Had two colors today...one came out just great, the other, meh...
Wing nut number one came in, wanting to know if I could fix her hair. She had pulled her hair through the cap, but only did the front (bought at kit at the store). Therefore, the back of her hair was very dark. And, (this is the best part) she was INSISTING her natural color was a light ash blonde. NOT. EVEN. CLOSE. Naturally, she's a warm level 5...medium warm brown. Which means, when her hair lightens up, it's got some amazing warm tones ("red" to those not in the business) going on.
My mistake was in not lightening her ends first. I dealt with her roots first. Big mistake, because by the time I got done applying the lightener to her ends, her roots were pale blonde. Her ends, not so much.
I then covered her ends (after rinsing & washing thoroughly) with 10A & 8N. (9NA) Also put SPV & SPN on her regrowth area, then feathered the 9NA into the regrowth area. (Hoping it would darken it up enough, which it did not)
This lady was a few sandwiches shy of a picnic. She was pleasant enough, overall. However, it wouldn't surprise me to know there's an official diagnosis of SOMETHING in a file somewhere. She's definitely "not right".
Her color didn't come out quite like I wanted it to. However, it was more like what she wanted. And I did tell her she could come back and get it fixed if she didn't like it. Just give it a couple of days. Something I've noticed about myself is that when I've spent that much time looking at the hair I need to fix, I don't always see the finished results correctly. When I redid Tina's hair a couple of weeks ago, even with the warm color I had put on her hair, I could still see all the mocha I was trying to cover up! So, we'll see.
Wing nut number two: Her daughter in law. Who SWEARS I am the best thing since sliced cheese. Not so much, really. Especially not today. Goofed her haircut up a bit....mistranslated what the cut was and gave her something totally different. Oh, well. Hair grows. It doesn't look bad, just not the cut she was looking for. It happens. I can't beat myself up about this stuff. She's still willing to come back and bring her child along for a haircut next time.
However, her color: A simple one, really. A richer shade of what she already had. She's a warm tone level 6, with some previous color growing out. So, Color Sync to the rescue! 7WN & 6N to give it the warmth she was looking for, and a richness her previous color was lacking. Gorgeous!!
Monday, December 26, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Stealing another Monday Meme
Since I've made a point of NOT complaining about what goes on at work with my co-workers, I've managed to limit my subject matter, just a bit. Therefore, I've been reading Wayfarer's blogs (because he's finally started blogging again) and shamelessly stealing from him my subject matter!!
Are you happy with the person you've become?
Yes. I'm always needing "improvement", but, over all, I'm happy with me and comfortable with who I am.
What sound do you hate? Small children screaming in pain/anger. Pay attention to your kid!!
What sound do you love? Small children giggling like crazy. Best sound EVER!
What is your biggest "what if"? Truly, if I'd stayed with Katie's dad. We had a dumb relationship, really. And now, we're both pretty successful at what we do. It probably wouldn't have worked out this way if I'd allowed things to continue the way they were. But, it's still a "what if".
Do you believe in ghosts? Yes. My house is full of them. They're all my family members, so it's not as creepy as it sounds. It's quite comforting, actually. I'm living where I'm supposed to. For now.
Do you believe in aliens? No. I love science fiction movies (Star Trek, Star Wars), fantasy movies (Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter), but, no, I don't truly believe in that stuff.
What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far?? I have two. Having Katie and getting my cosmetology license. They're pretty equal with one another. Both have changed my life in numerous ways. All good.
What is the worst place you have ever been to? Both driving through the George Washington Bridge in NYC and what a friend referred to as "Brown Town" near her southern hometown were pretty scary. Beyond that, I don't get out much...
Can insanity bring on more creativity? Having experienced mental illness first hand through my ex-husband, yes, it can. While he's not "insane", I have experienced him in some seriously manic moments crank out some creative stuff. Not always good, mind you, but definitely creative.
Most attractive actor of your opposite gender? Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds. Incredibly lovely to look at, I like their acting abilities, and their voices are pleasantly deep. Sigh...
To you, what is the meaning of life? Not really sure how to answer this one. A comfy home, a decent car that runs well, enough money in my pocket to accomplish what I need to. Making sure my teenager still loves me (and I, her!)! Guess I answered it!
Define "art" What I do is art, what Katie's dad does (auto body) is art, what Katie does (pipe cleaner people, anyone??) is art, what my mom did (cakes) is art, what my dad did (2-D drawing) was art.
Do you believe in luck? I believe we have the power to make our own luck.
In your opinion, what makes a great relationship?? Communication and compromise. I stink at both, regularly. But, I keep trying.
What's a song that always makes you happy when you hear it? "Sleigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson Orchestra, this time of year. "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins any other time of the year...I picture the feet, EVERY time!
Where were you yesterday? At work. Bringing in clients and making some good tips!
What's the worst injury you've ever had?? Luckily, I've managed to stay relatively unharmed in that way. However, I sprained my ankle by falling down a small flight of stairs with my then 3 year old niece in my arms...pretty scary. I was more concerned with whether or not she'd hit her head on anything when we landed, not what I'd done to myself. Also, the bumps & bruises I sustained from my very first car accident. The hemotoma on my forehead is finally gone (accident was when I was 19), but my breastbone still "tweaks" every once in a while (hit it on the steering column in my car). A "nice" reminder to not drive while ridiculously tired.
Ever had a rumor spread about you? Oh, too many to count. There are those who feel my life is terribly exciting. Still haven't figured that one out yet.
Do you believe in real magic? This kind of goes with the aliens question. No, not really.
Do you ever hold grudges against people who have done you wrong? If avoiding certain people because of how I was treated when I was young counts, then, yes. I steer clear of those that have bullied me. I'm not afraid of them, not by a long shot. I avoid them (most of them) so that I don't say things that don't really need to be said. There's one bully I cannot avoid completely, but, luckily, I only have to be around him 5 times a year....three holidays and two birthdays.
What's your favorite (non-pet) animal?? Elephants. Bar none. There is something about them that just gets to me, every time. I have no idea why. Must be a past life experience. I actually saw (on TV) an elephant give birth and I just cried watching that little bit of life come to be.
What is your secret weapon to get people to like you? It's a combination of things. Being honest, showing empathy, sympathy, a bit flirty, knowledgeable in lots of things (to be able to carry on a conversation regarding just about anything), and, at least at work, being a little bit easy on the eyes is helpful. However, those that know me the longest and the best have seen me without all the "paint" and they still like me, anyway!
Where is your best friend right now? Sleeping.
Are you happy with the person you've become?
Yes. I'm always needing "improvement", but, over all, I'm happy with me and comfortable with who I am.
What sound do you hate? Small children screaming in pain/anger. Pay attention to your kid!!
What sound do you love? Small children giggling like crazy. Best sound EVER!
What is your biggest "what if"? Truly, if I'd stayed with Katie's dad. We had a dumb relationship, really. And now, we're both pretty successful at what we do. It probably wouldn't have worked out this way if I'd allowed things to continue the way they were. But, it's still a "what if".
Do you believe in ghosts? Yes. My house is full of them. They're all my family members, so it's not as creepy as it sounds. It's quite comforting, actually. I'm living where I'm supposed to. For now.
Do you believe in aliens? No. I love science fiction movies (Star Trek, Star Wars), fantasy movies (Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter), but, no, I don't truly believe in that stuff.
What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far?? I have two. Having Katie and getting my cosmetology license. They're pretty equal with one another. Both have changed my life in numerous ways. All good.
What is the worst place you have ever been to? Both driving through the George Washington Bridge in NYC and what a friend referred to as "Brown Town" near her southern hometown were pretty scary. Beyond that, I don't get out much...
Can insanity bring on more creativity? Having experienced mental illness first hand through my ex-husband, yes, it can. While he's not "insane", I have experienced him in some seriously manic moments crank out some creative stuff. Not always good, mind you, but definitely creative.
Most attractive actor of your opposite gender? Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds. Incredibly lovely to look at, I like their acting abilities, and their voices are pleasantly deep. Sigh...
To you, what is the meaning of life? Not really sure how to answer this one. A comfy home, a decent car that runs well, enough money in my pocket to accomplish what I need to. Making sure my teenager still loves me (and I, her!)! Guess I answered it!
Define "art" What I do is art, what Katie's dad does (auto body) is art, what Katie does (pipe cleaner people, anyone??) is art, what my mom did (cakes) is art, what my dad did (2-D drawing) was art.
Do you believe in luck? I believe we have the power to make our own luck.
In your opinion, what makes a great relationship?? Communication and compromise. I stink at both, regularly. But, I keep trying.
What's a song that always makes you happy when you hear it? "Sleigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson Orchestra, this time of year. "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins any other time of the year...I picture the feet, EVERY time!
Where were you yesterday? At work. Bringing in clients and making some good tips!
What's the worst injury you've ever had?? Luckily, I've managed to stay relatively unharmed in that way. However, I sprained my ankle by falling down a small flight of stairs with my then 3 year old niece in my arms...pretty scary. I was more concerned with whether or not she'd hit her head on anything when we landed, not what I'd done to myself. Also, the bumps & bruises I sustained from my very first car accident. The hemotoma on my forehead is finally gone (accident was when I was 19), but my breastbone still "tweaks" every once in a while (hit it on the steering column in my car). A "nice" reminder to not drive while ridiculously tired.
Ever had a rumor spread about you? Oh, too many to count. There are those who feel my life is terribly exciting. Still haven't figured that one out yet.
Do you believe in real magic? This kind of goes with the aliens question. No, not really.
Do you ever hold grudges against people who have done you wrong? If avoiding certain people because of how I was treated when I was young counts, then, yes. I steer clear of those that have bullied me. I'm not afraid of them, not by a long shot. I avoid them (most of them) so that I don't say things that don't really need to be said. There's one bully I cannot avoid completely, but, luckily, I only have to be around him 5 times a year....three holidays and two birthdays.
What's your favorite (non-pet) animal?? Elephants. Bar none. There is something about them that just gets to me, every time. I have no idea why. Must be a past life experience. I actually saw (on TV) an elephant give birth and I just cried watching that little bit of life come to be.
What is your secret weapon to get people to like you? It's a combination of things. Being honest, showing empathy, sympathy, a bit flirty, knowledgeable in lots of things (to be able to carry on a conversation regarding just about anything), and, at least at work, being a little bit easy on the eyes is helpful. However, those that know me the longest and the best have seen me without all the "paint" and they still like me, anyway!
Where is your best friend right now? Sleeping.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Visual Learner
The fun thing about hairdressers (at least most hairdressers, anyway) is that we're visual learners. If you've got something new in mind, bring in a picture. It's so much easier to have a reference point when dealing with your hair!
The other part of my visual learning is this (and, of course, it's a drawn out explanation): I write down what I do for client services every day. I keep track of what, who, how often, retail sold, coupons/business cards handed out, and what they tipped. Partly because I'm nosy, but also because my employer demands it of me. I like knowing what I did during the day. The other thing I've started doing is tracking my day in an appointment book.
GASP!!! NOT AN APPOINTMENT BOOK!?!?!? Yes. An appointment book. We're not allowed to book appointments, so I don't use it for that, specifically. However, at the end of every day, when I'm at home, I transfer what I write in my little notebook into my appointment book. When at all possible, I try to record it in actual time (men's hair cut at 1pm, color at 3pm, etc), including blocking out how long it took me to accomplish each appointment. Why do I do this?? So I can see how full my day is.
When I worked for Ginger, I had a lot of down time. So, I spent a lot of time examining various things in the computer. Productivity being a big one. I'm between Ginger & Evelyn in terms of productivity....that being said, Evelyn is busier because I'm not there to"hog the clients". She actually inherited a bunch of my clients when I left. But, anyway....right now, with the staff I have, we're on par with my old salon. Which, for a new salon, I happen to think is pretty good.
The other part of my visual learning is this (and, of course, it's a drawn out explanation): I write down what I do for client services every day. I keep track of what, who, how often, retail sold, coupons/business cards handed out, and what they tipped. Partly because I'm nosy, but also because my employer demands it of me. I like knowing what I did during the day. The other thing I've started doing is tracking my day in an appointment book.
GASP!!! NOT AN APPOINTMENT BOOK!?!?!? Yes. An appointment book. We're not allowed to book appointments, so I don't use it for that, specifically. However, at the end of every day, when I'm at home, I transfer what I write in my little notebook into my appointment book. When at all possible, I try to record it in actual time (men's hair cut at 1pm, color at 3pm, etc), including blocking out how long it took me to accomplish each appointment. Why do I do this?? So I can see how full my day is.
When I worked for Ginger, I had a lot of down time. So, I spent a lot of time examining various things in the computer. Productivity being a big one. I'm between Ginger & Evelyn in terms of productivity....that being said, Evelyn is busier because I'm not there to"hog the clients". She actually inherited a bunch of my clients when I left. But, anyway....right now, with the staff I have, we're on par with my old salon. Which, for a new salon, I happen to think is pretty good.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday Meme on Tuesday...
Wayfarer Journal has been a blogging madman of late, after taking a year off, and I'm stealing from him, AGAIN, because, well, I'm too damn tired to think of anything to write, currently...So, here goes:
If you were an animal, what would it be?? Why??
I would be a cat. They're one of my two favorite animals (the other is elephants). Why?? Because their needs are met almost instantly, and they get to sleep 22+ hours a day. Sleep would be good....
Hair color you like on someone you're dating?
I'm a sucker for tall, dark & handsome...EVERY time. Katie's father fit the bill (at the time, mind you): Chocolate brown, wavy hair, hazelly brown eyes, 6'6", great smile, moustache....basically, a young Tom Selleck or Burt Reynolds, complete with snazzy car....but, I'm digressing...moving on!
If you were suffering an injury, would you rather be blind or deaf??
Deaf....if I'm blind, I can't see to do my work, and I'm finally doing the work I LOVE...I can't create fabulous hair if I can't see...
Do you have any special talents?
I color hair. It doesn't sound like much, but I can look at your hair, look at you, talk to you, figure out what will work best and formulate like a mad scientist to make it happen.
What do you do as soon as you walk in the house?
Put down my bag, drop the coat, shed the shoes, hang up the keys, change the hairy clothes, talk to the teenager, figure out what's for dinner (because I'm not a plan ahead kind of gal--I should be, but I'm not)
Do you like horror or comedy?
I admit to liking both "Shaun of the Dead" and "Zombieland" (although "Zombieland not as much), however, "genuine" horror, NO. It's dumb and completely unbelievable. I'll take a comedy any day...
Are you missing anyone??
There are many people who are gone that I wish were back, if only for a day. Some good, and some not so good. Currently, my Gram (my dad's step mother) passed away almost a year ago. Her birthday is Dec. 23rd...I'm missing her a bit, even though we weren't terribly close once I became an adult.
Where do you want to live when you are old?
Well, I'd like to say some warm, exotic place. But, I like where I live. A home of my own, instead of renting, maybe...but I'm where I'm supposed to be.
Who is the person you can count on the most?
There's a huge list.....I'm not able to narrow it down to one person. I count on everyone for a variety of reasons. I think it comes with being a single parent.
If you could date any celebrity, past or present, who would it be?
Lately, it's been Matthew Perry....Katie has been watching old episodes of "Friends" lately and his sarcasm is just FANTASTIC!! I realize it's all scripted, so, it should really be Chandler Bing....
What did you dream last night?
Most of the time, I don't remember my dreams, unless they're graphic or scary, and even then, it takes a lot to get me to remember them. Must be I have too much in my head....
What is your favorite sport to watch?
No sports fan here....that being said, Figure skating was a favorite when I was a kid, as well as competitive gymnastics. Loved watching the Olympics as a kid....1980 Hockey team, Mary Lou Retton, Torvill & Dean...
Are you named after anyone??
My first name is because I was a small baby, therefore, I got a small name. My middle name is my Polish Great Grandmother's American middle name (boy, that's a mouthful for a small middle name, too!!)
What is your favorite alcoholic drink?
I used to drink wine spritzers, heavy on the spritzer, when I was dating The Drunk. I haven't had a drop of alcohol in 6+ years. I never was much of a drinker, anyway....I can be stupid on air...I don't need alcohol to intensify it....
Non alcoholic drink??
Juice & seltzer...Wayfarer House turned me onto this and it's how I drink juice now...straight juice tastes wicked sweet!
Have you ever been in love?
Yes.
Do you sing in the shower?
No, although there's always music in the bathroom....I generally talk to myself in the shower, if I say anything at all...mostly, I'm enjoying the white noise and the peace...
Have you ever been arrested?
No. Pulled over? Multiple times. Been in car accidents, yes. Arrested, NO.
What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas. Even though I've worked in retail for a million years, I still love Christmas. The decorations, the gift giving, the whole festive thing. Christmas music, okay, specific Christmas music, always puts me in a good mood, for the entire day.
Would you ever get plastic surgery?
Yes. Boob job...in a heart beat. And some liposuction..I'm too damn lazy to diet.
