Finding a Sisterlocks Consultant

In 2013 Vanity Hair Studio NYC introduced Sisterlocks to the menu of services. Almost instantaneously a flood of women contacted the unique hair studio requesting "re-tightenings." Their accompanying stories & complaints from prior experiences  prompted this blog. Enjoy the read!

What are Sisterlocks?
Sisterlocks is a trademark company founded in 1993 by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell. The Home Office is in San Diego, California, and there are trained practitioners  and Certified Training Associates in over 30 other states. The company has developed an innovative approach to marketing its natural hair care system to African American women. The company motto says it all: “Sisterlocks is not about a hairstyle, it’s about a lifestyle.”

Why do you need a Consultant to install Sisterlocks?
Consultants are formally trained in the Sisterlocks technique. Training is approximately four days, which includes classroom instruction, practicals, and document completion. Students pay an average of $1200-$1500  to complete a Sisterlocks course.

Where do you find a Sisterlocks Consultant? 
Sisterlocks Consultants can be found on the Sisterlocks website in two areas. " Certified Consultants"(http://www.sisterlocks.com/certified-consultant-registry.html) and "Official Trainees" (http://www.sisterlocks.com/official-trainee-registry.html).
www.sisterlocks.com

The difference between a Sisterlocks Trainee & Certified Consultant.
Sisterlocks Consultants & Trainees are both formally trained in the Sisterlocks technique. "Consultants"  have submitted images of three clients they Sisterlocked from start to finish. Identifying clients who are interested in NEW installations can be a challenge when you are newly trained. Becoming a "Certified Consultant" can take time-on average three months to one year.  Sisterlocks Trainees are authorized to install and re-tighten hair as well. The difference is, they have not submitted the appropriate documents for "certification." Being listed as a "Certified Consultant" is  beneficial to the consultant, because it gives a perception of a higher skilled technician. Seasoned consultants  have the ability to charge more money as well.

What should I expect after making contact with a Sisterlocks Practitioner?
Once you find a Sisterlocks Practitioner via www.sisterlocks.com, schedule to meet with them. Consultations average between $35 and $50.  A good consultation is between 45 minutes and an hour.  The consultation has three elements (information sharing, information gathering, sample loc installations) and will be explained in detail by your practitioner.

Some people have complained about  the length of time it’s taken to schedule a consultation. Don't rush, you cant get your hair done that day anyway. A full explanation of this is below.

Expect to visit someone's private home. Most Sisterlocks Practitioners are not “hair stylists.” For this reason, it is not uncommon to meet a practitioner, working out of their home.

Vanity Hair Studio NYC offers Sisterlocks services in a traditional salon environment and offers private and enclosed booths during installations. The benefit of coming to Vanity is that you are working with a Licensed Cosmetologist AND a Sisterlocks Practitioner. This means you can have your hair washed, Sisterlocked, tightened, colored and groomed at one central location.

During the consultation, what questions should I ask?
Questions are always a great way to show your commitment to getting Sisterlocked. Come prepared. Asking questions off the cuff may devalue your consultation. Remember you are paying for this. 

Sample questions are:

1. How long does it take for  the  installation?

2. How do I maintain my locs?

3. Can I maintain my locs without a practitioner?

4. If one of my locs unravel, what do I do?

5. Can I wash/dye/cut my locs?

6. How often  should I re-tighten?

7. What kind of hair products can I use?

8. How much is the installation?

9. How much hair do I need for an installation?

What tool should be used to install and re-tighten locs?
There are two different Sisterlocks tools. See image below. Sisterlocks Trainees and Consultants are the only individuals authorized to order these tools. You wont find these tools on amazon or ebay!!

If you see someone using a crochet hook or latch hook tool...you are probably not dealing with a Sisterlocks Practitioner.

What should I expect the 1st day of my Sisterlocks installation?
1. You will be expected to pay upfront. Some payments are broken down into percentages depending on the number of installation days, which is fine.

2.  You will be tired. Sisterlocks take several hours and in most cases require a second day to complete.

3. Don’t rush your practitioner. Once you have discussed an estimated time frame, don't try to negotiate an earlier completion time. Rushing creates anxiety and can compromise the executions of your locs. The installation is the foundation of your Sisterlocks. This is the most important part of your Sisterlocks journey.

4. Don't plan a major event around your Sisterlocks installation. Anything can happen!

What should I expect the 2nd day of my Sisterlocks installation/?
1. You will still be tired!! More than likely you've only had a few hours of sleep and needed to wake up early the next morning. No worries, its almost over.

