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Dealing With Client Complaints

The goal of our cosmetology program at Collectiv Academy is to prepare you for the real-life demands of a salon, and a big part of that is client interaction. Your performance at important tasks is vital, of course, but clients can find several options for stylists who can handle their requests – how you separate yourself socially and verbally can make a big difference.

In particular, there will be times in the salon where you’ll face client complaints. Some will be legitimate, and others will be ridiculous and completely unfounded. In both cases, you have to respond professionally and with class. Here’s an itemized list for handling client complaints.

Acknowledge Disappointment

Do your best to read the face and body language of a client when you sense disappointment, and do your best to get to the root of it quickly. Give clients opportunities to provide feedback, even before they say anything – ask them about their look and how they enjoy it. In a case where there’s disappointment present, do your best to note it and relate to it.

Repeat Their Complaint

For consistency and to be sure you heard everything correctly, repeat the complaint back to the client. They’ll appreciate you clarifying, and even more so if you add on a couple suggestions to help fix the problem.

Show Appreciation

Acknowledge them as a valued client, whether they’re a regular or this is their first time in. Express your apology at their disappointment, and explain that you understand it. If you create a safety net, you allow them to respond with a second opportunity to correct the issue.

Keep Your Promise

If you’re given this second chance, make the most of it. If you go in a different direction and offer separate compensation for their complaint such as a gift card, make sure it’s honored. Clients need to see that you’ll follow through on what you say.

Open Communication

Ask probing questions and be a conscious listener. Clients appreciate both these traits, which cultivate a trusting and faithful environment.

Despite your best efforts, sometimes a client will not be satisfied with how their hair has turned out. That’s what makes learning strong customer service skills so important. These tips are great start, but we find the best lessons are learned by experience, which is why providing salon services to real customers is an integral part of our program. If you’d like to learn more abut the advantages of our hands-on approach, read the blog we wrote about it or check out the program description.

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How to Maximize Your Beauty School Experience

At a cosmetology school like Collectiv Academy, you’ll get all the tools it takes to succeed over a long career in the salon. You’ll learn everything from techniques to safety concerns, and we’ll teach you not only how to be a good stylist, but how to market and present yourself professionally to clients.

Entering one of our programs is no small life step, and you need to come into it ready for one of the most unique experiences in your life. Here are a few complimentary tips for success in our program or any beauty school situation.

Learning Never Stops

You’ll only spend a set period of time with us at Collectiv Academy, but your learning in this industry will never truly stop. The cosmetology field offers constant chances for improvement, from your first licensing exam to new techniques you may pick up 20 years into a successful career. Even within your individual program, expect to deal with an ever-varying coursework load and the sort of variety of challenges you can expect once you enter the full-time work force.

Welcome Opportunity

Even if you’re only planning to go into a very specialized area of cosmetology, keep yourself open to all avenues of learning. This includes skills, but it also includes tangential areas that are vital in the field – social elements, time management, professionalism and cleanliness.

Think about what you’d want in a stylist. Do you want someone who does the job, but is tough to communicate with and not well-organized? Or do you want someone with the skills you need, but also who you connect with? At Collectiv, we’ll give you the best of both worlds.

Varying Groups

Another thing you’ll need to be ready for with life in the salon is interaction with a widely varying group of people. Cosmetology school is the perfect place to hone this – you’ll meet people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Look to branch out as much as possible, and learn things about people from different backgrounds than yourself. Interpersonal skills are a huge deal in the salon, and the best place to fine-tune them within a similar environment is during school.

There is a lot to learn at beauty school and it can be hard to know how to take it all in. Remembering these three tips will go a long way toward helping you make the most of your time as a student. Another great way to prepare is to ask current students, so be sure to schedule a tour if you are thinking of attending beauty school.

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The Benefits of a Hands-On Cosmetology School

The goal of our cosmetology program at Collectiv Academy is to help mold you into an innovative and respected member of the cosmetology community, and we wouldn’t be able to accomplish that without hands-on learning approaches. You aren’t just sitting in a classroom, taking notes and waiting for the bell to ring – you’re actively applying your learning in a professional setting.

Whether it’s through the use of mannequins, live models or simply practicing on or with fellow students, we want you on your feet and learning via experience. Here are a few of the key benefits our students commonly find through this form of active learning.