Have you ever caught a fish?
Only from the meat counter. Dad took me fishing exactly once. I was 6. I asked way too many questions. He never took me again.
If you were an animal, what would it be?? Why??
I would be a cat. They're one of my two favorite animals (the other is elephants). Why?? Because their needs are met almost instantly, and they get to sleep 22+ hours a day. Sleep would be good....
Hair color you like on someone you're dating?
I'm a sucker for tall, dark & handsome...EVERY time. Katie's father fit the bill (at the time, mind you): Chocolate brown, wavy hair, hazelly brown eyes, 6'6", great smile, moustache....basically, a young Tom Selleck or Burt Reynolds, complete with snazzy car....but, I'm digressing...moving on!
If you were suffering an injury, would you rather be blind or deaf??
Deaf....if I'm blind, I can't see to do my work, and I'm finally doing the work I LOVE...I can't create fabulous hair if I can't see...
Do you have any special talents?
I color hair. It doesn't sound like much, but I can look at your hair, look at you, talk to you, figure out what will work best and formulate like a mad scientist to make it happen.
What do you do as soon as you walk in the house?
Put down my bag, drop the coat, shed the shoes, hang up the keys, change the hairy clothes, talk to the teenager, figure out what's for dinner (because I'm not a plan ahead kind of gal--I should be, but I'm not)
Do you like horror or comedy?
I admit to liking both "Shaun of the Dead" and "Zombieland" (although "Zombieland not as much), however, "genuine" horror, NO. It's dumb and completely unbelievable. I'll take a comedy any day...
Are you missing anyone??
There are many people who are gone that I wish were back, if only for a day. Some good, and some not so good. Currently, my Gram (my dad's step mother) passed away almost a year ago. Her birthday is Dec. 23rd...I'm missing her a bit, even though we weren't terribly close once I became an adult.
Where do you want to live when you are old?
Well, I'd like to say some warm, exotic place. But, I like where I live. A home of my own, instead of renting, maybe...but I'm where I'm supposed to be.
Who is the person you can count on the most?
There's a huge list.....I'm not able to narrow it down to one person. I count on everyone for a variety of reasons. I think it comes with being a single parent.
If you could date any celebrity, past or present, who would it be?
Lately, it's been Matthew Perry....Katie has been watching old episodes of "Friends" lately and his sarcasm is just FANTASTIC!! I realize it's all scripted, so, it should really be Chandler Bing....
What did you dream last night?
Most of the time, I don't remember my dreams, unless they're graphic or scary, and even then, it takes a lot to get me to remember them. Must be I have too much in my head....
What is your favorite sport to watch?
No sports fan here....that being said, Figure skating was a favorite when I was a kid, as well as competitive gymnastics. Loved watching the Olympics as a kid....1980 Hockey team, Mary Lou Retton, Torvill & Dean...
Are you named after anyone??
My first name is because I was a small baby, therefore, I got a small name. My middle name is my Polish Great Grandmother's American middle name (boy, that's a mouthful for a small middle name, too!!)
What is your favorite alcoholic drink?
I used to drink wine spritzers, heavy on the spritzer, when I was dating The Drunk. I haven't had a drop of alcohol in 6+ years. I never was much of a drinker, anyway....I can be stupid on air...I don't need alcohol to intensify it....
Non alcoholic drink??
Juice & seltzer...Wayfarer House turned me onto this and it's how I drink juice now...straight juice tastes wicked sweet!
Have you ever been in love?
Yes.
Do you sing in the shower?
No, although there's always music in the bathroom....I generally talk to myself in the shower, if I say anything at all...mostly, I'm enjoying the white noise and the peace...
Have you ever been arrested?
No. Pulled over? Multiple times. Been in car accidents, yes. Arrested, NO.
What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas. Even though I've worked in retail for a million years, I still love Christmas. The decorations, the gift giving, the whole festive thing. Christmas music, okay, specific Christmas music, always puts me in a good mood, for the entire day.
Would you ever get plastic surgery?
Yes. Boob job...in a heart beat. And some liposuction..I'm too damn lazy to diet.
Have you ever caught a fish?
Only from the meat counter. Dad took me fishing exactly once. I was 6. I asked way too many questions. He never took me again.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Giving Thanks......
I'm thankful that I've got my health...could it be better?? Sure. I could actually work HARD to lose all this weight and work to become more flexible (I feel stiff as a board, most mornings), but, over all, no real complaints.
I'm thankful for my daughter. No, really. For all that she drives me crazy most days, I'd be lost without her, and I've told her so. (she never believes me, but I've told her)
I'm thankful I've got a job that I truly love, warts and all. My job is nothing if not a constant challenge, which is what I like most about it. I'm NEVER bored!!
I'm thankful for all of my clients....without them, I wouldn't have a job!!
I'm thankful for my given family, in many different ways.
I'm thankful for my chosen family, who are always there for me, in ways that, sometimes, my given family can't be.
And, I'm thankful for all the events in my life that have shaped me into who I am today. Without all those people and things that have happened, I wouldn't have the strength I have to get through each and every day.
What are you thankful for??
I'm thankful for my daughter. No, really. For all that she drives me crazy most days, I'd be lost without her, and I've told her so. (she never believes me, but I've told her)
I'm thankful I've got a job that I truly love, warts and all. My job is nothing if not a constant challenge, which is what I like most about it. I'm NEVER bored!!
I'm thankful for all of my clients....without them, I wouldn't have a job!!
I'm thankful for my given family, in many different ways.
I'm thankful for my chosen family, who are always there for me, in ways that, sometimes, my given family can't be.
And, I'm thankful for all the events in my life that have shaped me into who I am today. Without all those people and things that have happened, I wouldn't have the strength I have to get through each and every day.
What are you thankful for??
Monday, November 21, 2011
Updates....
So, I rearranged the cosmos at work...Rita is now right next to me, and Tina is across the way. They both, previously, were where they could not be seen by the customer, so people would walk by and think no one was working. Not any more. At least, not when they have a client in their chair....Still haven't figured out a way to keep them out of the back room when they're by themselves...
We had a staff meeting last week and I just reiterated the basics, which is what we're focusing on right now. I restated company policies regarding cell phone usage, timeliness, etc. Whether or not they follow through remains to be seen, but not only did I state the rules, yet again, but they also got a copy of what we went over, so there's no questioning what I said, or how I said it. And threw Tammy's name out there every chance I got. How productive or not productive they are is all up to them.
I continue to gain new clients...I just wish I could remember them when they come in three months later, expecting me to remember everything from the conversation we had!! I feel bad when that happens...it's not that I didn't enjoy my time with them...I did. But, depending on how many people I've seen between then and now is what erases my memory of them!! I apologize profusely when it happens. Sometimes it means I've kept them as a client, and sometimes not.
I'm now also getting people that ask me to promise not to move to another salon without telling them!! That's a good feeling, I've got to tell you. I also had a lady (who suffers from OCD & anxiety) yesterday who loved what I did and who will be back...so exciting!!!
The girls aren't calling Tammy with their personal sales figures like they're supposed to...I've caught both of them not doing that this week. I suspect it goes on a lot more than it should. I'm just as guilty, however, I don't normally do it on purpose....I tend to remember right when the nightly paperwork is printing, which means the computer is "polling"...sending the information over the phone line to home office. If I pick up the phone, it breaks the connection...and I'm not supposed to call Tammy from home, either... (working off the clock, you know...)
I'm also looking forward to my two days off this week...Wednesday and Thursday (which happens to be the holiday)...I'm wiped out!! It's been so darn busy that my body is reminding me I need some rest...I get the feeling I will COLLAPSE on Wednesday...I've only got laundry on my list...and I'm hearing that we're supposed to have sloppy weather on Wednesday...hmmmm.....
We had a staff meeting last week and I just reiterated the basics, which is what we're focusing on right now. I restated company policies regarding cell phone usage, timeliness, etc. Whether or not they follow through remains to be seen, but not only did I state the rules, yet again, but they also got a copy of what we went over, so there's no questioning what I said, or how I said it. And threw Tammy's name out there every chance I got. How productive or not productive they are is all up to them.
I continue to gain new clients...I just wish I could remember them when they come in three months later, expecting me to remember everything from the conversation we had!! I feel bad when that happens...it's not that I didn't enjoy my time with them...I did. But, depending on how many people I've seen between then and now is what erases my memory of them!! I apologize profusely when it happens. Sometimes it means I've kept them as a client, and sometimes not.
I'm now also getting people that ask me to promise not to move to another salon without telling them!! That's a good feeling, I've got to tell you. I also had a lady (who suffers from OCD & anxiety) yesterday who loved what I did and who will be back...so exciting!!!
The girls aren't calling Tammy with their personal sales figures like they're supposed to...I've caught both of them not doing that this week. I suspect it goes on a lot more than it should. I'm just as guilty, however, I don't normally do it on purpose....I tend to remember right when the nightly paperwork is printing, which means the computer is "polling"...sending the information over the phone line to home office. If I pick up the phone, it breaks the connection...and I'm not supposed to call Tammy from home, either... (working off the clock, you know...)
I'm also looking forward to my two days off this week...Wednesday and Thursday (which happens to be the holiday)...I'm wiped out!! It's been so darn busy that my body is reminding me I need some rest...I get the feeling I will COLLAPSE on Wednesday...I've only got laundry on my list...and I'm hearing that we're supposed to have sloppy weather on Wednesday...hmmmm.....
Thursday, November 17, 2011
And now we are three...
So, Stephie gave her notice last week...Thursday, in fact. This past Sunday was her last day. I don't have a problem with her having left, except that she just should have told the truth. She gave me some song and dance routine about how this job opportunity just "fell in her lap". Of course it did. In this economy, hairdressing jobs, especially for someone without a genuine client base, do NOT just "fall into your lap". Sigh. Whatever. I do wish her the best of luck. She is a talented hairdresser. And in the right environment, she can really shine. Smartstyles just wasn't the place for her....it's not the place for anyone fresh out of school, really....
So, with that in mind, we had an emergency staff meeting on Monday, just to go over the basics, really. Because we're down to three, there is no room for error. No one can get sick, no one can be late. There is no one to cover. I outlined, yet again, the company policies that not everyone follows. I also stated that the only way you get to leave early is if you're either scheduled that way (say only til 3:30 instead of 5pm) OR if it's Saturday, dead, and you're not the closing person. And don't you know, Rita honed right in on that one. She's been whining about how the hours got cut, she now has more hours, and wants to know when she can leave early. Unreal. Not unexpected, just unreal.
I've got another application in the drawer...one I'd actually hire. Except right now, we don't have the payroll to hire someone else. We need to focus on everyone getting on commission and staying on commission, for a month or more, to even entertain the idea of hiring another person. Of course, if any of us get "letters" again, and any of them state that someone is all done, then I have to hire someone else. Thank goodness I've got someone in the "hopper"!!
I had one of my newer clients the other day....she had been going to the chi-chi salon over in Keene, getting her hair done by the same guy for years. She had gone to him about a month or so ago, asking him to take her darker, as she couldn't afford to maintain the blonde any longer. He had originally colored her regrowth her natural shade (just warmer, since she's ashy) and left it at that. ( My client thought maybe he was on something that day). When he was done, she looked like she hadn't had her color done in MONTHS....very dark regrowth, very light ends. She went back the next night and told him he was fixing it....she was ANGRY, as she had a right to be!! What he wound up doing (because approximately 2 weeks later, it was obvious) was putting permanent color over the top of the old highlights, then re-highlighting a couple of spots to brighten it up.
You know what happened 2 weeks later when she started asking me questions about it?? The darker color faded away (as I knew it would), leaving some very ashy sections behind (as I also knew it would) which is what told me he'd put permanent color over the top of the highlights.
When she was in the other day getting her hair trimmed up, she asked me what I would do to get her where she wanted to go. I explained it this way "I'd use permanent color on your regrowth to match what was already done, then I'd go through your ends with a matching demi permanent color, leaving out select pieces of your lighter hair to use as highlights, giving those pieces a nice deep conditioning in foils to isolate the hair and keep it in the best condition possible. You'd have the darker hair you're looking for, and natural looking highlights to break it up so it doesn't look so shockingly dark until you adjust to it. We may have to do your color this way for a few visits until the darker color stays on your fragile ends, continuing to to trim up your hair every other visit to help your hair to better condition, because the only cure for these fragile ends is to cut them off...product to smooth them is only a band-aid, not a cure."
She LOVED what I had to say!! She promised she'd be back (the hair cut was her third visit....first was wax, second was her son's hair cut, third, hers)..I can't wait to do her color!!
So, with that in mind, we had an emergency staff meeting on Monday, just to go over the basics, really. Because we're down to three, there is no room for error. No one can get sick, no one can be late. There is no one to cover. I outlined, yet again, the company policies that not everyone follows. I also stated that the only way you get to leave early is if you're either scheduled that way (say only til 3:30 instead of 5pm) OR if it's Saturday, dead, and you're not the closing person. And don't you know, Rita honed right in on that one. She's been whining about how the hours got cut, she now has more hours, and wants to know when she can leave early. Unreal. Not unexpected, just unreal.
I've got another application in the drawer...one I'd actually hire. Except right now, we don't have the payroll to hire someone else. We need to focus on everyone getting on commission and staying on commission, for a month or more, to even entertain the idea of hiring another person. Of course, if any of us get "letters" again, and any of them state that someone is all done, then I have to hire someone else. Thank goodness I've got someone in the "hopper"!!
I had one of my newer clients the other day....she had been going to the chi-chi salon over in Keene, getting her hair done by the same guy for years. She had gone to him about a month or so ago, asking him to take her darker, as she couldn't afford to maintain the blonde any longer. He had originally colored her regrowth her natural shade (just warmer, since she's ashy) and left it at that. ( My client thought maybe he was on something that day). When he was done, she looked like she hadn't had her color done in MONTHS....very dark regrowth, very light ends. She went back the next night and told him he was fixing it....she was ANGRY, as she had a right to be!! What he wound up doing (because approximately 2 weeks later, it was obvious) was putting permanent color over the top of the old highlights, then re-highlighting a couple of spots to brighten it up.
You know what happened 2 weeks later when she started asking me questions about it?? The darker color faded away (as I knew it would), leaving some very ashy sections behind (as I also knew it would) which is what told me he'd put permanent color over the top of the highlights.
When she was in the other day getting her hair trimmed up, she asked me what I would do to get her where she wanted to go. I explained it this way "I'd use permanent color on your regrowth to match what was already done, then I'd go through your ends with a matching demi permanent color, leaving out select pieces of your lighter hair to use as highlights, giving those pieces a nice deep conditioning in foils to isolate the hair and keep it in the best condition possible. You'd have the darker hair you're looking for, and natural looking highlights to break it up so it doesn't look so shockingly dark until you adjust to it. We may have to do your color this way for a few visits until the darker color stays on your fragile ends, continuing to to trim up your hair every other visit to help your hair to better condition, because the only cure for these fragile ends is to cut them off...product to smooth them is only a band-aid, not a cure."
She LOVED what I had to say!! She promised she'd be back (the hair cut was her third visit....first was wax, second was her son's hair cut, third, hers)..I can't wait to do her color!!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
What a color I did today!!
One of my regular clients, Kathleen, has been toying with going darker for quite a while. She's actually been dying her hair a light golden blonde for quite some time. But, because she's a level 6, the blonde she was using wasn't quite the color she was looking for. She wanted a paler golden blonde (maybe a 9 or 10) and what she got was a darker golden blonde (because she's a level 6 to start with and the hair color just doesn't have the ability to go where she wanted it to go). She was willing to trust me to take her where she wanted to go, just making sure I had it clear she didn't want to go too dark.
So, she's a natural level 6, fine hair, a smattering of grey (less than 25%). The formula for her regrowth is this: Socolor 7W + 7M + 7N + 15 volume. W is warm, M is mocha (which is mostly brown with a titch of coppery pink) and N is natural dark blonde. I used 15 volume (10 + 20 divided by 2) so that the color spent more time depositing than lifting. The color for her ends is this: Color Sync 10WN + 7MM + 8N + Color Sync developer. WN: warm natural. MM: Mocha mocha, N: natural. When using Color Sync, it's best to keep in mind that it's an opaque color, so you need to keep it on the lighter side of things to keep it looking natural. Otherwise, it can look like shoe polish on your hair. (dark, dense, one color)
How I applied the color is this: Mixed up the permanent color first, applied to her regrowth, feathering it down a bit towards the lighter color. (she had a good inch of regrowth, which means if I'd brought the color all the way down to the line of demarcation, there would be a distinctive bright band throughout her hair) Then, I mixed up the demi permanent color, and started applying it in the back, first, because natural hair color is always darker in the back than on the top or in the front. Once I got to the occipital (curve of the head), I used foils to isolate the pieces that were to remain blonde, using conditioner as the product, rather than trying to lighten her hair even more, thusly damaging the heck out of her hair...really, she got a deep conditioning treatment while her color was processing!! And then, in between the foils, as I'm working towards the front of the head, I'm painting the demi permanent color on the hair, feathering it up into the permanent color, so it all blends. She sat like that for 30 minutes (mostly because I took a hair cut in between). While I wasn't a bit nervous about how the color was working, Kathleen was. And, she didn't like what she looked like with the foils in her hair.
