New Salon Seeking Talented Stylists

New Salon with Private Booths for Clients-Seeking Stylists 

(Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn)

Vanity Hair Studio NYC
"The Private Salon"

About us:
"Vanity Hair Studio NYC Inc. is a full service boutique hair salon located in the heart of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn (New York City). At Vanity, our goal is to create your exceptional hair care experience, offering expert styling with professionalism and discretion. Our distinguishing salon feature is our private styling booths which provide clients with one on one attention from their stylist and eliminates the discomfort of those facing hair challenges. We understand that a great hair style is picture perfect, but a customized experience is memorable."

Email:  info@vanityhairstudionyc.com with your resume and recent work 

New Brooklyn Salon Seeking Talented Hair Stylists

New Salon with Private Booths for Clients-Seeking Stylists (Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn)

Vanity Hair Studio NYC
"The Private Salon"

About us:
"Vanity Hair Studio NYC Inc. is a full service boutique hair salon located in the heart of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn (New York City). At Vanity, our goal is to create your exceptional hair care experience, offering expert styling with professionalism and discretion. Our distinguishing salon feature is our private styling booths which provide clients with one on one attention from their stylist and eliminates the discomfort of those facing hair challenges. We understand that a great hair style is picture perfect, but a customized experience is memorable."

About the neighborhood:
Bedford-Stuyvesant, popularly known as "Bed-Stuy", is located in central Brooklyn, nudging up against Clinton Hills and Williamsburg to the north and Crown Heights to the south.

About you:
We are seeking several stylists with a comprehensive background. Whether you specialize in one area, or have mastered the art of hair, we are interested in bringing you aboard!

Styling:
Natural Hair Care/Locs
Color/Cut
Hair Styling --All Hair Types
Undetectable Weaving Techniques

Interpersonal Skills:
Patient
Exceptional Customer Service
Self Starter
Multi-Tasking
Get It Done Attitude

Other:
Knowledge of Social Medium Platforms
Develop Content for Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Ability to operate the salon in the absence of the owner

Salary:
Booth Rent or Commission

Salon Operations:
Monday-Sunday 9am-8pm

Please forward resume/a recent image of yourself /images or link to your work to this Gmail address: VanityHairStudioNYC or reply to this ad

Please indicate "Private Salon" and your full name on subject line. 

How to Shop for Hair Products

Avoid hair care products that contain alcohol. 


Check the ingredients for these words:

• isopropyl alcohol
• propylene glycol
• mineral oil or petroleum
• sodium lauryl sulfate
• sodium laureth sulfate
• chlorine
• diethanolamine
• momoethnanolamine
• triethanolamin
• imidazolidinyl
• urea DMDM hydantoin

12 Things You Should Know About Beauty School

A recent blog from Beauty Schools Directory prompted me to think about my own beauty school experience. I thought I would share some of my highlights and low lights in the world of hair, makeup and  tests!

I decided to attend cosmetology school  in 2001 after graduating from college and struggling to find work in my field. The job market was erratic and quite unpredictable. Lay offs were plentiful and  the premise of  “knowing someone” was quickly fading. Getting a trade was my back up plan.

When I enrolled, I was surprised at all of the paperwork involved. You had an option of financial aid or loans. I wasn't eligible for financial aid, since I already had an undergraduate degree. One week later, I was approved by my credit union for $10,000. 

I spent the next year-four nights a week, reading, testing and observing. "When was I going to do something," I complained often. What’s the use of being in beauty school if I cant do the hair?

I quickly ate my words after my first customer who was an older women, cried in agony  and discomfort after I completed a shampoo. I had incorrectly draped her and all of the water seeped into her clothing,   The next six months would prove brutal. Patrons lining up to get discounted hairstyles and weekly state board  practice exams, that never seem to offer enough time.This was hair school not the police academy  Why was I losing weight and becoming sleep deprived? 

 It was beauty school, but it was.....still school. 

The one thing I will say is, beauty school was not what I expected.  It was hard and time consuming. I often  wondered if the fly by night stylists I patronized in the past, were even licensed. It takes a committed individual to get through  these courses.

Before you enroll, take an inside look of the beauty school experience.

1. School hours are in the day and the evening. If you attend in the daytime its approximately nine months. If you attend in the  evening, its almost two years. Most schools don’t let you mix it up, but  a conversation with the owner of the school to make an exception, wouldn't hurt.