Technique

You can read everything there is to read on a particular technique, but there’s a good chance you’ll never be able to master it without repetition. Learning which approaches work and which should be avoided in the future is a process that takes lots of trial and error, plus critiques from instructors who have seen all these issues before.

You’ll make mistakes during this process, don’t you worry, but these are expected and even welcomed. They’re often the only way to learn how to do it right.

Confidence

Down the same lines, hands-on techniques are by far the best ways to build confidence. Would you be confident entering your first paid salon job, then doing the first hands-on haircut of your life on your very first customer? Of course not. You’d be terrified, and would likely make big mistakes even if you had every bit of book learning on the subject memorized by heart. Getting that experience hundreds of times over before you enter the professional setting will allow you to project the confident, experienced stylist your clients want to see.

Problem Solving

Practicing techniques and methods in person may also alert you to any limitations or issues you have with these techniques. Maybe you really struggle with a certain type of cut, but it’s because you’re using the wrong technique and just need a quick alteration. You’ll never find these things out if you don’t give them the chance to present themselves.

Mastering techniques, building confidence, and developing problem-solving skills are just a few of the benefits of our hands-on method. To learn about more of the benefits, check out our cosmetology program, or come in for a tour to experience it for yourself!

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Is Cosmetology Your True Calling?

You’ve heard friends or family members bragging about how their life’s work was their “true calling,” and we all know that just as often as not, this is a nice story that probably isn’t entirely true. Many of us stumble into our careers for one reason or another, and there’s nothing wrong with this!

Many others truly do know their calling early in life, though, and at Collectiv Academy, we’d like to think our cosmetology school students are a big part of this group. Cosmetology is just one of those things where you often know from an early age that it’ll be what you do your whole life. What are some of the early signs that you might be just right for a career in cosmetology?

First Resource

Have you suddenly started to notice that you have a growing list of friends and family who consistently come to you first for everything from makeup advice to a little hair alteration? Are you actively in charge of the beauty profile for a half-dozen other people besides yourself? Looks like the answer is right there in front of you: A career doing exactly that could be right up your alley if you love seeing those phone calls.

Socially Outgoing

The social element is a huge part of the salon experience. If you’re a creative person who often expresses that creativity outwardly and can get along with anyone, you’ll be right at home.

Early Trials

In many cases, you’ll know well before you even reach high school age that you’re fit for a career in beauty. Maybe you insisted on doing your own hair as a young child, or developed a reputation in middle school as the school’s best makeup artist. These are tea leaves begging to be read.

Different Timetable

Best of all for many people, the world of cosmetology offers the sort of scheduling freedom that many of us crave. This isn’t a boring desk job with a cubicle, and the hours won’t look anything like one of those. Your workload depends entirely on you, and this is perfect for motivated people who want the freedom to manage their time in their own way.

Ready to get started? Apply today!

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Tips for Maintaining Dyed Hair

Hair is one of the main ways we express ourselves outwardly to other people, and hair color is the primary medium. Dyeing hair and maintaining color is one of the core principles taught at Collectiv Academy’s premier cosmetology program, where we impress upon our students just how vital every little step of the process is for their clients.

That process doesn’t stop when the client leaves the salon, however. Proper maintenance and upkeep becomes even more important for dyed hair than normal hair, and you haven’t fully done your job as a stylist if your customers are unsure of how to care for their hair once they leave your chair. Here are a few tips for basic dyed hair maintenance.

High Quality Dye

Okay, so at least one bit of dyed hair upkeep actually begins in the salon.

Low quality dye is likely to wash out more quickly or leave streaks and undesirable marks, and it’s almost certain to lose you some repeat business. Would you go back to a salon that charged you a normal fee for a product that didn’t work or only worked briefly? No way. Not only will low quality dyes often lack the vibrancy you’re looking for, they can also potentially damage or weaken the hair.

Keep Hair Healthy

Hair is more likely to cooperate with dye and other products if it’s generally healthy. For people looking to change to a particularly bright or unusual color, this might mean patience in the process – it may take more than one dyeing for the color to truly stick, but bunching these up too closely together can damage hair long term.

For all people using dye, try to be as gentle as possible on hair. Hair masks and repair products are easy to find, and clients should be sure to take special care during sleep hours.

Temperature

You should be recommending only cold water to your clients while they wash their hair in the immediate aftermath of getting it dyed. Warm water opens up hair cuticles, which can cause the dye to fall off the cuticles and leave the hair. You don’t need to take your entire shower in freezing cold water, but turn it down any time you’re actively rising your hair.