2. Once you are done, your practitioner should be leaving you with maintenance instructions and a "starter kit."

3. When you get home, you might find yourself staring in the mirror a lot. From afar Sisterlocks immolate the look of micro braids. This can be a little uncomfortable for women at first. However when you wake up and leave the house for the first time-fully installed you will notice the compliments and stares. Your hair admiration will increase as your hair lengthens and begins to "settle." 

How long does Sisterlocks take to tighten?
The shorter your locs, the faster it is to tighten. A skilled practitioner takes 3 1/2 - 4 hours. The average practitioner takes 5 to 6 hours to tighten an entire set of Sisterlocks.  In some cases practitioners will only tighten the  perimeter if requested by the client. This takes around 1 1/2-2 hours. Make sure to check the completed work prior to leaving your practitioner’s home or salon.

General Tips

1. Interlocking, Stitch-locking and palm rolling is not the same as Sisterlocking the hair. Don’t let anyone confuse you. 
2. Don't patronize aloof and unprofessional practitioners. The Sisterlocks technique is trademarked and has a full curriculum associated with it. The expectations for practitioners to be honest, respectful and professional are standard.
3. Don't wait too long to re-tighten your hair. It will cost you more money in the end. Your practitioner will put you on a re-tightening scheduling. Follow it!
4. On occasion customers have to change practitioners. Be professional. Let your practitioner know you are moving on (as a courtesy).  
5. If you are unhappy with a service, allow your practitioner to rectify it. Things happen, life happens. Your practitioner might have had an off day. 

If you are looking for a Sisterlocks Practitioner in NYC contact:

Vanity Hair Studio NYC
325 Nostrand Ave 

Brooklyn NY 11216

718-218-5691

www.vanityhairstudionyc.com

info@vanityhairstudionyc.com

Founder of Sisterlocks TM

          

     Sisterlocks Tools

"The Two Letter Word Your Hair Stylist Should Be Telling You"

Customers are always right...in most cases.

This is really a concept for customer service....not an absolute in the real world.

With that being said, below are FIVE things your stylist should be saying NO to, NO exceptions.

1. Can I bring in my own  relaxer?
Relaxers are chemicals with a shelf life. There is also a temperature requirement when storing. Storage conditions should be managed  by a professional. Allowing relaxers to enter the salon being unaware of the chain of custody places the stylist and salon at risk.

2. Can I get that style?
Every hair style is not fitting or age/lifestyle appropriate. Identify looks  that flatter you versus what's trendy. Celebrity images are great guides but not the end all. Remember celebrities have a team of people following them around, placing every hair into place. Do you have a glam squad on 24 hour call?

3. Do lace front wigs look natural?
Lace front wigs can look natural if you have it custom made. A good custom job can run between 300 and 1000 dollars. So if you're not sure why the $30 lace front is not fitting well, take a guess.

4. Can I relax and dye my hair today?
Receiving two chemical services in the same day is a recipe for disaster. Be patient..get a semi permanent color and wait a few weeks after the relaxer.

5. I washed my hair already, can you just style my hair?
Any stylist willing  to perform a service and they have not cleansed the hair/scalp, is not only putting you at risk, but any customer after you. Styling tools should be used on cleansed hair only.

Feel free to add to this list.

"When the PROS CON you"

Is Your Hair Stylist Licensed?

How Do You Know?

In a Linkedin Group  of Salon Owners one of the most infectious topics that seem to resurface every few weeks, is the difficulty of finding great stylits. One of the most importnt factors is the lacking certifications/licensing.

Would you feel any different if you found out that your hair dresser was not certified to wash your hair, let alone administer a chemical relaxer?

In case you were always wondering, here are three ways to research your stylist

1. New York State issues cosmetology licenses to hair stylists once they have completed a minimum of 1000 beauty hours, completed a written exam and passed the five hour practical exam. One issued, cosmetologists are required to renew  their licensing every four years. If you go to the New York State Department of State website http://www.dos.ny.gov/licensing/cosmetology/cosmetology.html, you can look up your stylist by name or id number.

2. All licensed cosmetologists are required to post their cosmetology license in a conspicuous location,  according to the NYS Apprearance Enhancement Law. During your next visit to the salon, look around for this document.

3. If your stylists  owns his/her salon they would've applied for an Appearance Enhancement Business Application. This information is listed with the New York State's Division of Licensing Department.

If you still can't find your stylist information online, simply ask them for it. 

Good Luck!

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 Grow Long Hair if You Are a Black Female: 15 steps

How to Grow Long Hair if You Are a Black Female: 15 steps

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 Truth About No Lye Relaxers !!

