As someone who started out in the beauty industry when everyone wanted "The Rachel," times sure have changed.
From hair trends and techniques to technology and client expectations, the evolution has been dramatic — yet some of us are still here, still thriving, and still looking forward to more changes in the future.
No matter what upheaval has occurred, it's all brought opportunities for growth, even though some of those opportunities have required digging deep and leaning on others to summon the necessary amount of resilience.
Here are the most 7 most valuable lessons that have emerged for me as a hairstylist, booth renter, and salon owner spanning 30+ wild years in the beauty industry!
1. Marketing Yourself Can Be Intimidating. Do it Anyway.
Back in the day, marketing yourself was not a comfortable task, especially since email wasn’t trending and social media didn’t exist. Stylists had to personally advertise — whether by approaching people, through snail mail, or placing ads in the local paper.
These experiences taught the importance of persistence and stepping out of one's comfort zone to build a clientele. Even though things are a lot easier now with social media (and we will get to that), most stylists then and now have to rely on their own hustle to build their books.
2. Put. Your. Own. Best. Interests. First. Always.
Early in my journey, I worked in a salon where all of the chemical computing was done for me. As a result, I didn’t truly learn how to formulate color for at least six years. If I had understood the value of continuing education back then, I would have chosen a different salon or pursued that knowledge on my own.
Choosing the right salon or working environment is essential. The right workplace can nurture your growth; the wrong one can hold you back.
Exposure to education (or lack of it) can either promote growth or it can create missed opportunities. Investing in both education and self-care are crucial to staying motivated and inspired.
3. Play Well With Others.
Genuine connections with clients and peers are the cornerstone of success.
In some salons, stylists act as though they own the clients, creating an atmosphere of competition rather than collaboration. A supportive, team-oriented working environment can make all the difference in your day-to-day life and your career.
Solopreneurs: despite that nickname, you're not alone. You can build a team too, through an extended community of other beauty independents who can provide help and support when you need to lean on others. (To connect with other inspired stylists, go ahead and visit my website!)
4. Relatability & Consistency are Gold Standards on Social Media.
The advent of social media changed the game for hairstylists. Suddenly, we were not just service providers but also content creators and marketers.
Communicating in a way that resonated with the audience helped people understand who I am and what I stand for. I expressed my ambition and motivation to provide truly valuable services, which quickly built my schedule. This strategy worked in three different locations, proving the power of relatability and consistent effort in building a strong online presence.
5. You’re Never Too Big or Important to Learn.
One thing that’s amazing about this industry is that no matter how advanced you are, there is always something new to learn. Staying curious and investing in education keeps stylists motivated, ahead of trends, and provides increased earning power.
Whether it’s mastering balayage techniques or diving into mental-health and wellness resources for hairstylists, education can be the key to financial growth, to creative fulfillment, and even an emotional lifeline.
6. There Will Be Storms. They All End Sometime.
The challenges that beauty professionals have faced throughout the years — from economic downturns to the COVID-19 pandemic — could all be overcome, but not without a whole lot of resilience.
During these periods, many hairstylists leaned into their passion for the craft, turned to their community for support, and found ways to adapt, whether through virtual consultations or focusing on education to improve skills.
Tough times have a way of showing us what we’re made of. Navigate them by staying true to your passion, reminding yourself why you started, and letting that fuel your journey.
7. Change is Inevitable. Embrace It.
In an ever-changing industry, flexibility ensures longevity.
Even well-established stylists can’t avoid change, and sometimes have to make dramatic reinventions whether they like it or not. Maybe they’ve moved to a new area, or transitioned to a different salon, or redefined their career goals. Any degree of change can feel daunting at best.
But change is an opportunity to rediscover your "why." New and different circumstances don't require forgetting your past or starting from scratch. They do give you the chance to let go of things or of people who no longer serve you, to embrace a new path, and to build on everything you’ve experienced in the past to craft the future of your dreams.
Renée Ronan is a Florida-based master stylist and motivational specialist. She is the author of Lather, Rinse, and Restart! A Hairstylist's Guide to Reignite Their Passion for Hair, a resource filled with practical advice, personal stories, and actionable steps to help stylists reignite their love for the craft and rediscover the excitement of being behind the chair.
