Remember that childlike enthusiasm you had in beauty school when you were learning something new every day and imagining a bright future for yourself? Wouldn't you like to feel that way again? Take a balayage class and jump-start your creativity. Acquire a new skill, like crown braiding. Really challenge yourself and sign up for a class at the Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica, CA. Learn the latest barbering techniques so you can tap into the burgeoning men's grooming market. The point is, there is a wealth of educational opportunities available to you—at trade shows, online, or at advanced academies. Partner with a major manufacturer and take advantage of the in-salon education they provide. Think of it as a perk for stocking the shelves with their shampoo and conditioner.
In his 2008 book, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell wrote, “10,000 hours is the magic number of greatness.” This number came from studies done on elite performance in which researchers consistently discovered that in a variety of fields it took about 10,000 hours to master a skill. Gladwell’s point is that natural ability coupled with consistent practice can lead to great success, so become an expert at practicing.
One way to keep practicing is to find continuous educational opportunities, which are major drivers of success in this industry. Between the constant flux in fashion, technology and product development, it’s difficult to stay on top of all the changes without continued learning. One major benefit is professional growth. For one, you probably won’t progress financially if you don’t get additional education and training, but another benefit is efficiency. If it takes you an hour to do a simple haircut, maybe it’s time to enroll in a class and increase your skill level. Remember, no matter what you’re doing, there’s always more layers to discover. Even if your technique is solid, constant repetition without expansion of your abilities can lead to stagnation and boredom. The bottom line: stop procrastinating and find an online tutorial or trade show to attend. It could change your life.