The Art of Allowing Yourself to Learn + Grow
Starting your career in Professional Beauty is one of the most exciting chapters of your life. You’ve earned your license, and the possibilities ahead of you feel endless. But here’s a little secret that every seasoned pro knows: beauty school was just the first step. The real work—the kind that shapes your career and builds the foundation for lasting success—happens in the first few years after graduation.
Let’s talk about the art of allowing yourself to learn and grow. It’s about taking your time, embracing the process, and setting yourself up for a future where you thrive—not just survive.
Why Beauty School Is Just the Beginning
Graduating from beauty school is a huge accomplishment—you’ve put in the hours, learned the fundamentals, and earned your license. But here’s the exciting part: it’s just the start of your journey. Beauty school gives you the foundation, but what comes next is where you really start to grow into the professional you’re meant to be.
The reality is, the beauty school system in most places isn’t built to fully prepare you for the industry. Sure, some schools go above and beyond, but that’s not the standard—and that needs to change. Until the system evolves, it’s up to you to bridge that gap and seek out the education and experience that will help you grow.
For those in states that offer apprenticeships, the learning process looks a little different. Instead of clocking hours in a classroom, apprenticeships let you work in a salon while earning the credits you need to qualify for your license. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn in real time, surrounded by professionals. But no matter how you get licensed—whether through school or an apprenticeship—there’s still so much to discover once you’ve crossed that finish line.
Because here’s the truth: being licensed means you’re ready to start your career, not that you’ve mastered it. And that’s what makes this industry so special—you’re always growing, always learning, and always evolving. The real magic happens in those first few years after school, when you step into a salon and start building your skills, your confidence, and your future.
The Value of Finding a Salon Program
One of the smartest moves you can make early on (in my own opinion) is to find a salon with a strong training or assistant program. These programs can help bridge the gap between being newly licensed and being fully confident behind the chair. Here’s why that matters:
• Advanced Education: Salon programs often cover techniques, tools, and trends that aren’t taught in school. Whether it’s color corrections, precision cutting, or business strategies, this is where you start leveling up.
• Real-World Experience: Working in a salon is about more than technical skills. You’ll learn how to manage your time, communicate with clients, and be part of a team—all things that take time to master.
• Mentorship: Having someone in your corner who’s been where you are now is priceless. They’ll guide you, push you, and help you avoid mistakes they’ve already learned from.
• Structure and Stability: A good program gives you the safety net to make mistakes, grow at your own pace, and find your unique voice as a professional.
A salon program isn’t a step back; it’s a leap forward. It gives you the tools to succeed in ways that rushing ahead never could.
Why Growth Takes Time (and That’s Okay)
We live in a world that loves instant results. Social media makes it seem like everyone’s an overnight success, and it can be tempting to want the same for yourself. But here’s the thing: the most successful careers aren’t built overnight. They’re built brick by brick, with intention and patience.
The first few years of your career are about laying the groundwork—learning how to perfect a consultation, troubleshoot when a formula doesn’t work, and navigate the nuances of client relationships. It’s about experimenting, making mistakes, and figuring out what kind of beauty professional you want to be.
Rushing through this process might seem like a shortcut, but it often leads to burnout, stress, and a shaky foundation. By taking the time to invest in your growth now, you’re creating the stability you need for a long and rewarding career.
How to Embrace the Journey
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything there is to learn, take a breath. You’re not alone, and you’re not expected to know it all right away. Here are a few ways to lean into this phase of your career:
1. Be Curious: Stay hungry for knowledge. Watch, listen, ask questions, and absorb as much as you can.
2. Seek Mentorship: Surround yourself with people who inspire you and challenge you to grow. Their guidance is invaluable.
3. Stay Open to Feedback: It’s not about criticism—it’s about learning. The more you can take feedback constructively, the faster you’ll grow.
4. Give Yourself Grace: You don’t have to be perfect. Mistakes are part of the process, and every one of them is a learning opportunity.
5. Think Big Picture: The skills and habits you develop now will shape the rest of your career. Focus on building a strong foundation.
You’re Exactly Where You Need to Be
Starting out in the beauty industry is exciting and nerve-wracking all at once. But don’t rush the process. Trust that every class you take, every client you meet, and every mistake you make is bringing you closer to the professional you’re meant to be.
This industry is all about growth—personally, creatively, and professionally. So lean into it. Allow yourself to be a learner. Invest in your future. And know that the time you take to grow now is setting you up for a career filled with passion, success, and longevity.
The best stylists aren’t born—they’re built. And you’re building something incredible.
