Three Steps To Overcome Self-Doubt as a New Hairstylist

Can you relate to feeling discouraged or defeated as a new hairstylist? I remember being in your shoes.

When I was 18 years old, I had just moved to a small town and started working at a salon that didn’t feel like the right fit. I didn’t have a car so I walked to work every day and passed by a new salon opening up in town. 

Every time I walked by, I would peek in the window but quickly look away feeling like I wasn’t good enough to work there. The self-defeating thoughts would start - I don’t have the right clothes. I don’t have enough experience. The stylists in there seem so cool. There’s no way I’d fit in. 

Being new in the industry can be overwhelming. There’s competition, insecurity, and so many emotions!

How My Success Journey Began As A New Hairstylist...

One day, my husband stopped by the salon where I was working and said he was taking me to lunch. But instead, he drove me to that new salon I had been eyeing. He stopped the car and said, “You need to go in there. That’s where you belong.”

I was terrified. My legs felt like jelly as I got out of the car, and my heart was racing. But deep down, I knew I had to do it. I wasn’t happy where I was working, and even worse, I wasn’t growing as a stylist. I realized I truly wanted to work in this new salon.

With every ounce of courage I had, I walked through those doors with my heart pounding, armpits sweating, and nerves on edge. When I greeted the team, they smiled and said, “We’ve been waiting for you!”

In that moment, I realized that I had been holding myself back. I was so focused on my own self-doubt and thinking I wasn’t good enough and wouldn’t fit in that I nearly missed out on the opportunity that was meant for me.

That salon became the place where I found my passion for hairdressing. It’s where I grew as a stylist, and because of the mentors I found there, I’m still doing hair today.

It wasn’t always easy, and I had plenty of frustrating, discouraging days. But looking back, there were three things that kept me from quitting and helped me become the successful stylist I always dreamed of being.

Here are three things you should be doing to become a successful hairstylist:

1. Surround Yourself with the Right People

When I wasn’t busy, I didn’t sit in the back room with negativity and gossip. Instead, I stayed on the floor, observing and learning from the seasoned stylists. I swept floors, listened to consultations, and absorbed everything I could.

Ask yourself, “Are the people around me lifting me up?” Surround yourself with those who inspire and motivate you to grow.

2. Be Humble and Ask for Help

I wasn’t afraid to ask for help, and I didn’t let pride get in the way of my success. If I didn’t understand something, I went to the experienced stylists and sought their advice. There’s no shame in asking for guidance - doing so will help you grow faster.

3. Be Proactive in Your Growth

Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you - create them. If there’s a skill you want to improve, like haircutting or communicating with clients, practice it. Use mannequin heads, work with friends and family, and ask other stylists for tips and roleplay scenarios.

Growth happens when you put in the effort to learn and improve.

Remember, the journey to becoming a successful hairstylist isn’t always easy but by surrounding yourself with the right people, asking for help, and being proactive in your growth, you’ll move past self-doubt, gain confidence and reach the level of success you’ve always wanted.

If you don't have a community to help you, consider joining my On Point Pro Membership. Inside, you’ll find easy-to-follow haircutting tutorials that keep you current and confident, business strategies that help you grow without burning out, and a community of stylists who get it.

Whether you’re rebuilding, refining, or ready for a fresh start, this is where the real growth happens. This is more than education — it’s a support system, a mentor in your pocket, and a space to finally feel like you belong. 

Keep pushing forward - you’ve got this!