5 Lifelong Learning Tips for Hairdressers and Barbers
Are you a self-motivated hairdresser or barber with the commitment and determination to excel at your craft? Then you’re probably already very much part of the lifelong learning club. And with the proliferation of online learning options that exist in today’s digital world, it’s no surprise that many of you are taking your training into your own hands. After all, it’s both cost-effective and flexible.
But being an independent learner has its perils. Follow our 5 tips to ensure that you’re learning effectively and that you don’t pick up bad habits or flawed techniques.
Tip 1 – Dream big!
Everyone has ambitions. Perhaps you’ve always dreamed about being a session stylist. Maybe you’d love to win British Hairdresser of the Year. Or you want to surprise and delight your clients with your creative ideas and technical excellence.
Wherever you’re at on your lifelong learning journey, it’s always worth reminding yourself of what you’d like to achieve. That way, you’ll stay motivated and focused on getting the most out of your education.
Tip 2 – Set aside time every week to focus on learning
When it comes to learning and embedding new skills, our minds respond well to rhythm and regularity. Of course, there are some weeks when client demands mean you have less time to devote to your individual progression. But you’ll find you’ll get the most out of your pursuit for additional hairdressing or barbering skills or knowledge when you spend time on it consistently.
That’s not to say that you shouldn’t grab opportunities to learn more when they arise. For example, take advantage of that unexpectedly quiet moment in the salon by taking an online tutorial.
Tip 3 – Be selective about the online material you use
It only takes the briefest of Google searches to discover the abundance of material available to hairdressers and barbers, whatever stage you’re at in your career. Free YouTube tutorials on just about everything are available at the click of the button. However, there are some pitfalls to consider.
First up, the majority of this kind of content is unregulated and unendorsed, which means there’s a danger that the techniques you’ll learn are flawed. What’s more, it’s all too easy to end up without the latest knowledge of health and safety legislation or safe working practices.
Both these scenarios could translate into bad news for your progression and your professional reputation. Remember, customers who aren’t happy won’t come back to you and are likely to tell others about their experience. And those who aren’t properly tested for allergies and subsequently suffer a reaction may take legal action.
Tip 4 – Get inspiration from others
If you’re committed to learning and developing as a hairdresser and barber, it’s important to keep your knowledge as up-to-date as possible.
So pick your favourite stylists and follow them like mad on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Subscribe to the newsletters of industry bodies like NHF. And keep on top of all the latest ideas, trends and product developments by reading magazines like Hairdressers Journal.
Always remember, knowledge is power.
Tip 5 – Smash your lifelong learning with MHD
If you’re really looking for ways to accelerate your development and fulfil your potential, become an MHD member.
We’ve been at the forefront of digital hairdressing and barbering education for over a decade, during which time we’ve produced over 500 step-by-step tutorials, covering every discipline and experience level. What’s more, our tutorials feature over 70 inspirational instructors – including Stacey Broughton, Snowden Hill and Tracey Hughes – all of whom are experts in their field.
The quality of our tutorials also sets us apart from other online education providers. Every MHD video is demonstrated in real-time and shot from 3 camera angles, meaning they’re easy to follow and absorb. Plus, our unique See – Do – Stop – Check methodology delivers a multisensory learning experience, engaging and motivating you to success.
Ultimately, becoming an MHD member is an easy and cost-effective way to smash your lifelong learning, ensuring that the techniques you learn are embedded in your consciousness and that you’re delivering a safe and hygienic client experience.
Not an MHD member yet? Whether you’re a stylist, a barber, a salon owner or hairdressing educator, our world-class education gives you a competitive advantage – supercharging your career, boosting salon profitability or improving results for every student.
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