2. Beauty school is expensive. A full course can run you  between 10k and 15k

3. The instructors are former or active salon owners, so they have lots of information to share.  

4. You should know something about hair. Beauty school does not teach you about hair styling. You  learn the fundamentals only. No... you don’t learn how to weave or braid hair.  If you don’t have a clue about hair, you will fail or drop out. It’s the horrible truth, but it’s the truth! You will need to attend advanced classes after you obtain your cosmetology license if you want to learn market trends.trends.lll

kkkk .
      5. You are required to complete 1000 hours . You can't get around this. Schools are very strict 

          on absenteeism. If you're a chronically late individual, curb it. Beauty schools impose 

          temporary and indefinite suspensions for tardiness. 

6. Your classmates are always willing to be your test dummy.  Capitalize on this opportunity, before you start your practicals.

7. You wont get a job right away as a Stylist. After graduating, you still have to apply for the written exam. After the written exam you are scheduled for the state board. Practice, practice, practice. Practicing for the state board exam is like learning to drive. At first you seem nervous and unsure of yourself. But after a few weeks of  driving school, it becomes fluid. 

8. Don’t apply for a salon job until you become licensed. Even if you wash hair, a cosmetology license is required.

9. Avoid opening a salon  until you’ve actually worked and managed one.  You would also need to determine if you want to be an “off the books’ stylist or a “1099 form" stylist. An “off the books stylist” usually works with cash only and does not report their income to the IRS (illegal).  The upside is, you keep all of  your income. The down side is, you're ineligible for a car, house, medical insurance, loans or anything that requires  proof of employment. Commissioned stylists usually make great money. You are more motivated than a booth renter who pays $100-200 a week for a chair. Commission  arrangements allow you to share the expenses for supplies with the owner. The owner is also responsible for marketing the salon. If you don’t make money, they don’t make money. Stylists are generally paid weekly and receive a 1099 form at the end of the year. 

10. Hair Shows are good, but what else? If you're in the business, you've been to at least one hair show in your city. This is a good opportunity to learn new techniques and test new hair products, but you shouldn't rest there. Attend some workshops on business. Strategic, marketing, branding and customer service are essential in the world of beauty. What's the use of gaining customers, if  poor service and inconsistently drives them to a new salon.

11. Establish a signature. What’s so special about your styling techniques that will be easily recognized? Branding starts with you!

12. And lastly, be a professional. In the world of Face book, blogs and  YouTube...everyone seems to be recording your every move.  We all have flaws but a good stylist will focus on re-inventing themselves. 

If you have questions about this blog, feel free to contact VanityHairStudioNYC@Gmail.com

Vanity Hair Studio NYC Inc.

private salon services

The Salon Dilemma 
When Professionalism is not the Norm






15 Salon Donts

1. No Credit Card Machine
Clients receiving salon services expect businesses to offer an option to pay with plastic as well as cash. If you lack this feature, it may be a sign of a "static" salon lacking vision and innovation.

2. Long Waiting Periods 
If you want to avoid disgruntle clients in the waiting area, maintain an appointment calendar. Clients would prefer to wait several weeks for an appointment than to sit in a salon for several hours.

3. Personal Discussions Across the Room
There is a common misconception that a hair salon is the hub of gossip and life discussions. Some women utilize this opportunity to unwind and destress from everyday life . Its difficult to relax if you are being disturbed by an exchange between employees. Its unprofessional and a reflection of the management.

4. Taking Lunch Breaks During Appointments
Courtesy includes proper planning. Breaks should be scheduled in between appointments not during. Even if the client is under the dryer, they want to know that you are ready to service them at any moment.

5. Taking Personal Phone Calls and Computer Usage
Today's basic necessities includes cell phones and laptops. However, any and all usage should take place in private. Clients prefer not to overhear the details of your personal life or watch you respond to someone's status update.

6. No Smoking Near or in Front of the Salon 
While smoking is considered a social hazard in most service environments, it is also offensive to clients who dont smoke. Leave your personal vices at home.

7. Loud & Offensive Music 
We have all walked into a salon blaring the latest song on the radio;  and while we may sing along for some versus, we dont want to hear it through the duration of our stay. Avoid playing specific genre's of music. A world music cd playing softly in the background is very relaxing.

8. Temperatures are not Adjusted According to External Weather Conditions 
Comfortable temperatures in the salon is a priority. An effective business owner would invest in central air conditioning for the summer and central heat for the winter. It can be a little pricey to install, but you will pay more in the long run, if you lose customers because of it. Remember salons are usually 15 degrees hotter in the summer months. Identifying and addressing door drafts is also esstional for the colder seasons.