The main, active ingredient in a no-lye based relaxer is calcium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide. Although the pH level of a no-lye relaxer is typically lower than a lye-based one, no-lye relaxers are often associated with dryer hair due to potential calcium buildup. One of the major reasons someone may prefer a no-lye relaxer is if her scalp is sensitive, as the chemicals in this type of relaxer can be milder on the scalp. This doesn't mean that it's better to use on children or that the chemicals cannot burn you (they can).


Vanity Hair Studio NYC

Female Pattern Baldness

The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern Alopecia or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the head. It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause, although it may begin as early as puberty. Normal hair fall is approximately 100-125 hairs per day. Fortunately, these hairs are replaced. True hair loss occurs when lost hairs are not regrown or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss can come from either parents side of the family.

There are two different types of hair loss, medically known as anagen effluviumand Telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium is generally due to internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair follicle. Telogen effluvium, is due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage.

The most common causes of telogen effluvium are:

Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight change.

Emotional stress: mental illness, death of a family member.
Thyroid abnormalities.
Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure and Gout medications.
Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause.

When the above causes of telogen effluvium are reversed or altered you should see the return of normal hair growth.

DIET CONSIDERATIONS
Hair loss may also occur due to dieting. Franchised diet programs which are designed or administered under the direction of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary supplements and vitamin ingestion have become popular. Sometimes the client is told that vitamins are a necessary part of the program to prevent hair loss associated with dieting. From a dermatologists's standpoint, however, the vitamins cannot prevent hair loss associated with rapid, significant weight loss. Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in vitamin A which can magnify the hair loss.

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS
Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair loss. The body simply shuts down production of hair during periods of stress since it is not necessary for survival and instead devotes its energies toward repairing vital body structures. In many cases there is a three month delay between the actual event and the onset of hair loss. Furthermore, there may be another three month delay prior to the return of noticeable hair regrowth. This then means that the total hair loss and regrowth cycle can last 6 months or possibly longer when induced by physical or emotional stress. There are some health conditions which may go undetected that can contribute to hair loss. These include anemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities. Both of these conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive blood test.

HORMONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It is important to remember that the hair loss may be delayed by three months following the hormonal change and another three months will be required for new growth to be fully achieved.

MYTHS RELATED TO HAIR LOSS
• Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss.
• Hats and wigs cause hair loss.
• 100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create healthier hair.
• Permanent hair loss is caused by perms, colors and other cosmetic treatments.
• Women are expected to develop significant hair loss if they are healthy.
• Shaving one's head will cause the hair to grow back thicker.
• Standing on one's head will cause increased circulation and thereby stimulate hair growth!
• Dandruff causes permanent hair loss.
• There are cosmetic products that will cause the hair to grow thicker and faster.
• Stress causes permanent hair loss.
• Hair loss does not occur in the late teens or early twenties.
• Hair loss affects only intellectuals.
• There is a cure for androgenetic Alopecia.

These are only a few of the common myths heard by physicians and other hair loss specialists on a daily basis. The AHLC suggests that you first have your hair loss diagnosed by a competent dermatologist who sees hair loss patients on a regular basis. Once you know the diagnosis you will have a better understanding of exactly which treatment option may be best for you.

Source: AHLC.ORG

Hair Styles for Women with Traction Alopecia

If you're like most women/men who suffer from Traction Alopecia, you have become the master of deception...hair deception that is. "Creative" could not begin to describe the lengths that women and men go through to cover their balding or scarred scalp. 

DEFINITION: Traction Alopecia is a hair loss condition caused by damage to the dermal papilla and hair follicle by constant pulling or tension over a long period. It often occurs in people who wear tight braids, especially "cornrows" that lead to high tension, pulling and breakage of hair

