According to new research from VTCT Skills, speed is one of the biggest challenges facing newly qualified stylists. Nearly 23% of recent hairdressing graduates say that if they could improve one thing in the salon, it would be working faster – whether that means quicker haircuts, more efficient colour applications, or managing back-to-back appointments in a busy salon setting.
For many new hairdressers, time management isn’t just about being fast – it’s about finding the right balance between precision and efficiency, reducing on-the-job stress, and ultimately boosting their earning potential. This article dives into expert-backed strategies to help newly qualified stylists improve their salon speed, featuring tips and insights from salon owners, creative directors, trainers, and younger stylists who’ve successfully refined their timing behind the chair.
Key Themes & Takeaways:
1. Why Speed is a Challenge for New Stylists
- The transition from training to a busy salon floor is a major shift and many struggle with the pressure of working to real-time client schedules.
- Newly qualified stylists often focus on technical perfection, but real-world salons require them to be both fast and flawless.
2. What the Experts Say: Advice from Salon Owners & Trainers
- Salon Owners: How much speed really matters in a commercial setting, and when quality should take priority?
- Trainers: Practical exercises and techniques to build efficiency without sacrificing precision.
- Creative Directors: How stylists can develop confidence in their technical decisions to speed up naturally.
3. Time-Saving Tips from Stylists Who’ve Mastered Speed
- How younger stylists have trained themselves to work faster.
- The role of confidence and repetition in reducing time spent on services.
- Why good preparation and consultation can help stylists avoid time-draining mistakes.
Speed isn’t just about moving faster it’s about working smarter. By addressing this growing concern among newly qualified stylists, salons can help bridge the gap between training and real-world salon success. With the right guidance and techniques, stylists can build speed without sacrificing quality, setting them up for long-term success in the industry.