9. Clients are Overbooked 
It is easy to overbook clients if you need the additional business. Its simply not a good idea. Clients would prefer to pay more money for your service than to be on a line to get their hair washed.

10. Disorganized Work Area
I've always joked that a disorganized work area is a reflectiion of how that business is run. Suprisingly other people have shared the same sentiment. The first order of business before and after a service is to clean and organize your work area...period.

11. No Wi-Fi Available
If the New York City MTA has provided wireless signal for cell phone users, then at minimu you could provide WIFI service for clients interested in using their electronic systems as they wait. Its almost a sin not to have access to your Facebook and Twitteer pages at any given moment :).

12. Bait and Switch Hair Products
Have you heard of salon employees using cheap products and pouring them into the bottles of a  more expensive brand? It happens all of the time. You can't fool customers. If a client is paying $80 for a relaxer, their hair should be straignt, bouncy, shiny, and healthy without additional leave in products. You can't accomplish that with cheap hair products.

13. Abusive Language and Discussions Among Employees and Patrons
Cursing or using other abusive language should not be used under any circumstances. There are no exceptions to this rule in a business environment. Complaints from employees is also a reflection of the salon's culture. Clients become very anxious when they are receiving a service from a disgruntled employee. Remember employees and clients are not friends INSIDE of the salon, irrespective of their relationship outside.

14. Dated Hairstyles
We all know how difficult it is to pass the Cosmetology exam; several hours of timed applicatications with limited resources. However salons should keep in mind that cosmetology schools do not teach you hair design, only the basic foundation. With that being said, if you don't take advanced classes and attend hair shows annually, you will never become aware of the latest trends. We suggest having routine classes at the salon as part of the employees' professional and creative development. Clients like to know they have hairstyle options and not be forced to choose out of handful of hairstyles.

15. No price list
Businesses are required to list prices in a conspicuous location. This may be in the front of the salon. Lacking proper signage may be cause for a violation.

Experienced something not mentioned on this list? Feel free to share

VanityHairStudioNYC

What to expect at a Dominican Style Hair Salon

A growing trend among New York City hair salons is that of the "Dominican" hair salon or "Dominican Style" hair salon. Once a closely guarded secret of low-income neighborhoods, Dominican hair salons were only common place in areas where the populations were predominately Hispanic. The establishments were notorious for having non-English speaking stylist who toiled tirelessly from the wee hours of the morning until the wee hours of the night. While most hair salons would have staggering prices, it was once a mainstay that services at these salons begin at just $20.

In recent times that has mostly changed. A "Dominican Style" is a moniker for meaning "we can do any type of hair". Being of diverse ethnic backgrounds natives of Dominican Republic have learned to adapt to differences in hair textures descended upon them through their African Slave, Indian and Spaniard ancestry. As licensed stylist they are masters of manipulating all types ofethnic hair, including the "normal" hair of most Americans.

Prices are stereotypically low at these establishments and comparable to going rates within the area. While Dominican style salons are usually very successful in acquiring loyal followings and clientele, there are several complaints common among such hair salons.

1. Waiting

There is usually a very long waiting period for service. Most stylists request that you come in very early if you are in need of a service that takes a long time. Even with an appointment most people are in the salon for at least 3 hours.

2. Language Barrier

While not a staple to all, most of these salons have generally Hispanic employees that do not have English as their first language. New non-Spanish speaking clients looking to try out a new place sometimes are turned off by not having a stylist they feel they can not effectively communicate with.

3. Price Variances

Most professional salons have a menu with pricing scales. On sight a patron will know what the low and high end cost of a service is. Typical among Dominican salons is that the main senior stylist will perform a consultation on a client and seemingly come up with a price out of thin air. Regular customers can verify whether or not the pricing seems within range, however newer clients have no verification that this is the "normal" price for a service. Newer clients sometimes come away from one of these consultations feeling like manipulated or like they are being taken advantage of.

Dominican hair salons are important service centers in the communities they are found. If you get a chance to visit one, it would be worthwhile for anyone of any hair type looking to try a new experience. Come early, and be prepared to hurry up and wait.

 Article content by: Irene Ocasio, NY Hair Styles Examiner

by Beauty Schools Directory-Posted on August 23rd, 2012 

How to Pass the Cosmetology License Exam

If you ask Michelle, a master hairstylist at a large nationwide salon chain in Kansas City, she will tell you that the day she took her cosmetology license practical exam was “the most nerve-wracking day of my life.” If you ask her how she felt after she got word that she passed, she will say, “It was this huge sigh of relief. I was so excited. It was like, ‘I did it!’” There is so much thought and preparation that goes into the cosmetology written exam and practical exam after you’ve earned all your training hours at cosmetology school. So how can you prepare for your cosmetology license exam so when you go in to take your written and practical you are confident, poised and ready to pass the exam with flying colors?