I rinsed her color out, and was pleasantly surprised at the results, even when it was wet!! Took her back to my chair, cut her hair, and watched Kathleen's face light right up as she watched her hair dry and reveal the color. I styled it, and she LOVED it!! It looks natural, it looks as she wanted it to, it was even lighten than she thought it was going to be....I love it when that happens!!!
So, she's a natural level 6, fine hair, a smattering of grey (less than 25%). The formula for her regrowth is this: Socolor 7W + 7M + 7N + 15 volume. W is warm, M is mocha (which is mostly brown with a titch of coppery pink) and N is natural dark blonde. I used 15 volume (10 + 20 divided by 2) so that the color spent more time depositing than lifting. The color for her ends is this: Color Sync 10WN + 7MM + 8N + Color Sync developer. WN: warm natural. MM: Mocha mocha, N: natural. When using Color Sync, it's best to keep in mind that it's an opaque color, so you need to keep it on the lighter side of things to keep it looking natural. Otherwise, it can look like shoe polish on your hair. (dark, dense, one color)
How I applied the color is this: Mixed up the permanent color first, applied to her regrowth, feathering it down a bit towards the lighter color. (she had a good inch of regrowth, which means if I'd brought the color all the way down to the line of demarcation, there would be a distinctive bright band throughout her hair) Then, I mixed up the demi permanent color, and started applying it in the back, first, because natural hair color is always darker in the back than on the top or in the front. Once I got to the occipital (curve of the head), I used foils to isolate the pieces that were to remain blonde, using conditioner as the product, rather than trying to lighten her hair even more, thusly damaging the heck out of her hair...really, she got a deep conditioning treatment while her color was processing!! And then, in between the foils, as I'm working towards the front of the head, I'm painting the demi permanent color on the hair, feathering it up into the permanent color, so it all blends. She sat like that for 30 minutes (mostly because I took a hair cut in between). While I wasn't a bit nervous about how the color was working, Kathleen was. And, she didn't like what she looked like with the foils in her hair.
I rinsed her color out, and was pleasantly surprised at the results, even when it was wet!! Took her back to my chair, cut her hair, and watched Kathleen's face light right up as she watched her hair dry and reveal the color. I styled it, and she LOVED it!! It looks natural, it looks as she wanted it to, it was even lighten than she thought it was going to be....I love it when that happens!!!
Monday, November 7, 2011
An addition to yesterday's blog...
If you're going to do these precise hair cuts, do NOT blame your struggles on making this hair cut accurate on the fact that your client came in wearing a hat....WASH HIS HAIR and get rid of the "hat head" issue.
I fixed yet another hair cut yesterday that I shouldn't have. Clearly, some of us aren't paying attention to what we're doing....lots of small bits of hair where it shouldn't be, and it needed some SERIOUS blending to make it happen. Sigh...
The upside to all of the mistakes and stupidity?? When the client comes back and I fix the hair cut, I wind up gaining a new client or two...YAY for me!! Not so much for the stylist who will complain I'm "hogging" all the clients....Oh, well...
I fixed yet another hair cut yesterday that I shouldn't have. Clearly, some of us aren't paying attention to what we're doing....lots of small bits of hair where it shouldn't be, and it needed some SERIOUS blending to make it happen. Sigh...
The upside to all of the mistakes and stupidity?? When the client comes back and I fix the hair cut, I wind up gaining a new client or two...YAY for me!! Not so much for the stylist who will complain I'm "hogging" all the clients....Oh, well...
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Precise Hair Cuts...
If you're going to blah blah blah to your client about how you like doing military hair cuts, you might want to make sure you do the as precisely as the client is asking for.
Something I've learned: When a guy asks for a "high & tight", he's done military time or is a police officer, which means A) he's had this cut a million times and knows what he's looking at (which means you can't bullshit him) B) he's a bit of a perfectionist and wants this hair cut done right. Take your time and do it correctly.
What does this mean, in case you didn't get my meaning?? Well, it means establishing where the guard change in your hair cut is going to occur, discussing exactly how long the top (where the only length to the hair cut actually is) needs to be, the shape of the hair line in the back and the clean up around the ears , as well, need to be precise. Get where I'm going with this yet??
When you do the initial cutting of the longer hair on top, and the desired length is "finger length", you can't just cut it in one direction and call it good. Nor can you walk away from that hair cut without checking the "corners" to make sure you left no unnecessary length behind. What "corners" am I speaking about?? The ones at the front of your hair line...kind of the "bang" (fringe) area. If there's any length left behind, not only does that hair cut look incomplete right then and there, guess what it looks like as it grows out??
What you must do when cutting the length is this cut is cross check it...if you start vertical, check it horizontal, THEN check it on the diagonal. There will be weight points (hair that was missed) EVERY WHERE. It's also important, and this was taught in beauty school, to not cut hair past your second knuckle. Why?? Two reasons. 1) you're more likely to cut your knuckle or the web of your fingers...NOT a pleasant feeling. 2) That's also where your hand is likely to curve to rest your wrist on their head to keep the angle of your hand where it needs to be. Which, in turn, creates a curve (and a weight point) in the hair cut. When you're cutting at the round of the head, you actually WANT this....when you're cutting the top, where it's supposed to be flat, not so much.
Thankfully, I saved the hair cut. Whether or not this man comes back to get his hair cut with us again remains to be seen. I made sure to chat it up with him, and to be friendly, just to help things along. I also made sure to ask him what he wanted and paid attention to the details to make the hair cut happen. The lines of the hair cut were there, just not complete.
Something I've learned: When a guy asks for a "high & tight", he's done military time or is a police officer, which means A) he's had this cut a million times and knows what he's looking at (which means you can't bullshit him) B) he's a bit of a perfectionist and wants this hair cut done right. Take your time and do it correctly.
What does this mean, in case you didn't get my meaning?? Well, it means establishing where the guard change in your hair cut is going to occur, discussing exactly how long the top (where the only length to the hair cut actually is) needs to be, the shape of the hair line in the back and the clean up around the ears , as well, need to be precise. Get where I'm going with this yet??
When you do the initial cutting of the longer hair on top, and the desired length is "finger length", you can't just cut it in one direction and call it good. Nor can you walk away from that hair cut without checking the "corners" to make sure you left no unnecessary length behind. What "corners" am I speaking about?? The ones at the front of your hair line...kind of the "bang" (fringe) area. If there's any length left behind, not only does that hair cut look incomplete right then and there, guess what it looks like as it grows out??
What you must do when cutting the length is this cut is cross check it...if you start vertical, check it horizontal, THEN check it on the diagonal. There will be weight points (hair that was missed) EVERY WHERE. It's also important, and this was taught in beauty school, to not cut hair past your second knuckle. Why?? Two reasons. 1) you're more likely to cut your knuckle or the web of your fingers...NOT a pleasant feeling. 2) That's also where your hand is likely to curve to rest your wrist on their head to keep the angle of your hand where it needs to be. Which, in turn, creates a curve (and a weight point) in the hair cut. When you're cutting at the round of the head, you actually WANT this....when you're cutting the top, where it's supposed to be flat, not so much.
Thankfully, I saved the hair cut. Whether or not this man comes back to get his hair cut with us again remains to be seen. I made sure to chat it up with him, and to be friendly, just to help things along. I also made sure to ask him what he wanted and paid attention to the details to make the hair cut happen. The lines of the hair cut were there, just not complete.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Chemical Hair Cuts....
Had a client come in yesterday, signed up to see one of the other girls, thinking she was going to get some color done. Thank GOD she asked me my opinion on what she wanted done!!
I had heard about this woman's hair (without knowing who it was) the week before. (One of my stylists can't keep "secrets") She had been getting her hair bleached for quite a while now. And she needed her regrowth done. Well, apparently, she had a lot of gold banding going on, because she waits too long between appointments. So, the stylist went through her hair with lightener and applied it to those spots. And left it on too long. So now, this poor woman has tons of breakage going on and WHITE areas in her hair.....which is destroyed hair waiting to break off.
She had come in last week, when I wasn't there, and spoke to one of the younger stylists, who told her she can do all kinds of things to her hair. When I heard about it from the blabbermouth, I flipped a lid. There isn't a damn thing you can do with hair like that, other than let it grow out and get regular hair cuts. There isn't a product out there that will heal that hot mess.
The poor woman cried. I felt so bad for her, but the hair cut needed to happen. The color she showed me (from the book) will look FABULOUS on her, once all that blonde is OUT of her hair, and I told her so. Her hair is fine, and she's tried to have it long for years and all it has ever been is scraggly. When she heard how much needed to come off, she started to bawl and comment about how the man at home was going to be upset because he loves long hair. I HATE hearing that. I whipped around, looked her right in the eye and said "Hey...does he love you or your hair?? " I'm sure she didn't appreciate that comment, but seriously...it's freakin' hair. It WON'T heal, trust me. The only cure is a hair cut, plain and simple.
Once the hair cut was done, and styled (which it will NEVER look that way, ever again), it looked beautiful, thick and full. And, we managed to convince her to let that color grow out, no matter how bad it looks in the mean time. She's got breakage so bad, some of the sections of hair are barely 2 inches long. We'll see how this one goes....
I had heard about this woman's hair (without knowing who it was) the week before. (One of my stylists can't keep "secrets") She had been getting her hair bleached for quite a while now. And she needed her regrowth done. Well, apparently, she had a lot of gold banding going on, because she waits too long between appointments. So, the stylist went through her hair with lightener and applied it to those spots. And left it on too long. So now, this poor woman has tons of breakage going on and WHITE areas in her hair.....which is destroyed hair waiting to break off.
She had come in last week, when I wasn't there, and spoke to one of the younger stylists, who told her she can do all kinds of things to her hair. When I heard about it from the blabbermouth, I flipped a lid. There isn't a damn thing you can do with hair like that, other than let it grow out and get regular hair cuts. There isn't a product out there that will heal that hot mess.
The poor woman cried. I felt so bad for her, but the hair cut needed to happen. The color she showed me (from the book) will look FABULOUS on her, once all that blonde is OUT of her hair, and I told her so. Her hair is fine, and she's tried to have it long for years and all it has ever been is scraggly. When she heard how much needed to come off, she started to bawl and comment about how the man at home was going to be upset because he loves long hair. I HATE hearing that. I whipped around, looked her right in the eye and said "Hey...does he love you or your hair?? " I'm sure she didn't appreciate that comment, but seriously...it's freakin' hair. It WON'T heal, trust me. The only cure is a hair cut, plain and simple.
Once the hair cut was done, and styled (which it will NEVER look that way, ever again), it looked beautiful, thick and full. And, we managed to convince her to let that color grow out, no matter how bad it looks in the mean time. She's got breakage so bad, some of the sections of hair are barely 2 inches long. We'll see how this one goes....
Friday, November 4, 2011
Crawling into bed...
When I have a busy, crazy day....when it's "Beth Appreciation Day"...when it's so slammed I can't leave work on time....I crawl into bed early. Why?? You might ask....you just stand behind someone and do their hair all day long...what's so hard about that??
1. I stand, basically, in one spot, all day long....on hard cement flooring covered by vinyl.
2. I stand with my arms raised to shoulder height, ALL THE TIME...try it for a bit...see how it feels. My arms are like that for 1/2 hour at a time. I bet, if you challenged me to a "raise your arms for a long time" contest, I'd beat you....hands down...oh, wait, hands parallel, actually...
3. My head is usually tilted slightly to the side, which means my neck has a slight crick in it and my shoulders have permanent knots in them. There's these nifty cords that run across the shoulders....mine are twisted up like a tight rubber band most of the time.
4. Then, there's the mental exhaustion. For every client, I'm "on". I'm chatting it up, finding out what your haircut needs are as well as getting to know you if you're a new client, or getting caught up if you're a repeat client.
So, what gets me through days like this?? Pure adrenaline. There are days I skip my lunch because it's just not an option. I just keep moving until the clients stop coming. What's really funny about the whole thing is every time this happens, every time I stay later than expected, whomever is working the closing shift begs me to stay with them, and, at the same time, grumble that I'm taking all the clients. Which is really funny, because if I've got a client in my chair, that allows the other stylist to take the next person who comes in. And gives them an opportunity to charm the socks off them so they'll come back.
I'm sure you're saying to yourself "Well, you chose this job". No. I chose this CAREER. I absolutely LOVE what I do. Regardless of who is sitting in my chair. This is my "Barbie Dream Job". But, it does have a physical toll. Take a look at your hairdresser next time you're waiting to get in their chair...check out their posture...ask them how their arms are feeling....
1. I stand, basically, in one spot, all day long....on hard cement flooring covered by vinyl.
2. I stand with my arms raised to shoulder height, ALL THE TIME...try it for a bit...see how it feels. My arms are like that for 1/2 hour at a time. I bet, if you challenged me to a "raise your arms for a long time" contest, I'd beat you....hands down...oh, wait, hands parallel, actually...
3. My head is usually tilted slightly to the side, which means my neck has a slight crick in it and my shoulders have permanent knots in them. There's these nifty cords that run across the shoulders....mine are twisted up like a tight rubber band most of the time.
4. Then, there's the mental exhaustion. For every client, I'm "on". I'm chatting it up, finding out what your haircut needs are as well as getting to know you if you're a new client, or getting caught up if you're a repeat client.
So, what gets me through days like this?? Pure adrenaline. There are days I skip my lunch because it's just not an option. I just keep moving until the clients stop coming. What's really funny about the whole thing is every time this happens, every time I stay later than expected, whomever is working the closing shift begs me to stay with them, and, at the same time, grumble that I'm taking all the clients. Which is really funny, because if I've got a client in my chair, that allows the other stylist to take the next person who comes in. And gives them an opportunity to charm the socks off them so they'll come back.
I'm sure you're saying to yourself "Well, you chose this job". No. I chose this CAREER. I absolutely LOVE what I do. Regardless of who is sitting in my chair. This is my "Barbie Dream Job". But, it does have a physical toll. Take a look at your hairdresser next time you're waiting to get in their chair...check out their posture...ask them how their arms are feeling....
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The difference between lightener and toner....
When you wish to lighten your hair more than 4 levels, a lightener must be used. The term "lightener" is used in place of the term "bleach". When you use lightener, you are lightening the hair. Lightener can be used on color treated hair or it can be used on virgin hair. It is fairly predictable in that it WILL lighten the hair. Exactly how much it will lighten is always open to question. Texture of the hair, how much previous color is on the hair, the consistency of the lightening product, how long the product is left on the hair, all factor into how well this adventure in hair coloring will turn out. Using a product that is too thick will cause the product to dry out, making it relatively ineffective. A product that is too thin will make a huge mess and won't spread evenly onto the hair. When you have previous artificial color on the hair, the lightening product has to break that pigment up first, before it can work on the natural pigment. And, sometimes, depending on how dark the artificial pigment is, you may not be able to lighten the hair to the desired shade before the hair disintegrates.
Lightener is a powerful tool in the hair colorists arsenal. Too high a developer on the wrong hair type can ruin even the best work otherwise. Knowing how to work with the product and being comfortable with the product are so vitally important. Knowing how to work with it, but being uncomfortable with it won't get you terribly far...in fact, it will get you one less client in your chair because once you screw up a persons hair color, you won't get them back into your chair. EVER.
Toner, on the other hand, is an entirely different product. It is a product you use AFTER you lighten the hair to the acceptable tone of pale yellow (either the color of the inside of the banana or the outside of the banana, depending on A) what type of toner you are using, and B) what tone you're looking for. Most toners currently in use do not have the ability to lift/lighten the hair what so ever. What they are designed to do is change the tone of the hair. For example: You've lightened your client to a pale, golden blonde. Her desire is to be platinum, which is a violet based, ash toned color...it's a cool tone. So, what you do is mix up the desired toner with it's dedicated developer, apply it to the hair, let it develop for the allotted time, rinse, and viola! You should have platinum toned blonde hair.
However, when you use toner because you either grabbed it by mistake instead of grabbing high lift color (which, by the way, won't lighten hair levels 6 and darker enough), or grabbed it not realizing what the color actually was because you have no interest in reading the directions, or you're apparently still "suffering" from the effects of what you did last night, it won't do a bloody thing except possibly put a different tone on you current hair color. And, as another "aside", mixing the shades of the toners together, particularly the violet toned one and the neutral/natural toned one won't really get you much of anything. Except the need to ask for help (which should have happened in the first place), and for not being able to charge the client for your mistake, because, well, it was your fault in the first place!!