At Collectiv Academy beauty school, you’ll also be taught to recommend limited sun exposure. UV rays aren’t good for artificial hair dyes, so be sure to cover up. Also, hair dryers and styling items like straighteners which use heat should be minimized, and protectants need to be used if they’re absolutely necessary.

Products

There are certain dos and don’ts when talking products for styling hair with color. Shampoos and conditioners with sulfates or alcohol are items to avoid – both can increase fading in hair color. In fact, it’s often recommended that shampoo usage itself be limited altogether during the first couple weeks after dyeing hair.

On the “do” side are gentler hair products which won’t rough up your cuticles. For some people, you can also recommend adding a little bit of hair dye into conditioner to help supplement dye levels throughout the weeks following your salon process.

Want to become a hair coloring expert? Start off right by attending our cosmetology program and learning from our skilled instructors. Apply today!

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Why Become a Hair Stylist?

At Collectiv Academy, our cosmetology school can give you all the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in the industry. Our expert staff will give you decades of combined experience in all areas of the business, and leave you ready to become a successful professional in the beauty field.

Before we can do any of that, though, you have to be sure that a career in this field is what you want. The world of cosmetology and hair styling holds many benefits, and you should know why you’re angling to become a part of it before you go down that road. So what’s so great about becoming a hair stylist, anyway?

Passion and Creativity

Most people gravitate to this industry because of the way it helps them express themselves and their creativity. Being able to come into work knowing that every day will pose new creative and artistic challenges is what gets plenty of people out of bed in the morning, and every day in the hair styling field is like that.

Not only is this a chance to hone your creative processes and maybe even learn something about yourself in the process, it’s a chance to impart that creativity onto others. That gift of spreading art is another primary draw of the industry.

Social Outlet

For loquacious people who enjoy the social elements of life, hair styling is the perfect job. You spend the entire day meeting new people and interacting with co-workers and clients alike, and there’s never a dull moment in the salon.

Time Management

Scheduling in most salons tends to accommodate the various schedules of the employees, and this is perfect for many people who prefer that kind of lifestyle. Your hours will generally be flexible, and you can often determine when you do or don’t work. You’ll almost never have strict deadlines or rushed, stress-filled moments.

Control

Down these same lines, a career as a hair stylist offers you some of the most control over your daily life of any options out there. Scheduling and time concerns are one big thing, and control over your career trajectory is another. As your portfolio grows and you develop a dedicated customer case, you might move up more quickly than you had imagined. With the right hard work and success, you can even open your own salon at some point and take your work to the next level.

Ready to get to work on a career that will offer you the creativity and independence you’ve always craved? Our hair school has helped hundreds of people just like you find their true calling. Speak with an admissions specialist today.

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What Makes a Successful Cosmetologist?

Are you passionate about creative hair styling, but unsure how you might be able to turn your passion into a career? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. There are plenty of people with a heartfelt interest in joining this exciting, fast-paced industry, but who lack the tools or motivation to take the plunge.

Among other major elements, this break-in foundation is one of the pillars of Collectiv Academy’s renowned cosmetology program. We’ll show you everything you need to establish yourself as a top notch stylist, plus how to progress in the industry. As a small taste, here are a few general tips for what makes a great cosmetologist.

Foundational Skills

Establishing your basic skills sets your baseline as a cosmetologist. This starts with your work in the salon, from the simple stuff to more technical processes that might take some practice.

It’s not just about your ability to cut hair and make it look nice, though – foundational skills also include the business side of the industry. Networking is vital, as is the ability to present yourself in a professional and upstanding way. The ability to spot an industry trend early might get you a leg up on your competition.

Personalize

Once you’ve firmed up your basic skill set, get to work adding your own personal flair. This might include a signature color scheme or a special design – whatever sets you apart.

At the same time, be ready to adapt your style based on your clients’ preferences. No one wants a rigid stylist unwilling to think outside their box. At Collectiv Academy beauty school, part of our goal is enabling you to maximize your creativity, both for yourself and your clients.

Expect Mistakes

Things won’t always go perfectly! You’ll make mistakes along the way, maybe even a few serious ones. Just remember to view these as learning experiences above all else, and try to never make the same mistake twice.

