A Day in the Life of a Hair Stylist

Ever wondered what your day to day life would be like as a hair stylist? We caught up with Jo, co-owner of stylish YOKE salon on the Royal William Yard, to find out more.

“We open between 8am and 10am depending on the week day. To begin with, you need to make sure the salon is ready for your first customer. This might involve preparing colours and equipment, so that you have everything you’ll need for the appointment close to hand. You will have 8 – 10 clients throughout a day, so you’ll need to set up multiple times! Especially as on Tuesdays and Wednesdays we close at 8pm.

“A client could be booked in for a number of different treatments depending on your specialism. For example, if your strength is colouring, you will have an increased number of clients booked for highlights, a full re-colour, or even something more creative such as a balayage. All our clients need a consultation before they first book an appointment to review their face shape, life style and colour needs; this ensures their hair experience with us is perfectly tailored. Therefore, our daily routine sometimes involves a consultation or two too!

“We are a very creative salon and often work on exciting projects – some days can involve styling hair for a magazine shoot or working with local brands and photographers to bring to life their vision. As a L’Oreal ID artist, I often travel around Europe promoting the brand and attending events, which is both an honour and privilege. Some days can be long, but with such a variety of clients and the beautiful surroundings of the Royal William Yard on our doorstep, they are equally exciting.

“Customer Service is also a big part of the day as a hair stylist, as we want our clients to enjoy the complete YOKE experience. This includes answering phones and booking clients in for an appointment, to making them feel welcome and at ease when they visit the salon.

“At the end of the day, we have to ensure the salon is clean and ready for the next day ahead. This saves time the following morning when setting up. Once the day is over, we’re in the perfect location to go for an evening stroll, drink or dinner – sometimes all three!”

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School