CAUSE:  This condition is most common in African-American women and men who braid their hair too tightly AND Sikh men and  Japanese women whose traditional hair styles also pull and damage hair. Traction alopecia occurs more frequently in children, teenagers and young adults than it does in older women and men. Traction Alopecia is reversible if diagnosed early, but may lead to permanent hair loss if it is undetected for a protracted period. Hair loss is often in the frontal and temporal regions, but also depends on the hair style. With those who wear cornrows, the area most commonly affected is that adjacent to the region that is braided. Traction Alopecia can also occur due to overprocessing of the hair. Chemical treatment of hair with dyes, bleaches, or straighteners disrupts the keratin structure in a manner that reduces its tensile strength. The hair can become fragile and heavy fall out can occur with brushing or combing. The use of thermal or chemical hair straightening, and hair braiding or weaving are examples of styling techniques that place African American women at high risk for various "traumatic" Alopecia. EXAMPLES: REMEDY: The key to stopping Traction Alopecia is detecting it early. Hair styles that put unnecessary strain on the hair root must be changed for looser, more gentle hairstyles. Women/men who suspect they may be vulnerable to traction alopecia should take action immediately to change their hair style or treatment methods and by all means, take the time to see a dermatologist. Professional hair stylists specializing in braids, cornrows, weaving and chemical processing should warn their clients about Traction Alopecia. No medical treatment is available to reverse late-stage Traction Alopecia. Hair grafts have been identified as the only practical solution. HAIRSTYLE OPTIONS: 1. Keep the hair in its natural state and straighten with a hot comb or flat iron as needed.  .  2. Use a side bang to keep the hair relaxed. Combing your hair down will release some of the tension on your follicles.    3. Wear a bob like hairstyle. This hairstyle can cover all of your vulnerable areas while allowing you to feel sexy, modern and confident.   4. Wear your hair short. Short hairstyles usually require less tension. Even if you have very vulnerable areas, coverage is pretty easy once you have hair in the middle or back of your head.   5. Use clip in pieces to add color or texture to your hair. Chemical processes can weaken the structure of the hair shaft over time.        6. Surgery Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Laser energy has been found to stimulate hair growth on the scalp to improve hair quality, stop the progression of hair loss, and even promote new hair growth.  Hair Transplantation Surgery: New surgical techniques make it possible to restore hair to thinning areas. When performed on a good candidate (typically someone with specific areas of hair loss rather than very diffuse thinning), the results are completely natural looking with no visible scars. No one, not even your stylist, will know. if hair are not the same as those used to restore male pattern baldness. Optimal results depend on the mastery of  these specialized surgical skills. If you have any questions , feel free to contact Vanity Hair Studio NYC Website/                 www.vanityhairstudionyc.com Facebook.com /vanityhairstudionyc Twitter.com/     @vanityhairnyc Blogger/            vanityhairstudionyc.blogspot.com Gmail/               vanityhairstudionyc@gmail.com

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

Hairdresser Mistakes to Avoid

9 Common Hairdresser Mistakes to Avoid in Hair Salons

This information is meant to serve as a reminder of common hairdresser mistakes that we have probably all made at one time or another while working in a salon.

“An error doesn’t become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.” - Orlando Battista

By avoiding the simple mistakes listed below, you can improve your earning potential and successfully grow your business.

1. Crossing Off On Your Appointment Book — Far too many hairdressers cross off time on their appointment books or show an inconsistent work schedule that limits their availability for customers. Create a work schedule and stay in the salon. You never know when a customer will call for an appointment or just drop in. Don’t make it hard for customers to book an appointment with you.
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3. Not Inviting Customer Feedback — Invite customer feedback as well as feedback from your boss.  If you receive criticism, consider it an invitation to perfect your skills and excel at customer service. Let your boss and your clients know you value their input.  Desire to exceed owner and client expectations.  I have yet to meet a salon owner that wants to see their staff fail. Give them permission to offer constructive criticism without taking the criticism personally.
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5. Unprofessional Appearance — If you want to be respected and compensated like a professional, look and act like a professional. Hairdressers are in the business of making people look good and feel good about themselves. If you can’t make yourself look good, how can you make your customers look good?
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7. Involving Customers in Your Personal Problems — At times there can be a fine line between being friendly and interactive with your clients, and pulling them in to your own personal drama. They have enough problems of their own, they don’t need to be part of yours.
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9. Not Recognizing the Power of Customer Service — Customer service is often measured not by meeting your clients’ expectations, but by exceeding them. Go the extra mile with customer service. The rewards of doing so can be beyond even your highest expectations.
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11. Frequent Salon Change — If at all possible, seek to find a solution to any work-related stresses that may have you considering leaving your current job. Try to work out a solution with your boss if at all possible. Misunderstanding each others view points is a big obstacle between staff and management.  If you still believe a job change is in your best interest, do so in an ethical manner. Never burn the  bridges behind you. Leave on ethical terms, you may need references or a chance to return at a future date if your new job is not what you expected.
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13. Poor Work Habits — We are creatures of habit. Absenteeism and tardiness is a big problem in our profession. Work hard to value the time of your customers as well as the salon’s reputation.  Showing up on time and being ready to perform creates a sense of trust and projects professionalism to your clients and your profession.
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15. Talking on Your Cell Phone — When working on your customers, your full attention should be focused on your customer.
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17. Poor Customer Handling Procedures — Always greet your customer with a sincere and caring attitude. Develop powerful people and communication skills. You never get a second chance to make a positive first impression. A sincere and caring greeting shows you value their patronage.

Article by: SalonProfit.net