Present Yourself

To advance in the cosmetology industry, you have to be visible. We talked about networking earlier, and it deserves a second mention – put yourself out there wherever possible. A few simple ways to help market yourself:

  • Business cards
  • Social media
  • Trade shows
  • Word of mouth – satisfied customers spread the word quickly!

Continue Learning

Cosmetology is an ever-evolving industry, and you need to have the same mindset to succeed. Whether you’re a pup still in barber school or a 10-year veteran with an established clientele, you can still find learning experiences in the right places. If you keep an open mind, there’s no telling what might fill it.

Ready to learn more? Collectiv Academy is ready to give you the tools you need to succeed in the hairdressing industry.

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Staying Safe in the Salon

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of cosmetology, but safety in the barbershop is a very important consideration. You’re working with equipment that’s sharp or heats up to what can be dangerous temperatures, after all, and these items are usually used on or around the heads of your customers.

At Collectiv Academy, safety in the workplace is a standard part of our cosmetology school experience. Here are a few general tips we’d offer for keeping your shop safe and fun.

Equipment

The items in your salon are tools at your disposal, but they can be dangerous if used or maintained incorrectly. A few basics to stay on top of:

  • Keep lists of equipment, including regular maintenance tracking
  • Be conscious of cords and electronics, especially near customers
  • Keep track of sharp items
  • Check water temperatures regularly – should never be above 120 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Bi-annual checks on all equipment

These are just general tips, and many individual situations will simply come down to common sense. Don’t let children near sharp or hot equipment, for instance, and don’t try to fix or fuss with equipment you may not know how to use. Part of our hair school experience at Collectiv Academy includes proper use and maintenance of all salon equipment.

Chemicals

If they’re handled and stored correctly, the various chemicals in your barbershop will stay safe and useful as hair products and not accidents waiting to happen. Some ways to stay diligent here:

  • Store chemicals according to instructions
  • Label all chemicals clearly
  • Read directions before use
  • Follow allergy-check recommendations from product manufacturers

Facility

Keeping your salon clutter-free and organized is the easiest way to avoid any potential chaos. A few things to keep an eye on:

  • Wipe up spills on floors immediately, and sweep up hair regularly
  • Provide non-slip footwear to customers if slipping is an issue
  • Wash and wax floors regularly
  • Check fixtures like mirrors, tables and sinks on a regular basis
  • Designate specific areas for employee workstations to avoid confusion
  • Keep a first-aid supply kit handy

If you’re ready to learn more and join an exciting and progressive beauty school, contact Collectiv Academy today. Our passionate team is ready to meet you and start your journey toward creating a successful career.

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Why to Choose a Beauty School for Salon Services

With everything rising in costs finding affordable salon services is an easy way to stay stylish without breaking the bank. A crucial part to finding affordable services is knowing where to look.

Luckily, many beauty colleges and cosmetology schools offer salons that are operated by the students. This gives the students the practice and experience they need, with the supervision of a trained instructor.

Types of Salon Services Offered

Students at beauty colleges study a vast array of salon services, in most student salons you should expect to find the types of services you would find in any professional beauty salon. The following services are offered by most beauty or cosmetology schools:

  • Haircuts
  • Waxing
  • Manicures
  • Pedicures
  • Hair coloring or foiling
  • Perms
  • Chemical relaxers
  • Hair Styling
  • Facials

Services are usually very affordable and are supervised by the student’s’ instructors to ensure quality results. Keep in mind that these are students who have had their training, but are working on gaining expertise in their practical skills.

Why Beauty Schools Offer Discounts

Beauty schools are a learning environment that is why most of them offer a discount to the public for services. Students need to gain experience before entering the work force, and working under the supervision of an instructor offers a valuable learning setting, along with work experiences.

You may be reluctant to choose a beauty school for your salon services, especially if you have heard horror stories of haircuts or colorings that have gone horribly wrong. Those experiences are not always tied to cosmetology students, but salons that did not listen to their clients requests or had poor training.

Beauty School Advantages

When choosing to go to a beauty school for any salon service you can be sure that the student will be supervised by a trained instructor with a valid cosmetology license. If you have any doubt you can always what the school’s policy is regarding students and their services offered.

A student may not be as fast as a licensed professional with years of experience, but you should still be able to expect quality results. If you can invest a little extra time and don’t mind if the student needs to consult with their instructor from time to time, you can save yourself a significant amount of money on your next haircut or other salon service.

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