We recently read an article in First Chair about the transitions through cosmetology school. We found some words of wisdom from the manager and lead instructor at Carsten Aveda Institute in New York City, Gloria Hortua.

Since the clinic is all about skill development, focus on quality, not speed. If you mess up the structure of a cut or a color formula, speed of service doesn’t matter, says Hortua, noting that a 2½-hour bob is not unusual for a first clinic attempt when each step is checked by an instructor. Plus, if you’re taking your time, you’ll be able to calm yourself, focus and think of important hair-related questions to ask the client.

Finally, if you are having a problem, never be too shy—or too arrogant—to excuse yourself from your client to get help or call an instructor over. One big difference between the clinic and the salon is no one can fire you—yet. Other tips for transitioning to the clinic:

♥ Continue to practice on mannequins at home.

♥ Don’t work on friends at home if you can get them in the clinic, where you can receive guidance and make the experience pay off for both of you.

♥ Don’t insult people to get them in the clinic. Saying “Your color is mousy” is not going to encourage anyone to let you touch her hair!

♥ Don’t be a slacker on attendance. The old joke is that showing up is half the job, but it’s too true in beauty school. If you don’t have a specific number of hours, you can’t work on the clinic floor.

♥ Use a checklist for at-home review—some students get so flustered, they forget to drape clients or remove the cape when done.

♥ Start developing good habits, like asking clients to pre-book and educating them about styling products.

♥ Take it easy on yourself; now is the time to learn from mistakes.

For more information on this subject, see the following article http://www.firstchair.com/features/advice-for-new-stylists/career-development-advice/Transitions-From-Classroom-To-Clinic-To-Salon-142939175.html