How to help achieve a smooth finish on your hair

The outside of the hair is called the cuticle it is made up of several layers that are a bit like windows they can be open or closed. Healthy hair will have closed cuticles making it appear shiny and smooth, more damaged hair will have open cuticle which will appear dull and rough to touch.

Closed Healthy Cuticle 

Open Damaged Cuticle

Of course we all want our hair to look nice and shiny and healthy even if we have abused it either from using harsh chemicals or heated styling tools. We have put together a list of tips to help you achieve a smooth finish when you blow dry your hair.

• When washing and conditioning finish with a cool rinse, the cool water will help to close your cuticle
• Dry the hair with a towel gently, rigorous towel drying can open the cuticle
• When blow drying using a hair dryer attach a nozzle on the the end and point the air down the hair, this is the direction the cuticles lie naturally so will help to keep them smooth

• Use a natural bristle brush, this well help to smooth the hair and prevent breaking and static
• Use a deep penetrating conditioner regularly to help keep the cuticle and inner hair nourished and looked after
• When hair is styled into place a quick blast with your cool setting on the hair dryer (down the hair shaft) will help to close the cuticles
• Finish with a light serum, rub the serum into your hands and smooth gently down the hair shaft therefore smoothing any cuticles

By following these tips you can help to achieve a smooth look when using a hairdryer

Why is personal presentation so important when you work in a salon?

So you have decided to become a hairdresser, that's great news. Chances are you have come straight from school or you may have been at work in a different environment to a salon. So before we can ask why personal presentation is so important really we should ask what is personal presentation?

Personal presentation is the way we present ourselves, this could be the way we dress, the way be talk to people or the way we behave.

Starting with the way we look, you have chosen to work in a hairdressers and hairdressing is a very image based industry you are promoting and hopefully selling your hairdressing skills and knowledge to clients who build up trust in you their hairdresser!

So why wouldn't a client want to get their hair done by someone who looks scruffy with unkempt hair? Simply because if the hairdresser doesn't look like they can be bothered with themselves it gives a very poor image and the client might assume the hairdresser is not going to take time or have the skills to do their hair how they want it. Wearing fashionable but smart clothes with you hair freshly styled and if you wear make up or nail polish ensuring it is suitable and not chipped, this will give clients help clients in thinking you are a professional hairdresser and they will feel more at ease in your capable hands.

The way we talk is a major factor in giving a positive impression yourself when talking to clients. You will be talking to all different types of people of all ages from all kinds of backgrounds, it is important to adapt the things you talk about to suit your client whilst remembering to keep it professional. No one wants to over hear what you got up to at the weekend, or that you have had a disagreement with another member of staff. The biggest no no is talking about other clients if they hear you say something about Mrs Smith how do they know that you aren't doing the same once they leave the salon.

Finally positive body language, simple things like smiling, unfolding your arms and making appropriate eye contact (no one wants to be stared at) can make all the difference.

So remember impressions count and you must ensure a professional positive impressions is maintained at all times.

Welcome to Crop Shop Academy

Hi everyone and welcome to Crop Shop Academy's new blog. We plan on keeping you up to date with academy news, hair tips, qualification and employment updates, life skills and posts on tools of the trade! If that wasn't enough keep your eyes peeled for in house competitions and opportunities for you to write guest posts on here!!

Know someone who wants to be a hairdresser? Or someone who wants to refresh their hairdressing skills?  Why not direct them to this site and they can get more of a feel on what would be involved if they choose either an apprenticeship or private course with us.

Amber 
Centre Manager