After 1600 hours in cosmetology and a school loan, I was licensed to cut hair …but didn’t know how to.
After school, I tried to memorize as many haircuts as I could from classes, DVDs and hair shows . I memorized 1 specific way to cut each haircut below:
round layers
round graduation
round line
triangle layers
triangle graduation
triangle line
square layers
square graduation
square line
Memorizing was exhausting! There were times when I’d forget what elevation to do, what kind of section to take, or how to angle my finger. I’d get so nervous when I’d get a new client. I always worried that they might ask for a haircut that I haven’t memorized yet.
My career wasn’t what I imagined it would be like. I wasn’t inspired. I was constantly nervous taking clients. I didn’t feel like I was making a difference. I felt like an imposter.
Everything changed when I understood the principles of haircutting. I didn’t have to rely on step-by-step haircuts from videos, demos, hands-on classes, and shows. I was no longer limited by the amount of haircuts I could memorize. I started actually creating and customizing haircuts for each client based on their face shape, head shape, hair type, life style and taste. I felt free. I felt inspired. I felt like I was making a difference in people’s lives using my craft.
If you can relate to my story, please know that there is hope. Don’t give up. Don’t settle. This isn’t the way it has to be. There’s a reason why you started this journey. Maybe that reason has been overshadowed by experiences you’ve had along the way. We just weren’t able to build our foundation at the start …but that doesn’t mean it is too late.