Lightener is a powerful tool in the hair colorists arsenal. Too high a developer on the wrong hair type can ruin even the best work otherwise. Knowing how to work with the product and being comfortable with the product are so vitally important. Knowing how to work with it, but being uncomfortable with it won't get you terribly far...in fact, it will get you one less client in your chair because once you screw up a persons hair color, you won't get them back into your chair. EVER.
Toner, on the other hand, is an entirely different product. It is a product you use AFTER you lighten the hair to the acceptable tone of pale yellow (either the color of the inside of the banana or the outside of the banana, depending on A) what type of toner you are using, and B) what tone you're looking for. Most toners currently in use do not have the ability to lift/lighten the hair what so ever. What they are designed to do is change the tone of the hair. For example: You've lightened your client to a pale, golden blonde. Her desire is to be platinum, which is a violet based, ash toned color...it's a cool tone. So, what you do is mix up the desired toner with it's dedicated developer, apply it to the hair, let it develop for the allotted time, rinse, and viola! You should have platinum toned blonde hair.
However, when you use toner because you either grabbed it by mistake instead of grabbing high lift color (which, by the way, won't lighten hair levels 6 and darker enough), or grabbed it not realizing what the color actually was because you have no interest in reading the directions, or you're apparently still "suffering" from the effects of what you did last night, it won't do a bloody thing except possibly put a different tone on you current hair color. And, as another "aside", mixing the shades of the toners together, particularly the violet toned one and the neutral/natural toned one won't really get you much of anything. Except the need to ask for help (which should have happened in the first place), and for not being able to charge the client for your mistake, because, well, it was your fault in the first place!!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Thoughts...
I'm thinking of changing the direction, or even the "flavor"of this blog. It's occurred to me that I use it mostly to complain about my work situation, instead of what I originally intended it to be for, which was to talk about hair and hair color. So, I thought I'd change things up and see how it goes.
What I'd like to be know as is an "expert" in both hair color and fine hair. "Why??" you might ask?? Well, hair color is my absolute PASSION. I love to watch the chemical reactions I create, I love to learn from the mistakes I make (regularly, I might add), and I love to make people happy with the colors I create for them. Fine hair....I have a head FULL of it. I understand, better than a lot of hairdressers do (in my opinion, mind you) what fine hair is both capable of and not capable of.
So. Let's talk about fine hair, shall we??
What makes hair "fine"?? The diameter of the strand is what makes it fine, visually. What also makes it fine, scientifically, is this: Most hair has a cuticle, a cortex, and a medulla. The cuticle is the outer layer, if magnified, it looks scaly. On virgin hair, it's compact, and difficult for chemicals to break through to do their job. On chemically treated hair, the cuticle is slightly raised to extremely raised, depending on the condition of the hair. Slightly raised is okay....extremely raised is NOT. More on that in a bit... The cortex is where the natural pigment of the hair resides. It's also where the developer and artificial pigment in hair color need to get to to do their respective jobs. The developer breaks up the natural pigment, making space for the artificial pigment to deposit. The medulla is a straw-like structure, located at the very inside layer of the strand, giving it it's strength. All hair has this, except fine hair.
When it comes to chemically working with hair, medium texture is what all the color and perm companies presume hair is, and therefore, their products are formulated to work best with. However, most people don't have medium density hair. Most people actually have fine hair, with a few that have coarse hair.
When you have fine hair, you can have thin hair, medium, or "thick" hair. What does this actually mean?? I'm referring to density...hairs per square inch. Thin hair, or sparse hair means you can see the scalp, clearly, when the hair is dry. I encounter quite a few people that refer to their hair as being "thin" when they really mean "fine"...so I make sure to explain the difference between the two. Most people don't realize that they genuinely have a full head of hair. With the right hair color, and the right hair cut, you can make someone with thin, fine hair look like they have a TON of hair.
How do I know this?? While my hair isn't thin, it is fine. Baby fine, as a matter of fact. Always has been. When you hold a single strand of hair out from my head, you almost can't see it (even when it's flaming red). My hair is quite soft when it's clean and without product in it to give it some "oomph". The only time I never have any product in my hair is when I'm on a full-blown vacation and I'm not going anywhere. Then I'll just wash and condition my hair, but do nothing else with it, just to give my poor hair a break. Otherwise, at all times, there is some sort of product in my hair.
The bonuses to fine hair: Coloring it is fairly predictable. When I want pale blonde highlights for my client, I know that I don't have to use anything stronger than 20 volume, even on color treated hair. When I perm fine hair, it almost always "takes" tighter than the rod dictates the curl will be, which, in turn, means the perm will technically last a lot longer than in "average" hair.
Fine hair can be curly, wavy, or straight. Even when fine hair greys, it may get curlier, but it's still fine.... When fine hair is dense, great care must be administered when you are chemically treating it. Small partings must be used when applying color so all the hair is colored, and fine partings must also be used when wrapping for a perm, so all the hair takes a nice, firm curl.
When the cuticle is slightly raised, fine hair appears to be more voluminous. Not necessarily a bad thing. However, it's also too easy to push the hair into extremely raised cuticle very quickly, especially if the hair is over-processed. This becomes a huge problem for fine-haired clients.
Truly, the only cure for over-processed hair is a hair cut. You cannot "heal" hair, no matter how hard all the shampoo companies try to tell you different. I will say, that the ones who claim to deposit protein and /or keratin back into the hair work quite well at smoothing the hair by filling in the gaps. However, all the shampoos, conditioners, and styling products in the world will not cure your over-processed hair. They are all just "band-aids" to cover up what was done. I'm a big fan of recommending the smoothing products: shampoo, conditioner, and styling products meant to smooth, or straighten hair. They don't actually physically straighten the hair. What they are is an acidic product meant to help counteract the issues alkaline products do to the hair. All permanent hair color and permanent waves are alkaline...they open the cuticle. To counteract this, using acidic products works the best. What they actually do is help smooth the cuticle down, making the hair appear shiny, smoother and easier to handle. I'll even recommend them to my curly haired clients...they offer so much control over the hair.
So, how's that for my first, official fine hair article?? Make any sense?? Or, should I just go back to complaining about my co-workers??
What I'd like to be know as is an "expert" in both hair color and fine hair. "Why??" you might ask?? Well, hair color is my absolute PASSION. I love to watch the chemical reactions I create, I love to learn from the mistakes I make (regularly, I might add), and I love to make people happy with the colors I create for them. Fine hair....I have a head FULL of it. I understand, better than a lot of hairdressers do (in my opinion, mind you) what fine hair is both capable of and not capable of.
So. Let's talk about fine hair, shall we??
What makes hair "fine"?? The diameter of the strand is what makes it fine, visually. What also makes it fine, scientifically, is this: Most hair has a cuticle, a cortex, and a medulla. The cuticle is the outer layer, if magnified, it looks scaly. On virgin hair, it's compact, and difficult for chemicals to break through to do their job. On chemically treated hair, the cuticle is slightly raised to extremely raised, depending on the condition of the hair. Slightly raised is okay....extremely raised is NOT. More on that in a bit... The cortex is where the natural pigment of the hair resides. It's also where the developer and artificial pigment in hair color need to get to to do their respective jobs. The developer breaks up the natural pigment, making space for the artificial pigment to deposit. The medulla is a straw-like structure, located at the very inside layer of the strand, giving it it's strength. All hair has this, except fine hair.
When it comes to chemically working with hair, medium texture is what all the color and perm companies presume hair is, and therefore, their products are formulated to work best with. However, most people don't have medium density hair. Most people actually have fine hair, with a few that have coarse hair.
When you have fine hair, you can have thin hair, medium, or "thick" hair. What does this actually mean?? I'm referring to density...hairs per square inch. Thin hair, or sparse hair means you can see the scalp, clearly, when the hair is dry. I encounter quite a few people that refer to their hair as being "thin" when they really mean "fine"...so I make sure to explain the difference between the two. Most people don't realize that they genuinely have a full head of hair. With the right hair color, and the right hair cut, you can make someone with thin, fine hair look like they have a TON of hair.
How do I know this?? While my hair isn't thin, it is fine. Baby fine, as a matter of fact. Always has been. When you hold a single strand of hair out from my head, you almost can't see it (even when it's flaming red). My hair is quite soft when it's clean and without product in it to give it some "oomph". The only time I never have any product in my hair is when I'm on a full-blown vacation and I'm not going anywhere. Then I'll just wash and condition my hair, but do nothing else with it, just to give my poor hair a break. Otherwise, at all times, there is some sort of product in my hair.
The bonuses to fine hair: Coloring it is fairly predictable. When I want pale blonde highlights for my client, I know that I don't have to use anything stronger than 20 volume, even on color treated hair. When I perm fine hair, it almost always "takes" tighter than the rod dictates the curl will be, which, in turn, means the perm will technically last a lot longer than in "average" hair.
Fine hair can be curly, wavy, or straight. Even when fine hair greys, it may get curlier, but it's still fine.... When fine hair is dense, great care must be administered when you are chemically treating it. Small partings must be used when applying color so all the hair is colored, and fine partings must also be used when wrapping for a perm, so all the hair takes a nice, firm curl.
When the cuticle is slightly raised, fine hair appears to be more voluminous. Not necessarily a bad thing. However, it's also too easy to push the hair into extremely raised cuticle very quickly, especially if the hair is over-processed. This becomes a huge problem for fine-haired clients.
Truly, the only cure for over-processed hair is a hair cut. You cannot "heal" hair, no matter how hard all the shampoo companies try to tell you different. I will say, that the ones who claim to deposit protein and /or keratin back into the hair work quite well at smoothing the hair by filling in the gaps. However, all the shampoos, conditioners, and styling products in the world will not cure your over-processed hair. They are all just "band-aids" to cover up what was done. I'm a big fan of recommending the smoothing products: shampoo, conditioner, and styling products meant to smooth, or straighten hair. They don't actually physically straighten the hair. What they are is an acidic product meant to help counteract the issues alkaline products do to the hair. All permanent hair color and permanent waves are alkaline...they open the cuticle. To counteract this, using acidic products works the best. What they actually do is help smooth the cuticle down, making the hair appear shiny, smoother and easier to handle. I'll even recommend them to my curly haired clients...they offer so much control over the hair.
So, how's that for my first, official fine hair article?? Make any sense?? Or, should I just go back to complaining about my co-workers??
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Anti-climatic
So, Tammy came on Wednesday. She showed up at 8am, left before 10am. Poof. Done. All the meeting was about was how things are supposed to be, so everyone understands the whole commission system. She also explained how returns/refunds are to be done. Which was helpful, because I've explained all the paperwork to the girls until I'm blue in the face, but what the hell do I know?? Tammy is S-L-O-W-L-Y figuring out that Becky didn't tell us/teach us ANYTHING....I suspect that, after a year, we won't be considered a "new" salon any longer. So, the "slack" we've been granted won't be lasting much longer.
In other related news: The "mojo" of the salon has been thrown off in a big way this week. Is it the HUGE full moon we had?? Or Tammy being here and us not knowing what she was going to do?? A mixture of both?? Who the heck knows. What I do know is I'll be glad when this week is O-V-E-R!!
Let's see....what else?? OH! We had an idiot drunk in the salon Wednesday night....that was a "good" time....The best part?? While his kids were in the salon (ages 11 & 9), receiving services, the dumb ass was out in the parking lot, pretending to go home to "get something to return", drinking some more. And the poor lamb is divorced...can you imagine??? (rolling my eyes here...)
At first, when he first came into the salon, he was talking to a guy friend just outside the door, so I chalked his stupidity to his buddy being nearby (some guys have to posture and act like an idiot to impress their friends...my brother is like that). I also tried to give him the benefit of the doubt...his daughter seemed like she had "something" going on, so maybe it was an inherited thing (speech pattern, lack of brain cells (in his case), something...) Nope. We were completely "shit-faced", "hammered", whatever you want to call it.
By the time he decided to go out to his vehicle to drink some more (he just wasn't gone long enough to have driven all the way out to Guilford Elementary School and back), I'd had enough of his stupidity. Apparently, he's never seen a short, chunky, busty red head before, and I fascinated the twit. To the point that he was completely IN MY SPACE while I was cutting his son's hair (who was a great kid, by the way). I almost stepped on the drunken idiot as I was moving around my chair, working. Ugh.
The best part?? Even if he was sober, he still wouldn't have been a nice looking guy or a guy I'd want to spend any time with. And, unknown to the little darling, I've had my fair share of drunks...all set. Where do these people come from?? Who has been tipping rocks lately to let these things out??
Gotta love full moon....
In other related news: The "mojo" of the salon has been thrown off in a big way this week. Is it the HUGE full moon we had?? Or Tammy being here and us not knowing what she was going to do?? A mixture of both?? Who the heck knows. What I do know is I'll be glad when this week is O-V-E-R!!
Let's see....what else?? OH! We had an idiot drunk in the salon Wednesday night....that was a "good" time....The best part?? While his kids were in the salon (ages 11 & 9), receiving services, the dumb ass was out in the parking lot, pretending to go home to "get something to return", drinking some more. And the poor lamb is divorced...can you imagine??? (rolling my eyes here...)
At first, when he first came into the salon, he was talking to a guy friend just outside the door, so I chalked his stupidity to his buddy being nearby (some guys have to posture and act like an idiot to impress their friends...my brother is like that). I also tried to give him the benefit of the doubt...his daughter seemed like she had "something" going on, so maybe it was an inherited thing (speech pattern, lack of brain cells (in his case), something...) Nope. We were completely "shit-faced", "hammered", whatever you want to call it.
By the time he decided to go out to his vehicle to drink some more (he just wasn't gone long enough to have driven all the way out to Guilford Elementary School and back), I'd had enough of his stupidity. Apparently, he's never seen a short, chunky, busty red head before, and I fascinated the twit. To the point that he was completely IN MY SPACE while I was cutting his son's hair (who was a great kid, by the way). I almost stepped on the drunken idiot as I was moving around my chair, working. Ugh.
The best part?? Even if he was sober, he still wouldn't have been a nice looking guy or a guy I'd want to spend any time with. And, unknown to the little darling, I've had my fair share of drunks...all set. Where do these people come from?? Who has been tipping rocks lately to let these things out??
Gotta love full moon....
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Just a little trim.....
"I just want a trim, not a hair cut"...."A regular man's hair cut" ..."A regular boy's hair cut". "I've been growing my hair out...haven't had it cut in two years" "Just a quick dye job" "Just throw in a couple of foils"
Okay, lemme 'splain somethin' to you, Lucy....a "trim" is the SAME as a hair cut. We go through all the same motions to "trim" it as we do to cut it. What YOU, the client needs to say is "no more than 1/2 inch off".
"A regular man's/boy's hair cut"...as opposed to irregular hair cuts?? (of which I've fixed MANY, trust me) WHAT THE HELL IS A REGULAR HAIR CUT?!?!? Just give us the freakin' details....up over the ears to expose the ears, or not?? And when was the last time it was cut?? PAY ATTENTION PEOPLE!!!
"I've been growing my hair out...haven't had it cut in two years"...Seriously?? WHY?? So that 4 inch section of hair can touch your behind and make you THINK you have long hair?? *rolling my eyes here* Again, if you schedule your hair cuts on a regular basis (1 month, 2 months, 3 months), work with the same hairdresser so you both know what the goal is, and agree on how much gets cut off at each hair cut, you'd be at your goal at the same time it took you to grow that mess out, than by leaving it alone. And here's a little bit of science for you: Hair has a growing phase, a resting phase and a falling out phase (catogen, anagen, telogen), and each individual hair is doing it's own thing. THAT would be why you get that v-shaped hairline when you want forever to get your hair cut. And it feels scraggly. If you and your hair dresser develop a regimen and stick to it, your hair will be long and healthy, all at the same time, knuckle head!!
"Just a quick dye job"...no such freakin' thing. First of all, if your stylist has half a brain, they're going to go through a complete consultation with you, writing down the important to them parts, such as hair type, condition, previous color, what is needed (grey coverage)and what is wanted.(red tones, ash tones, neutral tones). Even if this is accomplished in 5 minutes, it takes another 5-10 minutes to create the color you're looking for (sometimes we don't have the exact components and need to create it), and can take up to 30 minutes to apply it, depending on the density of your hair. Can a "quick dye job" be done at home?? Absolutely. You mix up the stuff in the bottle and start smearing it around on your head....which leaves blank spots at the back of your head where you can't really reach as well as damages the entire head of hair, all at the same time. So, go ahead, do it at home. I'll see you in my chair for a color correction. Which, by the way, will cost a heck of a lot more than the initial color job in the first place. AND dye is for clothing and shoes...COLOR is for hair.
"Just throw in a couple foils"...do you think any one would mind if I just tossed pieces of foil at them like Rip Taylor and his pail of confetti?? Using foils, even just a few, is all about placement. And every one's head is different. The difference between natural looking highlights and not natural looking highlights is a foil or two in the wrong place...that's it. All it takes.