1. Get Organized

Though exam formats may vary from state to state, you will find similar concepts on all of them. The first thing to do is to find out your testing date, get it on the calendar, plan ahead and start studying. Make sure you know all of the supplies you will need, the time and location of the exam, and if you need a translator or non-English language cosmetology exam, make arrangements in advance. You need to provide your own models, so get that locked down. Get printed proof of your cosmetology training hours. The same Michelle we mentioned above said that when you’re packing your list of supplies to double everything. If you drop something in your exam, you can’t pick it up off the floor and keep using it, so come prepared with a backup of as many of your supplies as possible. And don’t leave anything off the list – if you’re unprepared for any portion of the exam, you’re automatically docked. Write a checklist well in advance so you can check it multiple times before going in for your exam.

2. Start Studying & Practicing

Just because these are hands-on skills doesn’t mean you shouldn’t crack open your textbook and practice like crazy. You need to know this material backwards and forwards from top to bottom. Some states offer cosmetology license exam study guides, others do not. Talk to your board of cosmetology to ask. Be prepared to answer any surprise questions, and make sure you absolutely know every angle of the services you need to do on that practical. Remember all your safety and sanitation training. No doubt you will be stopped in the middle of an exam and asked to handle an imaginary blood spill cleanup situation. Another thing to consider is the exam prep program at Salon Prep. It’s an excellent, thorough tool that you can use to review all the material you learned in cosmetology school, but also has practice exams you can take to drill yourself on the materials. Really an excellent resource to have in your kit!

3. Mentally Prepare Yourself

Get familiar with the structure of the exam. Written examinations typically last 1 to 2 hours. Practical examinations can last from 4 to 8 hours depending on your state for full cosmetology, and typically 2 to 4 hours for shorter exams like esthetics, nail technology and electrology exams. Typically there are short breaks, but make sure you are quick with your snack or potty breaks, because if you’re late returning to the exam room, you may not be allowed back in.  Keep in mind that the practical exam is not one-on-one – you’re in a room full of people. So get a laser-like focus, just like you would in a salon. Get to the testing facility a little early so you have some time to review in your head, get familiar with the space, and most importantly chill. Which brings us to our next point…

4. De-Stress

A little bit of pressure can make people perform better, but too much stress before your exam and you could shut down. Since you started studying and practicing well in advance of your exam, there should be no need to “cram” the night before. Eat good balanced meals, stay well-hydrated and try to get a good night’s sleep the night before. (I know it will be tough to sleep when the next day is the first day of the rest of your life, but do your best!) Do something fun and relaxing to clear your mind if you can. If you do have to cram (tsk tsk), then don’t stay up too late. Studies show that you’re better off going to bed at a decent hour and waking up early to squeeze in some final review time, than you would be if you stayed up late to try and cram it all in.

You have worked so hard throughout cosmetology school to reach this point. You’ve done the work, put in the hours, studied hard – you have every reason to be confident. You know this. So psych yourself up and get excited about getting your cosmetology license and reaching that major life goal.

Here are a few pieces of advice from cosmetologists, barbers and other folks who have passed the test:

• “Take the practice exam over and over again. Grade yourself and retake only the questions you missed. Repeat this process until you miss none of them. The practice tests in the book are lifted directly for the exams. Everyone should get 100% on the written exam. The info is there for you. It just requires a bit of commitment, like everything else in life.” – Ivan Zoot from Chicago, IL @ZootHair
• “Just be calm and relax, and remember all your steps. Have 100% faith in yourself!” Aaron S. in Winston Salem, NC @ImMyOwnDamnFan
• “As a barber, learn your shears and master them. A lot of fine tuning comes from those and the razor.” Drew C. in Tampa, FL @darcc1313
• “The straight razor on a balloon is key. Don’t let hair color stay in too long.” Jason J. in Mableton, GA @Jaydice_Roll
• “Be confident.” – Nakia E. in Los Angeles, CA
• “Take advantage of your instructors’ knowledge. No question is a dumb question. Over study and attend as many hair shows as possible with that lovely student discount.” – Carey W. at Cali Spa in Fort Wayne, IN
• “Don’t freak out. You already know how to do everything, you just have to show it. As for the written, if you paid attention at all in school you will pass it with flying colors!” Austin Cut & Color

Vanity Hair Studio NYC