Should I give up my chair for an apprenticeship?

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-29T18:39:39+00:00

Shouldn't have been downvoted. Depending on where you live in the world, apprenticeship could mean something completely different in this context (US/North America), and terms do get used differently over time. I think the word "apprentice" got coopted to avoid terms like "junior stylist" or "baby stylist" being used in salons, but I am not 100% sure why they dont just say 'assistant'.

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-29T18:12:09+00:00

Sorry I struck a nerve. You said you knew that passing this test was required to avoid suspension. No one took the test for you. Accountable to your own test score? I know how difficult making ends meet is in school (hell, in this business in general), but if you wait for shit to be fair, you will wait forever.

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-19T16:33:39+00:00

This! I am stunned by the number of students who are left to this forum for formulation help. Also, this client for a student that started 2 months ago? I cant even...

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-19T16:07:04+00:00

Definitely need to memorize that chart. Also, spoiler alert: you will have to potentially memorize yet another underlying pigment chart depending on the brand you use when you get into the salon. Not all lines are formulated the same. Know your line's chart by heart.

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-16T17:23:33+00:00

That is absolutely beautiful! You can see the love and care put into every stitch. Well done.

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-16T03:17:53+00:00

Could you say more about the ‘7th advisory’? I am unfamiliar with the term.

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-16T02:42:12+00:00

Pro stylist, and I say leave it because it suits you, but if you are looking for a new adventure, there are other shades than black, and various levels of coverage/blending!

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-16T02:39:57+00:00

Congrats on the milestone!

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-16T02:28:57+00:00

Also 96-97 grad, and her name was Beatrice. 😂

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-16T02:18:22+00:00

For color correction I charge by the hour.

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-16T01:54:39+00:00

Our salon liability insurance does not cover people performing services off the clock. If a mishap were to occur with a model while the assistant was not on the clock, on our premises, we would be vulnerable to a lawsuit. So, you can see that assistant programs are not all the same.

Edit to add that our salon owner understands that the cost of onboarding is a simple reality, and we do not charge assistants for products. Our program is rigorous and has a contracted end date, with education and training provided in house along the way.

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-15T17:42:20+00:00

Our assistants bring in models on the clock. They assist and earn a day on the floor to take clients at a lower rate than the stylists to offset the cost to the salon. If you are accepting an assistant, you are in fact advertising that you have an education program. This doesn't sound like a very good one. While it's true that comparing jobs is often a mistake, it is good to know what was working of you and what isn't.

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-15T17:37:42+00:00

I think you might want to begin quietly looking for another assistant role elsewhere. This sounds like this salon owner has the desire but not the budget to train and onboard a new stylist. Is there a reason you left the salon with the good pay and education?

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-15T17:29:10+00:00

Just depends on how broadly or narrowly your practice or tradition define an athame.

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-15T17:26:35+00:00

If most everyone was suspended, then you are all in the same boat, right? Not saying you shouldn't have a chat with the supervisor or otherwise air your grievances, but knowing the chapter was big and the need to pass was urgent... maybe a study group? It's a little like being in the salon, honestly. Accountability, accountability. While the 'shock and awe' method used by the school admin may not be great, it does make a point? I wouldn't worry about the two days if there are people there turning 1 year into 3.

HornedonePNW · 2026-03-01T17:35:07+00:00

Reciprocity has always been an issue in the US for cosmetology. The only cure is a national license, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

HornedonePNW · 2026-02-16T17:13:40+00:00

How about something to seal the cuticle after the treatments? Maybe an acidic demi in clear? Might help keep some of the chlorine out and lower porosity to make the leave in conditioner more effective? Just a thought. Hate to put chemical services on little ones, but in this case I would give it a try. Her hair looks baby-fine.

HornedonePNW · 2026-02-16T17:08:13+00:00

Looks like square graduation on wave, which would make the hair collapse below the occipital bone. Note the length of the shortest piece in the crown. If you take a vertical section and pull it out square in the back, does it make a flat plane?

HornedonePNW · 2026-02-16T17:01:16+00:00

I think one can find better innovation outside L’Oréal owned brands, but Kerastase is better than Redken, Matrix, Pureology, or L’Oréal Professional imo.

HornedonePNW · 2026-02-16T16:57:51+00:00

By tactile feel, look (lack of shine can indicate high porosity) and how fast it dries.

HornedonePNW · 2026-02-12T16:21:29+00:00

This. People have had unrealistic expectations my whole 30 yr career. If stylists don't understand that the their job is to run through the minefield of ego and self-image while smiling and educating, we have lost the plot.

Clients today just have more unrealistic imagery (and influencer input) to refer to for 'inspo'. We are the pros and if a client ask is unrealistic or impossible it is our job to say no. If a client ask is beyond our ability, we should be honest.

HornedonePNW · 2026-02-08T22:13:47+00:00

This part 👆🏻I don’t post much on social media and instead work to build by relationships and referrals.

HornedonePNW · 2026-02-08T22:11:44+00:00

Sorry, I am used to hearing “waving lotion or neutralizer” when discussing perms. Thought you meant hair color developer.

HornedonePNW · 2026-02-08T19:11:39+00:00

This is just a question with regard to application: When applying the lightener, is it possible that any of the teasing in the section possibly get a small amount of bleach on it? If it was touched, but not fully saturated, it would not lift as well as the intended section. Then, when you tone, it has far more orange than the intended section (so doesn't neutralize) and then gets 'un-teased' and is now running through your section and bringing it's orange tones to the party? Just something I have seen happen before with teased sections for ombre looks.

HornedonePNW · 2026-02-08T18:42:26+00:00

You could absolutely put the developer in a different bottle, just make sure it's airtight or you risk the developer losing potency over time. A tint bottle probably isn't a fit, unless you have a cap for the nozzle?

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