These are things we hear all the time. And we all feel like a broken record, repeating ourselves all day long, educating John Q Public about how it's not as easy as we make it look.
Oh, yeah...my friend, Ami, brought this up on Facebook this morning...when we say we're closed, we're closed. If there's no money in the register, the register is locked, we can't get into it to do ANYTHING....as much as it's all about the customer all the time, cut us a little bit of slack, would you?? And don't tell us it's just a trim when it's an entire new creation....thanks.
Okay, lemme 'splain somethin' to you, Lucy....a "trim" is the SAME as a hair cut. We go through all the same motions to "trim" it as we do to cut it. What YOU, the client needs to say is "no more than 1/2 inch off".
"A regular man's/boy's hair cut"...as opposed to irregular hair cuts?? (of which I've fixed MANY, trust me) WHAT THE HELL IS A REGULAR HAIR CUT?!?!? Just give us the freakin' details....up over the ears to expose the ears, or not?? And when was the last time it was cut?? PAY ATTENTION PEOPLE!!!
"I've been growing my hair out...haven't had it cut in two years"...Seriously?? WHY?? So that 4 inch section of hair can touch your behind and make you THINK you have long hair?? *rolling my eyes here* Again, if you schedule your hair cuts on a regular basis (1 month, 2 months, 3 months), work with the same hairdresser so you both know what the goal is, and agree on how much gets cut off at each hair cut, you'd be at your goal at the same time it took you to grow that mess out, than by leaving it alone. And here's a little bit of science for you: Hair has a growing phase, a resting phase and a falling out phase (catogen, anagen, telogen), and each individual hair is doing it's own thing. THAT would be why you get that v-shaped hairline when you want forever to get your hair cut. And it feels scraggly. If you and your hair dresser develop a regimen and stick to it, your hair will be long and healthy, all at the same time, knuckle head!!
"Just a quick dye job"...no such freakin' thing. First of all, if your stylist has half a brain, they're going to go through a complete consultation with you, writing down the important to them parts, such as hair type, condition, previous color, what is needed (grey coverage)and what is wanted.(red tones, ash tones, neutral tones). Even if this is accomplished in 5 minutes, it takes another 5-10 minutes to create the color you're looking for (sometimes we don't have the exact components and need to create it), and can take up to 30 minutes to apply it, depending on the density of your hair. Can a "quick dye job" be done at home?? Absolutely. You mix up the stuff in the bottle and start smearing it around on your head....which leaves blank spots at the back of your head where you can't really reach as well as damages the entire head of hair, all at the same time. So, go ahead, do it at home. I'll see you in my chair for a color correction. Which, by the way, will cost a heck of a lot more than the initial color job in the first place. AND dye is for clothing and shoes...COLOR is for hair.
"Just throw in a couple foils"...do you think any one would mind if I just tossed pieces of foil at them like Rip Taylor and his pail of confetti?? Using foils, even just a few, is all about placement. And every one's head is different. The difference between natural looking highlights and not natural looking highlights is a foil or two in the wrong place...that's it. All it takes.
These are things we hear all the time. And we all feel like a broken record, repeating ourselves all day long, educating John Q Public about how it's not as easy as we make it look.
Oh, yeah...my friend, Ami, brought this up on Facebook this morning...when we say we're closed, we're closed. If there's no money in the register, the register is locked, we can't get into it to do ANYTHING....as much as it's all about the customer all the time, cut us a little bit of slack, would you?? And don't tell us it's just a trim when it's an entire new creation....thanks.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Musings...
So, I got to hear a little bit about what went on Wednesday when Tammy was here. Rita started in, asking a TON of questions, about how would Tina and I handle "X".
Rita just doesn't get it. And, I get the feeling, she's going to be asking a lot of questions during the meeting, which is exactly what Tammy doesn't want, even if she says "Any questions??" I even tried to explain to Rita "Everything you say, to Tammy, is going to be an excuse, so there's no point in saying anything other than "Yes, Tammy. I'll work on that to improve"". And she just doesn't get it. Sigh.....
Of course,what makes me irked is that when I had talked to Tammy a while back about cutting hours when the sales just aren't there, she had told me to go ahead and do that. Now, she's singing a different tune. Which is irritating, to say the least.
Rita just doesn't get it. And, I get the feeling, she's going to be asking a lot of questions during the meeting, which is exactly what Tammy doesn't want, even if she says "Any questions??" I even tried to explain to Rita "Everything you say, to Tammy, is going to be an excuse, so there's no point in saying anything other than "Yes, Tammy. I'll work on that to improve"". And she just doesn't get it. Sigh.....
Of course,what makes me irked is that when I had talked to Tammy a while back about cutting hours when the sales just aren't there, she had told me to go ahead and do that. Now, she's singing a different tune. Which is irritating, to say the least.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Hmmmmmm....Not sure what to think.....
So, I talked to Tammy on Monday. Got quite a few of my questions regarding the "PIP" answered, which made me feel somewhat better. And she actually made the effort to get down to our store, by way of Leominster, MA. (Which is where she was scheduled to be, and made an additional stop to our store)
When I got home from errands yesterday (my second day off), there was a message from Tammy on my machine. She sounded drained and tired (part of that is she's fighting a cold, the rest is the drama that goes on), but let me know she did some changes to our schedules to get things properly covered (more on that in a bit), as well as scheduling a full staff meeting for next Wednesday, so she can tell everyone the same thing at the same time (which I much prefer, honestly, to telling individuals slightly different things), because there seems to be a lot of things we're not aware of. I was not home when this call came, so I did not get a chance to talk to her.
I did, however, call Tina and give her the heads up about things. Both she and I did the same thing...have a small panic, then go into question-asking mode. So, I encouraged her to write down whatever questions she comes up with in the next few days so we can, hopefully, get them answered.
As far as Stephie & Rita go: I can only imagine what those two said to Tammy. I'm sure I've been right and properly bashed by the both of them, regarding hours, not telling them things, etc., etc., etc. Does this bother me?? Somewhat. Why?? Because I care about the salon doing well, as a whole, I care about people doing well individually, and I care about MY job and doing IT well. While I'm not here to be every one's friend, everyone getting along would be a good thing.
Is there a definite line drawn between those who provide great service and those who don't?? Absolutely. Have I been effective in helping those who are not?? No, not really. Do I have a lot of things I could say to "defend" myself?? Sure, I do. There's almost no point in saying them, though, because all it will sound like is a bunch of excuses.
So, I go into work today with a bit of trepidation...not knowing what Tammy did, nor what she said to the others, nor what was said by the others. Ugh.
When I got home from errands yesterday (my second day off), there was a message from Tammy on my machine. She sounded drained and tired (part of that is she's fighting a cold, the rest is the drama that goes on), but let me know she did some changes to our schedules to get things properly covered (more on that in a bit), as well as scheduling a full staff meeting for next Wednesday, so she can tell everyone the same thing at the same time (which I much prefer, honestly, to telling individuals slightly different things), because there seems to be a lot of things we're not aware of. I was not home when this call came, so I did not get a chance to talk to her.
I did, however, call Tina and give her the heads up about things. Both she and I did the same thing...have a small panic, then go into question-asking mode. So, I encouraged her to write down whatever questions she comes up with in the next few days so we can, hopefully, get them answered.
As far as Stephie & Rita go: I can only imagine what those two said to Tammy. I'm sure I've been right and properly bashed by the both of them, regarding hours, not telling them things, etc., etc., etc. Does this bother me?? Somewhat. Why?? Because I care about the salon doing well, as a whole, I care about people doing well individually, and I care about MY job and doing IT well. While I'm not here to be every one's friend, everyone getting along would be a good thing.
Is there a definite line drawn between those who provide great service and those who don't?? Absolutely. Have I been effective in helping those who are not?? No, not really. Do I have a lot of things I could say to "defend" myself?? Sure, I do. There's almost no point in saying them, though, because all it will sound like is a bunch of excuses.
So, I go into work today with a bit of trepidation...not knowing what Tammy did, nor what she said to the others, nor what was said by the others. Ugh.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Commission...UGH.....
So, the edict came down last week, as I've posted in "Letters" and "Letters, part 2". So, today, I actually got to talk to Tammy about the whole thing...what exactly we're supposed to be doing, how she wants us calling in our numbers, etc. What a screaming pain in the ass.
Now, there's an equation within the letter, explaining how to figure out what you need to be "making" an hour to be on commission. Divide our hourly rate (which sucks, by the way) by 40% (which is our commission, unless we surpass $929 in services...next to impossible right now), and viola! You have your commission rate. However, when I talked to Tammy, she gave me a completely different amount to go by. So, consequently, it's a bit confusing.
At any rate....when I figured out what everyone needs to be doing every day for commission sales, I got pretty discouraged. The amounts are quite high. Don't get me wrong, we're fairly busy right now, especially for this time of year (which is typically slow from Labor Day to the week before Thanksgiving). However, not all of us are busy. And I'm certainly not busy enough in the eyes of the corporate "Gods". Right now, I'm busy enough to make commission at 32 hours a week. To receive manager's status (officially, mind you....getting tired of these stupid hoops), I have to be working 38 hours a week, which I'm not too keen on. And, frankly, it was hard to not pipe up to Tammy this morning and say "Uh...in case you hadn't noticed, I'm DOING the manager's job at 32 hours a week. 38 isn't necessary". But, I managed to keep my trap shut. Only just.
I really do like my job, despite my Aunt telling me I'm dumb for doing it the way that I am. ( by being "acting" manager instead of MANAGER) I'm far busier here than I was at my old salon...by far. And my tips have tripled since I've been at this new job. I certainly don't want to lose my job over something so relatively trivial as commission or not commission.
According to Tammy, when you're paid hourly, it eats up a lot of payroll. I have issues with this theory, and I'll tell you why. When I worked at my old salon, I kept track of what I charged for services vs what I received for pay each week. At the end of the month, it wasn't uncommon for my former employer, Ginger, to clear a minimum of $350 a month or more off of me. Now, I realize that doesn't begin to cover my payroll , but she was still making money. And Regis is making more, due to all the retail I've sold that I didn't receive a cent of commission from when I didn't make service commission. It may be a lousy attitude, but I don't think the company will go bankrupt just yet.
So, while I'm not stressed out about this just yet, it's coming. Sigh...
Now, there's an equation within the letter, explaining how to figure out what you need to be "making" an hour to be on commission. Divide our hourly rate (which sucks, by the way) by 40% (which is our commission, unless we surpass $929 in services...next to impossible right now), and viola! You have your commission rate. However, when I talked to Tammy, she gave me a completely different amount to go by. So, consequently, it's a bit confusing.
At any rate....when I figured out what everyone needs to be doing every day for commission sales, I got pretty discouraged. The amounts are quite high. Don't get me wrong, we're fairly busy right now, especially for this time of year (which is typically slow from Labor Day to the week before Thanksgiving). However, not all of us are busy. And I'm certainly not busy enough in the eyes of the corporate "Gods". Right now, I'm busy enough to make commission at 32 hours a week. To receive manager's status (officially, mind you....getting tired of these stupid hoops), I have to be working 38 hours a week, which I'm not too keen on. And, frankly, it was hard to not pipe up to Tammy this morning and say "Uh...in case you hadn't noticed, I'm DOING the manager's job at 32 hours a week. 38 isn't necessary". But, I managed to keep my trap shut. Only just.
I really do like my job, despite my Aunt telling me I'm dumb for doing it the way that I am. ( by being "acting" manager instead of MANAGER) I'm far busier here than I was at my old salon...by far. And my tips have tripled since I've been at this new job. I certainly don't want to lose my job over something so relatively trivial as commission or not commission.
According to Tammy, when you're paid hourly, it eats up a lot of payroll. I have issues with this theory, and I'll tell you why. When I worked at my old salon, I kept track of what I charged for services vs what I received for pay each week. At the end of the month, it wasn't uncommon for my former employer, Ginger, to clear a minimum of $350 a month or more off of me. Now, I realize that doesn't begin to cover my payroll , but she was still making money. And Regis is making more, due to all the retail I've sold that I didn't receive a cent of commission from when I didn't make service commission. It may be a lousy attitude, but I don't think the company will go bankrupt just yet.
So, while I'm not stressed out about this just yet, it's coming. Sigh...
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Letters, part 2
So, from what I understand (by talking to Tina), Stephie seems to think I totally have it in for her, and that I hate her. (mind you, she's my Red Bull drinker and pot smoker, so there's some anxiety and paranoia going on here). Sigh....
It genuinely takes a LOT for me to hate someone or something. I can intensely dislike things, or people,for that matter, but to actually HATE something or someone, takes a lot. I feel it's the exact same intensity that love is....if you're saying it, you'd better mean it. Therefore, I don't "hate" things a lot.
Anyway. The Regis Corporation, much like any other corporation, is all about sales figures. We now know, finally, exactly what it is they're looking for. I've got how they want service commission to be figured out for each day, I've got retail commission for each day all figured out, I've got how many "combo tickets" need to be obtained for each day.
What are combo tickets, you might ask?? Well, in Regis-speak, it's when you sell retail behind the chair---meaning while the client is in your chair, you talk to them about the virtues of the products you've used on their hair...shampoo,conditioner, styling products. By endorsing them, you should manage to convince your client to purchase what you've used on their hair so they can get the same results at home. If you believe in the product, it's pretty easy to convince the client it will do what it claims. And, since Regis wants 8% of your weekly clients to be combo tickets (I believe it's weekly...could be mistaken on that one), it's pretty easy to achieve. It works out to roughly 4 clients a week. Now, if you see 20-30 clients a week (which isn't uncommon where we work) that's 2-4 clients a week you need to sell to, to make the "gods" at home office happy.
My goal?? To put this into easy to understand, written down goals, for everyone to follow, including Stephie, who will resist this every stinking step of the way.
What is truly frustrating about talking to her is she's such a passive -aggressive. For me, those people are so hard to deal with. I'm trying, but it's not easy. She's going to take everything as a personal attack, which makes me not want to talk to her, which, in turn, is exactly what she wants, so I won't talk to her about these things, so she can just go on her merry way. And, if you know me, there's no way in h-e-double toothpick I'm going to let her get away with that one!!
It genuinely takes a LOT for me to hate someone or something. I can intensely dislike things, or people,for that matter, but to actually HATE something or someone, takes a lot. I feel it's the exact same intensity that love is....if you're saying it, you'd better mean it. Therefore, I don't "hate" things a lot.
Anyway. The Regis Corporation, much like any other corporation, is all about sales figures. We now know, finally, exactly what it is they're looking for. I've got how they want service commission to be figured out for each day, I've got retail commission for each day all figured out, I've got how many "combo tickets" need to be obtained for each day.
What are combo tickets, you might ask?? Well, in Regis-speak, it's when you sell retail behind the chair---meaning while the client is in your chair, you talk to them about the virtues of the products you've used on their hair...shampoo,conditioner, styling products. By endorsing them, you should manage to convince your client to purchase what you've used on their hair so they can get the same results at home. If you believe in the product, it's pretty easy to convince the client it will do what it claims. And, since Regis wants 8% of your weekly clients to be combo tickets (I believe it's weekly...could be mistaken on that one), it's pretty easy to achieve. It works out to roughly 4 clients a week. Now, if you see 20-30 clients a week (which isn't uncommon where we work) that's 2-4 clients a week you need to sell to, to make the "gods" at home office happy.
My goal?? To put this into easy to understand, written down goals, for everyone to follow, including Stephie, who will resist this every stinking step of the way.
What is truly frustrating about talking to her is she's such a passive -aggressive. For me, those people are so hard to deal with. I'm trying, but it's not easy. She's going to take everything as a personal attack, which makes me not want to talk to her, which, in turn, is exactly what she wants, so I won't talk to her about these things, so she can just go on her merry way. And, if you know me, there's no way in h-e-double toothpick I'm going to let her get away with that one!!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Letters.....
So, we all got letters from home office regarding our job performance. It talks about tracking your daily sales, creating a sales goal for yourself (both services and retail), stuff like that. There's even a spot in the letter that states that "Those stylists who choose not to perform the required actions on the plan will have refused to improve, and necessary disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, will be taken."
What I'm curious about is this: Which of us will take this seriously, and which will not?? It will be interesting to watch. I've already put in a call to Tammy, with questions to ask her, however, in typical unavailable management form, she hasn't responded to my call. So, now, I'll start nagging.
The funny thing?? I've been tracking my own job performance for quite a while now. And keeping track (somewhat) of the others, as well. The fact that some of them may choose to not take this seriously?? Well, you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink.
What I'm curious about is this: Which of us will take this seriously, and which will not?? It will be interesting to watch. I've already put in a call to Tammy, with questions to ask her, however, in typical unavailable management form, she hasn't responded to my call. So, now, I'll start nagging.
The funny thing?? I've been tracking my own job performance for quite a while now. And keeping track (somewhat) of the others, as well. The fact that some of them may choose to not take this seriously?? Well, you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
How to "fake" a haircut....
