HERE'S MY LIST: THESE ARE THE HAIR COLOR "BASICS" A NEW COSMETOLOGY SCHOOL GRADUATE SHOULD KNOW

I THINK MOST NEW BEAUTY SCHOOL GRADUATES BEGIN WITH ENTHUSIASM AND WITH THE DESIRE TO SUCCEED. I ALSO OBSERVE THAT COSMETOLOGY SCHOOLS ARE REQUIRED TO TEACH CONTENT WHICH PROVIDES THE INFORMATION NECESSARY TO PASS A STATE BOARD LICENSING EXAM. INSTRUCTORS ARE BUSY AND HAVE MUCH TO COVER. FAR TOO OFTEN, THESE BASIC SKILLS ARE NOT EFFECTIVELY PRESENTED.'

AND,WHEN A NEW, LICENSED BEAUTY SCHOOL GRADUATE HAS LITTLE OR NO MASTRY OVER WHAT I CALL "BETH'S BASICS" FRUSTRATION, STRESS AND A LOSS OF CONFIDENCE OVERWHELM BOTH THE YOUNG PERSON AND THE SENIOR STAFF MEMBERS THEY WORK WITH.

SADLY, TOO MANY NEW COSMETOLOGISTS LEAVE OUR PROFESSION BEFORE HAVING WORKED AT THE SALON FOR THREE YEARS OR LESS. WE CAN CHANGE THIS

LISTED HERE ARE THE BASICS. THESE PROVIDE THE FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS AND

BASIC KNOWLEDGE THAT WILL "JUMP START" A NEW PROFESSIONAL'S SUCCESS.

IF EVEN SOME OF THESE WERE PRESENTED AND EVALUATED (TESTED) PRIOR TO SCHOOL GRADUATION, I THINK RETENTION RATES WOULD SOAR, AND

ALL SALON STAFF WOU ENJOY A GREAT NEW ENERGY, WITH YOUNG MEMBERS WHO ARE THERE AND FEELING THAT THEY CAN SUCCEED AT THE SALON,' THESE JUNIOR STAFF MEMBERS CAN, AFTER A YEAR OR TWO, BECOME YOUNG

"SALON STARS"...... AFTER THEY MASTER THESE FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS! Please comment about

what I'm sharing

HERE IS MY LIST Of SKILLS "New Professionals" must learn:

• How to politely alert the senior stylist that the client has arrived. Warmly weclome the client: escorting them to an unlocked chair. Drape the client, Assure their comfort. Ask if they would care for a beverage. Gently brush or detangle their hair. Smile, Speak softly.

Listen carefully (and do not speak), as the stylist/colorist speaks with the client. Observe what you believe to be the natural color level and tone of the client's hair, as well as texture, porosity and condition, length and current hair style.

KNOW the definition of Level. KNOW what "TONE" means. KNOW how to estimate the percentage of gray in the hair. USE your EYES to really look at the hair.

*KNOW basic hair color formulation. Know how to mix color and lighteners into a bowl or into an applicator. KNOW how to properly apply a color or lightener retouch. KNOW how

to apply a "color" change application. KNOW how to wrap a foil. KNOW how to paint a strand

of hair. WATCH salon experts do these things and when permitted, practice on a model you can bring to the salon.

*KNOW how to set a timer and KNOW to ask the client if he/she is comfortable as the hair processes. KNOW the selection of shampoos and conditioners the salon wishes to use on the client. KNOW how to properly, thoroughly saturate, shampoo, rinse and condition the hair,

assuring that all color is removed from the scalp, from the nape, from the face frame.. without wetting the client. Know how to cleanse the scalp with effective and pleasant massage. KNOW how to lift the head from the sink and wrap the hair in a towel.

*Understand the physiology of the scalp and subscalp. KNOW hair structure: Cuticle,

Cortex, and Medulla. Understand that natural melanin (pigment) resides in the cortex. (phaeomelanin and eumelanin). Understand how alkalinity affects the hair's melanin

* UNDERSTAND PH and how it is attached to hair and to products used in the hair. ;

*Know the four basic types of hair coloring products ;Their action on the hair, and their limitations. KNOW how and when each of these color categories are used:

Direct/Tempory Dyes, Semi Permanent Dyes, Demi Permanent Dyes, Permanent Dyes AND. Lighteners (bleach)

• All about DEVELOPER - Peroxide, its purpose and the various volumes of developer.

• All about porosity.

THEN: How to mix "never fail" formulas. How to mix color. How to apply a retouch and how

to apply a "whole head" virgin color change.

KNOW how to graciously escort the client to the desk and thank him or her for their visit.

Make certain that all towels are stowed, sink clean and accessories cleaned and put away.

Wipe down the salon station and chair to assure all is well prior to seating the next client..

These represent BASIC skills,, and there are many of them... only the beginning. Note: These basics create the curriculum for my "color for beginners" learning sessions.

If what i've written here resonates, make copiies to give to new people applying for work with you. Tell them that if they don't know how to do all these thngs, that in six momths time, the will know how to do everything they read on the list.

DANGERS in PHONE ADDICTION, VIDEO GAME ADDICTION and RELYING UPON TECH to ANSWER MOST QUESTIONS: I worry for humanity:

When the brain is not used, it becomes dormant.. not a good thing. Learning exercises the brain. And exercising the brain is a good thing. While AI and technology have entered the salon world, I continue to believe that human intelligence and creativity are vital parts of being alive. As usual, I enjoy receving your comments. BETH