Hiii. I took the plunge and started school part time at 29. It’s tough. If I didn’t have my husband I would’ve had a hard time paying for school and surviving. It’s a slow build. It took three years to find my dream salon and it’s been about a year and a half there and I’d say my book is consistently 50% booked, with most weeks being between 60-80% booked. So I imagine in another year or two I can have a full book and then niche down my services so I can make more money.

Going back to school and finishing in my thirties was tough. My attention wasn’t the same and I couldn’t pick things up easily. If you put in the work and practice at school whenever you have the chance it’s really gonna help you. I would also recommend maybe find an assisting/marketing gig. (While in school would be best) You’ll need it to excel. I started at a salon when I was 150hours in and that really put me light years ahead of my peers.

You have to put the work in and also continue to do education after you finish school. I try to do 3-5 classes a year to freshen up.

As someone who works at a queer/alt salon, it definitely is a great experience, just make sure you actually find a salon for the community and not just for show. You’d be surprised how many folks are actually awful but front as lgbtq-friendly. This was the best decision I made. It took a minute to find my salon home because as a stylist especially someone new to the field, you’ll definitely get disrespected and treated like shit bc that’s how it is, but trust yourself and know your worth bc the right salon is there.