A practice I've been watching, and need to address, is the practice of "faking" a haircut. What is "faking" a haircut, you might ask?? Is it waving the shears over someones head and saying "SHAZAAM! You have a new haircut!!"?? Unfortunately, no, that would be too easy.
"Faking" a haircut is this: wetting down the perimeter of the hair, or even going so far as to actually shampoo the hair, trimming up the perimeter so the edges are even again, maybe cleaning up the back hairline, and cutting the bangs so they're not heavy again. Now, in all fairness, sometimes, this is needed to be done, like when you are growing your hair out and just want the edges cleaned up. Usually, you and the client go into the haircut knowing that this is what you're doing. It's no where near the work you are doing when actually cutting someones hair.
However, when you and the client discuss the haircut they are wanting, and you tell them you have no problem giving them what they want, you had better darn well be actually cutting that hair, not "faking" it. Today, for example, my mother came in, just wanted her back hairline cleaned up and her bangs cut shorter. She's quite undecided as to what to do with her hair (I'm hoping she doesn't grow it out again....it doesn't look good on her), so that's all she wanted this time, which is fine. When I got done, and brought her to the register, Tina was at the desk, watching me ring her out. And, she questioned why it was so cheap (I only charged my mom for a bang trim, because, really, that's all it was). And I explained "It was just a bang trim". It didn't occur to me, until now, that she was thinking I would charge for a haircut.
I guess I'm part of a weird breed. If I don't cut someones hair, I don't charge them for a haircut. I'm rather honest that way. However, I know that I work with people who are shady enough (for lack of a better phrase) to do their best to get away with that practice. Personally, I feel that if you're going to start the process, you should complete the process. I had another client today who just wanted the back of her hair dealt with. She's working on growing into the "Kate Plus 8" haircut (lord help us....I don't think she's wanting the real thing....) and needed the back cut and razored out. Which I did. And she was more than willing to pay the full price. However, I also made sure the front of her hair blended with the back, so the growing out process is relatively pain free.
Are these two procedures different, or the same?? I definitely did work through her hair, cutting exactly what was essential to cut. There was no pretending to cut her hair, going through the motions to make it look good. There was a PILE of hair on the floor when I was done. And, to me, that makes the difference. When Rita did it to one of my clients, I couldn't believe she charged the poor kid for a haircut...unfortunately, I was with another client and couldn't get to her in time to stop it from happening, nor knew how to confront her about it. Definitely some things I need to work on.
"Faking" a haircut is this: wetting down the perimeter of the hair, or even going so far as to actually shampoo the hair, trimming up the perimeter so the edges are even again, maybe cleaning up the back hairline, and cutting the bangs so they're not heavy again. Now, in all fairness, sometimes, this is needed to be done, like when you are growing your hair out and just want the edges cleaned up. Usually, you and the client go into the haircut knowing that this is what you're doing. It's no where near the work you are doing when actually cutting someones hair.
However, when you and the client discuss the haircut they are wanting, and you tell them you have no problem giving them what they want, you had better darn well be actually cutting that hair, not "faking" it. Today, for example, my mother came in, just wanted her back hairline cleaned up and her bangs cut shorter. She's quite undecided as to what to do with her hair (I'm hoping she doesn't grow it out again....it doesn't look good on her), so that's all she wanted this time, which is fine. When I got done, and brought her to the register, Tina was at the desk, watching me ring her out. And, she questioned why it was so cheap (I only charged my mom for a bang trim, because, really, that's all it was). And I explained "It was just a bang trim". It didn't occur to me, until now, that she was thinking I would charge for a haircut.
I guess I'm part of a weird breed. If I don't cut someones hair, I don't charge them for a haircut. I'm rather honest that way. However, I know that I work with people who are shady enough (for lack of a better phrase) to do their best to get away with that practice. Personally, I feel that if you're going to start the process, you should complete the process. I had another client today who just wanted the back of her hair dealt with. She's working on growing into the "Kate Plus 8" haircut (lord help us....I don't think she's wanting the real thing....) and needed the back cut and razored out. Which I did. And she was more than willing to pay the full price. However, I also made sure the front of her hair blended with the back, so the growing out process is relatively pain free.
Are these two procedures different, or the same?? I definitely did work through her hair, cutting exactly what was essential to cut. There was no pretending to cut her hair, going through the motions to make it look good. There was a PILE of hair on the floor when I was done. And, to me, that makes the difference. When Rita did it to one of my clients, I couldn't believe she charged the poor kid for a haircut...unfortunately, I was with another client and couldn't get to her in time to stop it from happening, nor knew how to confront her about it. Definitely some things I need to work on.
Monday, September 19, 2011
And so it begins....
Yesterday was a fabulous day off. Really. Katie is going to her first semi-formal dance this coming weekend, so we were out and about, pulling together an outfit. So, we actually had a fun weekend. Found a dress & shoes on Saturday, however, the dress needs a "shrug", so we were off looking for one. Didn't purchase one, as we didn't have the dress with us (It's still at the shop...Gram is going to help pay for it, I put the deposit down on it. Not a ton of money, but more than I can shell out in one sitting...thank God for Gram!!)
And then, I had a Facebook message when I got home. And Facebook was being temperamental, so it took me more than an hour before I could access the message. My best friend, who works at Walmart, had messaged me to let me know that the salon didn't open on time. And that it was considerably later when it did finally open. So, I called the salon to find out what happened.
Rita answered the phone, and when I asked what the heck was going on, she passed the phone to Stephie as she was the one who opened and not Rita. The excuse I got was "I was running late". And when I tried to get into it with her a bit, she cut me off with "I've got a client in my chair". So, I said "Fine. We'll talk about this later". Then, after hanging up, I got in the car and drove over to the store.
When I got there, I made sure to clock in, so I would get paid for being there. I managed to find my best friend, who filled me in on what she knew. A customer, expressly for the salon (as he didn't have a cart of goods to purchase from Walmart) was waiting in front of the salon, for it to open. When the call came over the walkie-talkies (which all the supervisors at Walmart wear...looks like a blue-tooth thingy in their ears) for anyone to know what's going on at the salon, it attracted her attention, so she first tried calling me, but I didn't answer the phone (as I was out for the day), so she facebooked me with what was going on. About 15 minutes after that, she FB'd me again, letting me know the salon was now open.
When I spoke to Stephie on the phone, she let me know she'd clocked in at 9:56 and opened the salon immediately. This is where I started getting hot under the collar. We're supposed to be there 15 minutes before our shift starts. This isn't a Beth rule, it's a company policy. And, this is a conversation we've had before, fairly recently. When I got to the salon, Stephie did, indeed, have a client, so I waited patiently, for her to be done. It's actually mildly entertaining to watch people delay the inevitable. When she went to place her dirty towels in the laundry was when I asked her to step into the back room.
I shut the door, turned around and asked her exactly what happened this morning. I got the running late excuse, I got the "what time is the time I'm supposed to follow, the time clock or " real time"" excuse. She talked over the top of me, to which I started to raise my voice a bit, to be heard over her. To which she got even more upset and told me not to raise my voice. I informed her that 9:45 is 9:45. The time clock is the clock you go by, period. Cell phone time (which is considered "real time"), alarm clock at home, the clock on the wall, don't matter. It's the time clock that is the clock to go by. Did I mention this is a conversation we've had before?? I was angry enough that I also mentioned her not taking lunches when she's scheduled a long enough day to take one. And we went round and round about that one, too. I interrupted her (because I got tired of talking over the top of her and not being heard) to inform her that when you work 6 hours or more, you MUST take a half hour lunch break. This is not only corporate policy, but NH state law. And I wouldn't let her talk any further. She got angrier and ended the conversation. I did let her know Tammy was going to find out about this.
After I got home, I placed that very phone call. And spoke into the voicemail for 10 minutes before it cut me off. So, I'm hoping, between the message I left on Saturday morning about "Would you please call me on Monday around 8:45 so we can talk about the issues we're having...all attendance issues". I'm also going to bring up the fact that I'm not going to do the manager job any longer without receiving the managers pay (which increases my commission to 50% instead of 40, but, I believe, doesn't increase my hourly rate). If she doesn't want to pay me, that's fine. Then I'm not doing the manager's job any longer. Get someone else to do it or get an area supervisor in here to do the damn job. (I'll leave out the damn, though) It should be an interesting week.
And then, I had a Facebook message when I got home. And Facebook was being temperamental, so it took me more than an hour before I could access the message. My best friend, who works at Walmart, had messaged me to let me know that the salon didn't open on time. And that it was considerably later when it did finally open. So, I called the salon to find out what happened.
Rita answered the phone, and when I asked what the heck was going on, she passed the phone to Stephie as she was the one who opened and not Rita. The excuse I got was "I was running late". And when I tried to get into it with her a bit, she cut me off with "I've got a client in my chair". So, I said "Fine. We'll talk about this later". Then, after hanging up, I got in the car and drove over to the store.
When I got there, I made sure to clock in, so I would get paid for being there. I managed to find my best friend, who filled me in on what she knew. A customer, expressly for the salon (as he didn't have a cart of goods to purchase from Walmart) was waiting in front of the salon, for it to open. When the call came over the walkie-talkies (which all the supervisors at Walmart wear...looks like a blue-tooth thingy in their ears) for anyone to know what's going on at the salon, it attracted her attention, so she first tried calling me, but I didn't answer the phone (as I was out for the day), so she facebooked me with what was going on. About 15 minutes after that, she FB'd me again, letting me know the salon was now open.
When I spoke to Stephie on the phone, she let me know she'd clocked in at 9:56 and opened the salon immediately. This is where I started getting hot under the collar. We're supposed to be there 15 minutes before our shift starts. This isn't a Beth rule, it's a company policy. And, this is a conversation we've had before, fairly recently. When I got to the salon, Stephie did, indeed, have a client, so I waited patiently, for her to be done. It's actually mildly entertaining to watch people delay the inevitable. When she went to place her dirty towels in the laundry was when I asked her to step into the back room.
I shut the door, turned around and asked her exactly what happened this morning. I got the running late excuse, I got the "what time is the time I'm supposed to follow, the time clock or " real time"" excuse. She talked over the top of me, to which I started to raise my voice a bit, to be heard over her. To which she got even more upset and told me not to raise my voice. I informed her that 9:45 is 9:45. The time clock is the clock you go by, period. Cell phone time (which is considered "real time"), alarm clock at home, the clock on the wall, don't matter. It's the time clock that is the clock to go by. Did I mention this is a conversation we've had before?? I was angry enough that I also mentioned her not taking lunches when she's scheduled a long enough day to take one. And we went round and round about that one, too. I interrupted her (because I got tired of talking over the top of her and not being heard) to inform her that when you work 6 hours or more, you MUST take a half hour lunch break. This is not only corporate policy, but NH state law. And I wouldn't let her talk any further. She got angrier and ended the conversation. I did let her know Tammy was going to find out about this.
After I got home, I placed that very phone call. And spoke into the voicemail for 10 minutes before it cut me off. So, I'm hoping, between the message I left on Saturday morning about "Would you please call me on Monday around 8:45 so we can talk about the issues we're having...all attendance issues". I'm also going to bring up the fact that I'm not going to do the manager job any longer without receiving the managers pay (which increases my commission to 50% instead of 40, but, I believe, doesn't increase my hourly rate). If she doesn't want to pay me, that's fine. Then I'm not doing the manager's job any longer. Get someone else to do it or get an area supervisor in here to do the damn job. (I'll leave out the damn, though) It should be an interesting week.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Old School.....
I was just reading a question on David Velasco's website, about filling the hair and using permanent color afterward. Some of the answers were mighty interesting. And most of them were from old school hairdressers who just won't change what they're doing. All are convinced that by using a lower volume developer or by even using distilled water, it's less damaging than by using 20 volume and permanent color.
Can you use water with permanent color?? Sure. Won't be as effective, but yes, you can. Here's why: The chemical composition of water is H2O...2 molecules of hydrogen to one molecule of oxygen. The chemical composition of Hydrogen Peroxide is H2O2...2 molecules of hydrogen to 2 molecules of oxygen. So, what happens when you use water with permanent color is that it slows things down, making the color "safe" in the eyes of the stylist. But, here's why it's really not. The permanent hair color contains ammonia or an ammonia substitute. What ammonia does is swell the cuticle, allowing the developer (in this case, water) and the pigment inside the hair shaft, to work on breaking up the natural pigment in your hair and deposit the artificial pigment at the same time. Because water is missing that extra molecule of oxygen, it's not working as quickly as peroxide does. The ammonia is what causes all the damage and "dryness" in the hair when you use permanent color.
The ammonia swells the cuticle open. The cuticle remains open. Lets say you don't like the color you used, so you go out and buy another permanent hair color to change what you did. So, you mix the product up, and apply it all over your hair, looking for a change. Just for fun, lets say you waited a month to change your hair color, so you've got some new growth going on. Here's what happens: The new growth will be close to the color you want. It more than likely will be considerably brighter than what the picture on the box dictates you will get. The rest of your hair?? Well, it might be the color you're looking for, it might be darker. It will more than likely look "muddy" after a few shampoos. Why?? Because the dye load isn't permanent!! Just like when you polish your shoes, they look marvelous for a few days or even a week. Then, you have to polish them, again, because the polish has worn off.
Permanent hair color works much the same way. Should you be coloring your hair every week to make up for this?? Not with permanent hair color!! The other "fun" thing that happens when you keep applying permanent hair color on top of permanent hair color is that the cuticle not only remains open, it opens even wider, causing the edges of the hair shaft (cuticle) to resemble frayed jeans. Then, when you add water when shampooing, those frayed edges fuse together, temporarily, causing your hair to feel "dry" and for you to feel like you need a TON of conditioner (which won't work, by the way) to get a comb through your hair. At this point, the damage cannot be "fixed", no matter what product you put in your hair. The only cure for this kind of damage is a hair cut. And yet, hairdressers, particularly the old school ones, will continually blame the cheap product you use at home instead of realizing that THEY are causing the damage by dragging that permanent hair color through the hair every time or every other time they color their client's hair.
Have I done this before?? Sure. Then I educated myself, courtesy of David Velasco and Beth Minardi. And I don't do color this way any longer. And because I don't do my own color like that any longer, my hair is infinitely more cooperative than it ever used to be!!
Can you use water with permanent color?? Sure. Won't be as effective, but yes, you can. Here's why: The chemical composition of water is H2O...2 molecules of hydrogen to one molecule of oxygen. The chemical composition of Hydrogen Peroxide is H2O2...2 molecules of hydrogen to 2 molecules of oxygen. So, what happens when you use water with permanent color is that it slows things down, making the color "safe" in the eyes of the stylist. But, here's why it's really not. The permanent hair color contains ammonia or an ammonia substitute. What ammonia does is swell the cuticle, allowing the developer (in this case, water) and the pigment inside the hair shaft, to work on breaking up the natural pigment in your hair and deposit the artificial pigment at the same time. Because water is missing that extra molecule of oxygen, it's not working as quickly as peroxide does. The ammonia is what causes all the damage and "dryness" in the hair when you use permanent color.
The ammonia swells the cuticle open. The cuticle remains open. Lets say you don't like the color you used, so you go out and buy another permanent hair color to change what you did. So, you mix the product up, and apply it all over your hair, looking for a change. Just for fun, lets say you waited a month to change your hair color, so you've got some new growth going on. Here's what happens: The new growth will be close to the color you want. It more than likely will be considerably brighter than what the picture on the box dictates you will get. The rest of your hair?? Well, it might be the color you're looking for, it might be darker. It will more than likely look "muddy" after a few shampoos. Why?? Because the dye load isn't permanent!! Just like when you polish your shoes, they look marvelous for a few days or even a week. Then, you have to polish them, again, because the polish has worn off.
Permanent hair color works much the same way. Should you be coloring your hair every week to make up for this?? Not with permanent hair color!! The other "fun" thing that happens when you keep applying permanent hair color on top of permanent hair color is that the cuticle not only remains open, it opens even wider, causing the edges of the hair shaft (cuticle) to resemble frayed jeans. Then, when you add water when shampooing, those frayed edges fuse together, temporarily, causing your hair to feel "dry" and for you to feel like you need a TON of conditioner (which won't work, by the way) to get a comb through your hair. At this point, the damage cannot be "fixed", no matter what product you put in your hair. The only cure for this kind of damage is a hair cut. And yet, hairdressers, particularly the old school ones, will continually blame the cheap product you use at home instead of realizing that THEY are causing the damage by dragging that permanent hair color through the hair every time or every other time they color their client's hair.
Have I done this before?? Sure. Then I educated myself, courtesy of David Velasco and Beth Minardi. And I don't do color this way any longer. And because I don't do my own color like that any longer, my hair is infinitely more cooperative than it ever used to be!!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The 4 C's............
Thank you, Redken NYC, for this topic!!
