will payback many times over.

Don't always assume that clients are bothered by the site of someone practicing, they're often intrigued and interested, then ultimately reassured that they visit a salon who places such importance on practicing and improving skills, they know the skills are going to be used on them!

Above all let's not limit this training just to new starters and apprentices, letting stylists revisit classic techniques and allowing them to rediscover hair “dressing” could be hugely inspiring for them. Sometimes work is hard….I for one relish this opportunity to be creative and practice skills new and old; use it or lose it, it's valuable for everyone!

Training and education can make work life  more pleasurable and more profitable.

When it comes to increasing turnover there are many salon owners that would like to have the high profit days of perms back again in one form or another…if stylists and assistants practice now we can drive fashion forward and make it happen!

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