During your consultation, it's soooo important to go over these 4 subjects (and this applies to all services, really) concerning your color.
CONDITION: What condition is the hair in?? What does it feel like, both dry and wet?? What does it look like?? How is the porosity? Does the client have water issues?? Does the client take medications??
All of these are vital questions. If their hair is in poor condition, over processed, either by chemicals or by the sun, you'll need to do one of two things: Adjust the formula accordingly, or refuse to do the service. (which, if you have an ounce of integrity, you'll do if the hair is compromised).
Water issues: If they have well water, do they have a water conditioner/softener that equals out the mineral levels in the water?? If not, you may need to do an intense clarifying treatment (Malibu comes to mind) to cleanse the hair and make sure there's an at home treatment they can purchase to follow up with. Too many minerals in the hair can cause the hair to smoke (when introduced to hair chemicals), cause the color to be even darker than expected, or to not "take" at all.
Medications: All medication, all drugs, come out in the hair. Your hair is a part of your elimination system, like sweat and tears are. So, everything you put into your body (BP meds, blood thinners, illegal drugs, vitamins) all come out on your hair. Heavy doses of medications will coat the hair and prevent the chemicals from doing their job properly, resulting in an unhappy client who receives a free service (or two) to correct the mistake, costing both you and the salon, a bunch of money.
CHANGE: How much of a change are you looking for?? Subtle?? Dramatic?? You'd better be explaining what you have to do to take them from one color to another. Generally, it means using decolorizer (bleach) which changes the texture and porosity of the hair. It also means that to extract certain colors from the hair (black & red) will be very difficult and you man not get the results you're looking for.
COMMITMENT: To maintain the color, you must prescribe a routine for the client to come back in to get things touched up/adjusted. Some colors require serious maintenance. For example, lets say we take you to a fabulous pale blonde. To maintain that, you, the client, need to come in no more than 4 weeks from your last appointment to get your color dealt with so that it matches. Anything longer than that, and the stylist has to deal with the attractive gold band that keratinized hair creates. And , if the colorist doesn't deal with it (and charge accordingly, don't forget to tell the client this part well before the next appointment), the client will think you screwed something up and will expect you to fix it, free of charge.
COST: How much will it cost for this initial service?? How much will it cost to maintain it?? What if the color needs a toner?? How about adding highlights to break it up?? Is the finishing service (haircut, blow dry) included in the cost??
All of this requires a 5th "C"..COMMUNICATION!! If you, the hairdresser, do not have good communication skills, you will not be able to gain and keep your clients trust. They trust you, as the "professional", to not only know what you're doing, but to know what you're talking about. Which leads to:
HONESTY: You must, AT ALL TIMES, be honest with your client. Even if it means telling them: I may have to adjust the formula for next time if this isn't quite right this time. This also applies when you're selling at home care. If you don't know how something works, FIND OUT. DO NOT LIE TO YOUR CLIENT!!
I listen, daily, to hairdressers, who have no clue what they're saying, try to lie to their clients. We're in a powerful position because we have immediate trust placed in us. Lying to the client to cover your ineptitude just doesn't work. AND, it takes your credibility and flushes it right down the toilet.
READ: Do not rely on your coworkers to be able to answer all your questions. READ. Seek out more knowledge on your own. Then, when you don't understand something, ASK.
There is so much more to this job than the average person realizes. So, the next time you're thinking hairdressers are ditzy, or not very bright, or they only went to hairdressing school because they couldn't get into college, please think again. Our job is a lot more than just grabbing a head of hair and going for it.
During your consultation, it's soooo important to go over these 4 subjects (and this applies to all services, really) concerning your color.
CONDITION: What condition is the hair in?? What does it feel like, both dry and wet?? What does it look like?? How is the porosity? Does the client have water issues?? Does the client take medications??
All of these are vital questions. If their hair is in poor condition, over processed, either by chemicals or by the sun, you'll need to do one of two things: Adjust the formula accordingly, or refuse to do the service. (which, if you have an ounce of integrity, you'll do if the hair is compromised).
Water issues: If they have well water, do they have a water conditioner/softener that equals out the mineral levels in the water?? If not, you may need to do an intense clarifying treatment (Malibu comes to mind) to cleanse the hair and make sure there's an at home treatment they can purchase to follow up with. Too many minerals in the hair can cause the hair to smoke (when introduced to hair chemicals), cause the color to be even darker than expected, or to not "take" at all.
Medications: All medication, all drugs, come out in the hair. Your hair is a part of your elimination system, like sweat and tears are. So, everything you put into your body (BP meds, blood thinners, illegal drugs, vitamins) all come out on your hair. Heavy doses of medications will coat the hair and prevent the chemicals from doing their job properly, resulting in an unhappy client who receives a free service (or two) to correct the mistake, costing both you and the salon, a bunch of money.
CHANGE: How much of a change are you looking for?? Subtle?? Dramatic?? You'd better be explaining what you have to do to take them from one color to another. Generally, it means using decolorizer (bleach) which changes the texture and porosity of the hair. It also means that to extract certain colors from the hair (black & red) will be very difficult and you man not get the results you're looking for.
COMMITMENT: To maintain the color, you must prescribe a routine for the client to come back in to get things touched up/adjusted. Some colors require serious maintenance. For example, lets say we take you to a fabulous pale blonde. To maintain that, you, the client, need to come in no more than 4 weeks from your last appointment to get your color dealt with so that it matches. Anything longer than that, and the stylist has to deal with the attractive gold band that keratinized hair creates. And , if the colorist doesn't deal with it (and charge accordingly, don't forget to tell the client this part well before the next appointment), the client will think you screwed something up and will expect you to fix it, free of charge.
COST: How much will it cost for this initial service?? How much will it cost to maintain it?? What if the color needs a toner?? How about adding highlights to break it up?? Is the finishing service (haircut, blow dry) included in the cost??
All of this requires a 5th "C"..COMMUNICATION!! If you, the hairdresser, do not have good communication skills, you will not be able to gain and keep your clients trust. They trust you, as the "professional", to not only know what you're doing, but to know what you're talking about. Which leads to:
HONESTY: You must, AT ALL TIMES, be honest with your client. Even if it means telling them: I may have to adjust the formula for next time if this isn't quite right this time. This also applies when you're selling at home care. If you don't know how something works, FIND OUT. DO NOT LIE TO YOUR CLIENT!!
I listen, daily, to hairdressers, who have no clue what they're saying, try to lie to their clients. We're in a powerful position because we have immediate trust placed in us. Lying to the client to cover your ineptitude just doesn't work. AND, it takes your credibility and flushes it right down the toilet.
READ: Do not rely on your coworkers to be able to answer all your questions. READ. Seek out more knowledge on your own. Then, when you don't understand something, ASK.
There is so much more to this job than the average person realizes. So, the next time you're thinking hairdressers are ditzy, or not very bright, or they only went to hairdressing school because they couldn't get into college, please think again. Our job is a lot more than just grabbing a head of hair and going for it.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Busy, Busy, Busy...
Not only have I hit commission twice in recent history, Stephie has actually gotten to commission, as well. Rita even got it. How did this happen?? Well, we got crazy busy, and Tina was on vacation for 4 days, so we were down a whole person. If we can manage to keep it going with 3 of us making commission and one of us not (doesn't matter who), it should keep things relatively under control. We'll see. It's not the plan I wish to stick with long term, but it may help things for a tiny bit. Lets hope things continue to trend in the right direction!!
Mostly, what I'm looking for is to keep Tammy off my back. Yesterday, I managed, in between clients, to get the ordering done, the schedules done, and faxed to her. Of course, the faxing didn't get done until 4:45pm, but, hey...they were on her desk by 5pm on Monday. (I'm betting she had yesterday off)
Last Thursday, I wound up pulling a 12 hour day. It was "Everybody loves Beth" day....I had a bunch of haircuts, then 3 back to back colors. All of them in the warm ranges. Two of them were on the more cinnamon side of things, and one was a bit brighter. That one, however, was also a p in the a. This client has some oddness going on. First of all, she has coarse hair. Not super coarse, but definitely coarse. Which automatically makes me formulate a little differently, to make sure the color does it's job. However, this is the second time I've done her color, and this is the second time her base color has lifted higher than expected, even though I've used 20 volume, which, in theory, isn't supposed to lift her regrowth as high as it does.
20 Volume, when mixed with the actual color, is supposed to lift no more than 2 levels lighter than the natural hair color. On coarse hair, you're supposed to expect it to lift less than that. Not on this client. Her regrowth is HOT...and not in a good way. On top of this, my client is someone who deals with a lot of anxiety. So, when I mess up her hair, her anxiety levels increase, which increase MY anxiety levels!!! Sigh....and she came back in yesterday for me to fix her hair. Which still pulled HOT, even though I only used demi on her regrowth to try to fix part of the issue. Luckily, it will all fade in time. However, I need to make the adjustments to her formula.
Also, she has "the" haircut...a stacked bob. Not the easiest haircut in the world to accomplish. And, especially, not on her hair. She didn't want it so severely stacked in the back this time, but wanted the angle in the front to still be sharp. So, I tried to accomplish this. Nope. Not so much. So, I fixed that, too....slowly, and carefully. She was a much happier person when she left yesterday. Which, in turn, made me happier, too.
My last client on Thursday was someone I've been trying to get into my chair for a very long time. And, thank GOD, I was able to deliver what she asked. I did a minor goof in that I tried to use her current hair color as highlights, and that didn't work so well. But, she was okay with whatever I did, really, which was nice. By the time I was done, she had a fabulous cinnamon red color. Now, if I could just figure out how to get her bushy hair under control!!
Some of that will happen when she switches to smoothing products and embraces her curl instead of trying to smooth it out all the time. Baby steps....baby steps...
Mostly, what I'm looking for is to keep Tammy off my back. Yesterday, I managed, in between clients, to get the ordering done, the schedules done, and faxed to her. Of course, the faxing didn't get done until 4:45pm, but, hey...they were on her desk by 5pm on Monday. (I'm betting she had yesterday off)
Last Thursday, I wound up pulling a 12 hour day. It was "Everybody loves Beth" day....I had a bunch of haircuts, then 3 back to back colors. All of them in the warm ranges. Two of them were on the more cinnamon side of things, and one was a bit brighter. That one, however, was also a p in the a. This client has some oddness going on. First of all, she has coarse hair. Not super coarse, but definitely coarse. Which automatically makes me formulate a little differently, to make sure the color does it's job. However, this is the second time I've done her color, and this is the second time her base color has lifted higher than expected, even though I've used 20 volume, which, in theory, isn't supposed to lift her regrowth as high as it does.
20 Volume, when mixed with the actual color, is supposed to lift no more than 2 levels lighter than the natural hair color. On coarse hair, you're supposed to expect it to lift less than that. Not on this client. Her regrowth is HOT...and not in a good way. On top of this, my client is someone who deals with a lot of anxiety. So, when I mess up her hair, her anxiety levels increase, which increase MY anxiety levels!!! Sigh....and she came back in yesterday for me to fix her hair. Which still pulled HOT, even though I only used demi on her regrowth to try to fix part of the issue. Luckily, it will all fade in time. However, I need to make the adjustments to her formula.
Also, she has "the" haircut...a stacked bob. Not the easiest haircut in the world to accomplish. And, especially, not on her hair. She didn't want it so severely stacked in the back this time, but wanted the angle in the front to still be sharp. So, I tried to accomplish this. Nope. Not so much. So, I fixed that, too....slowly, and carefully. She was a much happier person when she left yesterday. Which, in turn, made me happier, too.
My last client on Thursday was someone I've been trying to get into my chair for a very long time. And, thank GOD, I was able to deliver what she asked. I did a minor goof in that I tried to use her current hair color as highlights, and that didn't work so well. But, she was okay with whatever I did, really, which was nice. By the time I was done, she had a fabulous cinnamon red color. Now, if I could just figure out how to get her bushy hair under control!!
Some of that will happen when she switches to smoothing products and embraces her curl instead of trying to smooth it out all the time. Baby steps....baby steps...
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Who knows how much longer.....
So, I got a call from Tammy the other day...."Do the girls understand how commission works??" Then proceeds to explain to me how to explain it to them.
Here's the thing. You've got to CARE in order for all this information to work. I can look up & crunch numbers for them until I am blue in the face. But, if they don't care about these things, all that work is wasted. Both Stephie & Rita are perfectly content with sitting on their behinds, doing NOTHING. Rita will hang out in front of the salon, trying to get people to come in. However, they tend to take one look at her and mentally say "nope."
Stephie's health tends to hold her back, as well. I strongly suspect she has an eating disorder, which wreaks havoc with her entire system. She also smokes a lot of pot after hours to come down from all the Red bull she drinks all day long to keep her energy up. She doesn't realize that if she ate properly, she'd have the energy to get through her day and she'd feel a whole lot better, too.
And, they both have the attitude that "It will get busy soon....really, it will..." instead of doing what they can to make it happen.
I also strongly suspect, and I've had Walmart associates confirm this for me, that Rita is encouraging clients with whom she is friendly to come to her house instead to get their hair done, so she can pocket all the money.
I'm quite fed up with the "acting manager" position. I'm sick of being held responsible for a bunch of screw ups. And, I certainly don't get paid anything extra for being pseudo-responsible for these people, either. And Tammy doesn't get the fact that I'm entirely too busy some days to get done the things she wants me to get done in the time frame she wants them done in. Nor, does she get the fact that when I'm busy, and Tina is on as well, she's also too busy to get this stuff done. Should I be schlepping this work onto the two that aren't busy?? Maybe.
My best friend has encouraged me to keep this position because it means that I get to control the schedule. Well, here's the thing. To an extent, yes, I do. What controls the schedule is who makes how much money for the salon. And the money makers are myself and Tina. If my calculations are correct, I'll have a commission paycheck this week. Tina missed it by a measly $8.00!! (or by cutting an hour and a half, just to be safe). To say that I'm frustrated is a gross understatement.
Here's the thing. You've got to CARE in order for all this information to work. I can look up & crunch numbers for them until I am blue in the face. But, if they don't care about these things, all that work is wasted. Both Stephie & Rita are perfectly content with sitting on their behinds, doing NOTHING. Rita will hang out in front of the salon, trying to get people to come in. However, they tend to take one look at her and mentally say "nope."
Stephie's health tends to hold her back, as well. I strongly suspect she has an eating disorder, which wreaks havoc with her entire system. She also smokes a lot of pot after hours to come down from all the Red bull she drinks all day long to keep her energy up. She doesn't realize that if she ate properly, she'd have the energy to get through her day and she'd feel a whole lot better, too.
And, they both have the attitude that "It will get busy soon....really, it will..." instead of doing what they can to make it happen.
I also strongly suspect, and I've had Walmart associates confirm this for me, that Rita is encouraging clients with whom she is friendly to come to her house instead to get their hair done, so she can pocket all the money.
I'm quite fed up with the "acting manager" position. I'm sick of being held responsible for a bunch of screw ups. And, I certainly don't get paid anything extra for being pseudo-responsible for these people, either. And Tammy doesn't get the fact that I'm entirely too busy some days to get done the things she wants me to get done in the time frame she wants them done in. Nor, does she get the fact that when I'm busy, and Tina is on as well, she's also too busy to get this stuff done. Should I be schlepping this work onto the two that aren't busy?? Maybe.
My best friend has encouraged me to keep this position because it means that I get to control the schedule. Well, here's the thing. To an extent, yes, I do. What controls the schedule is who makes how much money for the salon. And the money makers are myself and Tina. If my calculations are correct, I'll have a commission paycheck this week. Tina missed it by a measly $8.00!! (or by cutting an hour and a half, just to be safe). To say that I'm frustrated is a gross understatement.
Friday, August 19, 2011
It's been pretty hairy lately....
I have been crazy busy lately!! Yesterday was my second all-time high for customer count...14 in one day!! Of course, I didn't get that done in the 7 hours I was scheduled....I was supposed to get out at 4 and didn't leave until 6...but, I raked in the BUCKS both in terms of services as well as tips!! WOO HOO Commission, here I come!! Let's hope Saturday is just a busy!!
Stephie has taken to complaining on Facebook about how she hates her job....she made the mistake of friending me, so I made sure to send her a private message, asking her to stop doing that. If there's a problem that I can fix, she needs to let me know about it. But, please stop posting on FB about it....she's a typical passive person...won't say anything to some one's face, but will complain bitterly behind their back about whatever it is. All set with that unprofessional stuff.
I had Tina cut my hair the other day..so far, so good. She also has had a great week so far....lots of clients coming in saying "I'm so glad you're here!!" It's going to be interesting to watch her career take off, in a big way....
And, then, there's Rita....who, half jokingly said to me yesterday "Will you go home so I can get some clients??" Which was both revealing and funny at the same time. Almost everyone that came in yesterday wanted me to cut their hair...too damn funny, really....
Part of me feels bad for Rita and Stephie...I know what it's like to be at the bottom of the pile, where no one knows you. That was me for two years at my old salon. Now, I'm in Ginger's shoes, Tina is in Evie's shoes (thank god she's not as obnoxious), Rita is trying Maude's shoes on for size, and Stephie is in my old shoes...not a great place to be....I remember it well....
HOWEVER.....I also worked hard for every client I did have at my old salon...wasn't able to keep them, but I worked damn hard for every one I had. That's the big difference, because I don't see Stephie doing that quite so much. Sounds like it might be time for a heart to heart with her...whether either of us likes it or not....Sigh....
Stephie has taken to complaining on Facebook about how she hates her job....she made the mistake of friending me, so I made sure to send her a private message, asking her to stop doing that. If there's a problem that I can fix, she needs to let me know about it. But, please stop posting on FB about it....she's a typical passive person...won't say anything to some one's face, but will complain bitterly behind their back about whatever it is. All set with that unprofessional stuff.
I had Tina cut my hair the other day..so far, so good. She also has had a great week so far....lots of clients coming in saying "I'm so glad you're here!!" It's going to be interesting to watch her career take off, in a big way....
And, then, there's Rita....who, half jokingly said to me yesterday "Will you go home so I can get some clients??" Which was both revealing and funny at the same time. Almost everyone that came in yesterday wanted me to cut their hair...too damn funny, really....
Part of me feels bad for Rita and Stephie...I know what it's like to be at the bottom of the pile, where no one knows you. That was me for two years at my old salon. Now, I'm in Ginger's shoes, Tina is in Evie's shoes (thank god she's not as obnoxious), Rita is trying Maude's shoes on for size, and Stephie is in my old shoes...not a great place to be....I remember it well....
HOWEVER.....I also worked hard for every client I did have at my old salon...wasn't able to keep them, but I worked damn hard for every one I had. That's the big difference, because I don't see Stephie doing that quite so much. Sounds like it might be time for a heart to heart with her...whether either of us likes it or not....Sigh....
Friday, August 5, 2011
Updates....
So, what's been going on.....hmmm....It's gotten busier at work, I've handed out every one's sales goals for each week we're headed into....that way they know their numbers and can try to reach their goals. For what we do in volume every day, the goals should be relatively easy to obtain. August will be a good month for us because it's back to school time!!! However, some of us think that the busy bus will be dropping work off, so that will be okay, never mind the fact that you have to work pretty darn hard to keep the clients you've got!!
My bff, Sandy, reminded me (lectured me, actually) about my needing to put my bitch boots on at work. I'm the "manager" and I need to be managing the people, which I'm not, really. And, what's happened is that there's not much respect for me as a manager in that place. Rita continually goes over my head, calling Tammy about trivial things. Tammy didn't get into it with me on the phone yesterday, but I believe it has something to do with the scheduling. Sigh.... So, now I've got to copy down the schedules, and fax them to her, as soon as I can. Every Monday, as a matter of fact. Joy.
I know that there's whining about the schedule and the fact that no one is getting 40 hours. I don't even get 40 hours. I make sure that my hours get cut a bit so that the rest of them get hours. Something they don't see me do, and I don't say anything about it. So, I'll be switching around my Sundays so that I'm on with Stephie and Rita so they can WATCH me do the schedules, from pushing the forecasting button (which establishes the hours each day that I have to fill with people).
I've also started getting interested in "the opposite sex" again....Well, it's not that I've not been interested, there hasn't been any prospects, really. And, there's still not, at least not seriously. However, there are some changes that need to be made on the horizon, so, here goes....stay tuned!!
My bff, Sandy, reminded me (lectured me, actually) about my needing to put my bitch boots on at work. I'm the "manager" and I need to be managing the people, which I'm not, really. And, what's happened is that there's not much respect for me as a manager in that place. Rita continually goes over my head, calling Tammy about trivial things. Tammy didn't get into it with me on the phone yesterday, but I believe it has something to do with the scheduling. Sigh.... So, now I've got to copy down the schedules, and fax them to her, as soon as I can. Every Monday, as a matter of fact. Joy.
I know that there's whining about the schedule and the fact that no one is getting 40 hours. I don't even get 40 hours. I make sure that my hours get cut a bit so that the rest of them get hours. Something they don't see me do, and I don't say anything about it. So, I'll be switching around my Sundays so that I'm on with Stephie and Rita so they can WATCH me do the schedules, from pushing the forecasting button (which establishes the hours each day that I have to fill with people).
I've also started getting interested in "the opposite sex" again....Well, it's not that I've not been interested, there hasn't been any prospects, really. And, there's still not, at least not seriously. However, there are some changes that need to be made on the horizon, so, here goes....stay tuned!!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Some things that happened yesterday
I had a mother bring her two boys in yesterday, one of which was hiding behind her (he was between 6-8 years old), requesting that I find a picture in one of the books and convince her son that he would look good in the haircut that I chose. She was a bit miffed when I refused. Why did I refuse??
A) The child was hiding behind his mother. Clearly AFRAID to get his hair cut (which was just sitting on his shoulders)
B) If chose a haircut, manage to convince him to cut his hair, and he doesn't like it, it's instantly MY fault.
C) Please stop foisting your parental responsibilities off onto total strangers.
I, initially, spoke to a lady about tea tree shampoo (fabulous stuff, by the way), then spoke to her about getting her hair cut, then potentially some color done...all in the space of less than 5 minutes. Not only did she come back about 20 minutes later for the haircut, she liked the fact that I was friendly, helpful, and HONEST with her. She's coming back in September, right before a family wedding, to get another haircut and color. Yay me!!
My last client of the day turned out to be someone who worked for me, years ago, in the Shoe Department. She was a very sweet girl, and I always liked her. Not only did I cut her hair the way she wanted it, I also taught her how to make frosting roses...how funny was that?!?!
How do I know how to make frosting roses?? My mother made cakes, for YEARS, as an extra income. Most of the time, we were banned from the kitchen, as it was tiny and my mom's fuse was pretty short. However, I used to love to watch her decorate the cakes and make roses from nothing...well, actually, starting with a mini marshmallow cut in half, stabbed onto a round, pointy tooth pick, then building your rose from there. She was so excited to try it!!
And how was your Monday??
A) The child was hiding behind his mother. Clearly AFRAID to get his hair cut (which was just sitting on his shoulders)
B) If chose a haircut, manage to convince him to cut his hair, and he doesn't like it, it's instantly MY fault.
C) Please stop foisting your parental responsibilities off onto total strangers.
I, initially, spoke to a lady about tea tree shampoo (fabulous stuff, by the way), then spoke to her about getting her hair cut, then potentially some color done...all in the space of less than 5 minutes. Not only did she come back about 20 minutes later for the haircut, she liked the fact that I was friendly, helpful, and HONEST with her. She's coming back in September, right before a family wedding, to get another haircut and color. Yay me!!
My last client of the day turned out to be someone who worked for me, years ago, in the Shoe Department. She was a very sweet girl, and I always liked her. Not only did I cut her hair the way she wanted it, I also taught her how to make frosting roses...how funny was that?!?!
How do I know how to make frosting roses?? My mother made cakes, for YEARS, as an extra income. Most of the time, we were banned from the kitchen, as it was tiny and my mom's fuse was pretty short. However, I used to love to watch her decorate the cakes and make roses from nothing...well, actually, starting with a mini marshmallow cut in half, stabbed onto a round, pointy tooth pick, then building your rose from there. She was so excited to try it!!
And how was your Monday??
Monday, July 25, 2011
The grass is always greener.....
Stephie has been complaining, a LOT lately, about the schedule. Unbeknownst to me, (until she friended me on FB and I read one of her posts) she's also wanting to transfer to the store where Lindsay went to. She's got a raging case of "the grass is always greener on the other side" (of the septic tank...).
We had our first salon meeting yesterday, which I think went pretty well. It didn't turn into a bitch session, which was nice. I briefly went over all the stuff we needed to go over...the new program coming out in August, for which we will have another salon meeting about, and some of the stuff Tammy went over when she was here last week. It all went over just fine, until I mentioned all the stuff with the scheduling. At each remark, I made a point of making eye contact with Stephie, and she couldn't maintain eye contact with me.
All I did say was this : The complaining about the schedule needs to stop. When you need specific time off, get it to me, in writing, so I don't forget it. The sooner you find out about things, the better. I can only schedule what the system gives me, so please stop thinking I'm genuinely creating these crappy schedules.
When Rita was complaining about the schedules, she came to me and asked me questions, to which I showed her, on the computer, what was available and how I scheduled it. Once I did that, her griping stopped. So, I will be doing the same with Stephie. If that doesn't shut her up, then I will speak to her, directly, and privately asking her to please stop. And to please stop posting things on FB without talking to me first when it's in reference to her job. Can you see me rolling my eyes??
We had our first salon meeting yesterday, which I think went pretty well. It didn't turn into a bitch session, which was nice. I briefly went over all the stuff we needed to go over...the new program coming out in August, for which we will have another salon meeting about, and some of the stuff Tammy went over when she was here last week. It all went over just fine, until I mentioned all the stuff with the scheduling. At each remark, I made a point of making eye contact with Stephie, and she couldn't maintain eye contact with me.
All I did say was this : The complaining about the schedule needs to stop. When you need specific time off, get it to me, in writing, so I don't forget it. The sooner you find out about things, the better. I can only schedule what the system gives me, so please stop thinking I'm genuinely creating these crappy schedules.
When Rita was complaining about the schedules, she came to me and asked me questions, to which I showed her, on the computer, what was available and how I scheduled it. Once I did that, her griping stopped. So, I will be doing the same with Stephie. If that doesn't shut her up, then I will speak to her, directly, and privately asking her to please stop. And to please stop posting things on FB without talking to me first when it's in reference to her job. Can you see me rolling my eyes??
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Meeting.....
So, Tammy FINALLY came down yesterday. Rita had called her (which doesn't surprise me) numerous times, whining about how mean I am to her, about how I'm targeting her. And we had a meeting between the three of us to "settle" things.
Rita asked her questions. Like a 16 year old, she asked her questions "I don't know what I did to offend you, but it really seems like you're targeting me......the other girls use their cellphones, too" (insert snivelly voice here). I reiterated, asking Tammy to correct me if I was wrong, the company policy regarding cellphone usage. Which, by the way, is only supposed to be used when you are clocked out for your lunch break. Whether or not this problem has been solved, remains to be seen.....Stay tuned.
Tammy and I had a great conversation otherwise. She likes the work I'm doing, I just need to tweak my delivery when I'm feeling stressed. It's something I'm aware of, and I know I need to work on it. She likes me being manager because she doesn't hear from me unless there's a question/issue. And she reminded me that there's always a "problem child" in every salon...and Rita is it.
Rita asked her questions. Like a 16 year old, she asked her questions "I don't know what I did to offend you, but it really seems like you're targeting me......the other girls use their cellphones, too" (insert snivelly voice here). I reiterated, asking Tammy to correct me if I was wrong, the company policy regarding cellphone usage. Which, by the way, is only supposed to be used when you are clocked out for your lunch break. Whether or not this problem has been solved, remains to be seen.....Stay tuned.
Tammy and I had a great conversation otherwise. She likes the work I'm doing, I just need to tweak my delivery when I'm feeling stressed. It's something I'm aware of, and I know I need to work on it. She likes me being manager because she doesn't hear from me unless there's a question/issue. And she reminded me that there's always a "problem child" in every salon...and Rita is it.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Observations
So, I actually got to do Stella's hair yesterday. Monday did NOT happen because we got busy and paying customers always come first. She was good about it.
So, I mixed my colors and got started. Did her base color first, making sure I got her regrowth covered. Then, I went in and customized her highlights, breaking up the big whoppers she had, making them more spread out and subtle, which is what she told me she wanted. Did I take pictures?? Heck no.
What did happen, when I got all done, was that, over all, she looked soooo much better when the color was finished. All that blonde just washed her out, in a big way. The dark hair color, which is a "natural" color for her (she's darker complected with clear brown eyes) is sooo much more flattering for her....perked her appearance right up! The best part, she was THRILLED with what I did. Which is what's most important.
What was amusing was that during the process, Rita piped up with the fact that she didn't understand some of what I was doing. When I asked her while I was working what it was she didn't understand, she brushed it off, stating she'd ask later. Her issue was why didn't I highlight her all the way to the root. My response was to keep the highlights looking as natural as possible. When "nature" highlights your hair, it isn't always to the root. It's down the hair shaft, to the ends. Truthfully, I don't think she understood why I did it that way.
Something I did notice about Stella and decision making. She's not very good at it. She had a LOT of blonde in her fringe area....enough that the color wasn't flattering to her complexion. I asked her, once I was done with the back of her hair and had moved around to the front, if she wanted me to eliminate some of the blonde. It took her FOREVER to finally say to me "well, what do you think??" And my reply was " I think the blonde is too much and that it washes you out." So, she let me eliminate some of the highlights in her fringe and front area. She's got plenty of highlights, and most of them are a nice pale blonde, which contrasts well with the dark hair. She now looks like a brunette with blonde highlights, rather than a blonde with dark lowlights. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Rita, Rita, Rita....I'm not quite sure just what to do with her. She has a complete disregard for company policies that is impressive to watch. Stephie is getting that way, too, because they're just not busy enough. I HATE micromanaging adults....what winds up happening is that I'm the one who can spout the rules and they get titchy with me when I enforce them. I get that they're bored because they don't have constant clients in their chair. However, there's PLENTY to be done around the salon. I get they're tired of doing it. I'm tired of doing it, too. And, I'm tired of babysitting them. However, it's my job. So, they're all going to get items to count and on hand changes to put in the computer, so things can stay up to date. Don't tell me you're bored.
The other thing that happens is that I'll get notes attached to my station, with clients requesting time with me. I still haven't figured out why they cannot tell the client themselves that we don't book appointments, so this is when I come in, if you want me right away, you have to come in just before I start my shift and wait for me. If the salon is busy, I'm supposed to take the next person in line, regardless of how many requests I have. This is a rule I dislike, intensely. If I have clients waiting for me, I should be able to take them and leave the new(er) clients for the girls that don't have a client base. I would really like to talk to Tammy about this, whenever she finally shows up in the salon.
And how was your week???
So, I mixed my colors and got started. Did her base color first, making sure I got her regrowth covered. Then, I went in and customized her highlights, breaking up the big whoppers she had, making them more spread out and subtle, which is what she told me she wanted. Did I take pictures?? Heck no.
What did happen, when I got all done, was that, over all, she looked soooo much better when the color was finished. All that blonde just washed her out, in a big way. The dark hair color, which is a "natural" color for her (she's darker complected with clear brown eyes) is sooo much more flattering for her....perked her appearance right up! The best part, she was THRILLED with what I did. Which is what's most important.
What was amusing was that during the process, Rita piped up with the fact that she didn't understand some of what I was doing. When I asked her while I was working what it was she didn't understand, she brushed it off, stating she'd ask later. Her issue was why didn't I highlight her all the way to the root. My response was to keep the highlights looking as natural as possible. When "nature" highlights your hair, it isn't always to the root. It's down the hair shaft, to the ends. Truthfully, I don't think she understood why I did it that way.
Something I did notice about Stella and decision making. She's not very good at it. She had a LOT of blonde in her fringe area....enough that the color wasn't flattering to her complexion. I asked her, once I was done with the back of her hair and had moved around to the front, if she wanted me to eliminate some of the blonde. It took her FOREVER to finally say to me "well, what do you think??" And my reply was " I think the blonde is too much and that it washes you out." So, she let me eliminate some of the highlights in her fringe and front area. She's got plenty of highlights, and most of them are a nice pale blonde, which contrasts well with the dark hair. She now looks like a brunette with blonde highlights, rather than a blonde with dark lowlights. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Rita, Rita, Rita....I'm not quite sure just what to do with her. She has a complete disregard for company policies that is impressive to watch. Stephie is getting that way, too, because they're just not busy enough. I HATE micromanaging adults....what winds up happening is that I'm the one who can spout the rules and they get titchy with me when I enforce them. I get that they're bored because they don't have constant clients in their chair. However, there's PLENTY to be done around the salon. I get they're tired of doing it. I'm tired of doing it, too. And, I'm tired of babysitting them. However, it's my job. So, they're all going to get items to count and on hand changes to put in the computer, so things can stay up to date. Don't tell me you're bored.
The other thing that happens is that I'll get notes attached to my station, with clients requesting time with me. I still haven't figured out why they cannot tell the client themselves that we don't book appointments, so this is when I come in, if you want me right away, you have to come in just before I start my shift and wait for me. If the salon is busy, I'm supposed to take the next person in line, regardless of how many requests I have. This is a rule I dislike, intensely. If I have clients waiting for me, I should be able to take them and leave the new(er) clients for the girls that don't have a client base. I would really like to talk to Tammy about this, whenever she finally shows up in the salon.
And how was your week???
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