carefully to learn. For more information about your
role, never hesitate to ask your manager or supervisor.
As you may already be aware, there are standards
and guidelines laid out for all salons that could cause
damage if not followed. These guidelines are made by
government organizations such as the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Rules and
regulations for hair salons also depend on the state or
city you are living in.
These standards and guidelines are part of what
makes up your qualification as a hairdresser. For example following the correct methods, techniques, and sequences for carrying out hairdressing tasks, etc. If you
follow these guidelines, you’re on your way to becoming a professional, skilled salon employee. But if you
decide not to follow these guidelines, you will only be
creating problems for your client, the salon, and yourself. And when constantly making these same mistakes,
clients will complain or stop visiting the salon.
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES,
AND SELF-EVALUATION
It’s not always easy to spot your own mistakes and
make changes. Sometimes we tend to overlook these
mistakes and simply try not to commit them again. Bad
habits also make us ineffective. Bad habits include tardiness, absences, disrespect to clients or fellow employees, etc. This is why it is important for the salon owner
or manager to conduct a monthly or quarterly self-evaluation for employees to help improve themselves.
Most large companies provide self-evaluation forms
for employees to fill in and a joint performance evaluation form, which the manager discusses with the
employee. This event allows you to discuss your good
performance with your manager as well as areas that
need improving. Remember that these evaluations are
not just for the sake of increases in sales, but to help
you improve yourself as an individual. This will benefit
you as an employee as well as your employer, which is
why it is important to be open to criticisms and react
positively to any feedback or reviews.
Being open to constructive criticism and creating
plans to improve one’s self will also attract future employers should you decide on moving on to a bigger
salon someday. Because it’s not just about getting a job,
working hard, and getting paid but working to improve,
improve, and improve. Even professionals love to learn
new things and adapt to changes, which makes them so
successful.
Here is an example from hairdressing.ac.uk of a self-evaluation form from an existing salon, with answers as an
example of how you should be answering such forms. You will notice how honest the employee is and how open
she is with her mistakes. She even knows the necessary improvements she needs to make.
Salon: Strands
Date: July 2005
Name: Masako Miyazaki
Position held: Senior stylist
Please add comments on how you feel you are progressing in each area listed:
Appearance: Good, I try to look professional every day.
Absences: Could be better, as unfortunately I had a week off with flu last month. I haven’t had any time off this
month.
Timekeeping: Could be better, as I have been late five times this month.
Job performance: Good, I feel my regular clients always ask for me, and I have worked hard this month.
Sales: Good, as above, my sales are from my regulars.
Strengths: I am confident with my treatments and I especially enjoy trying new styles.
Weaknesses: Time keeping, I have missed my bus quite a lot in the mornings.
Any areas of change: I have been helping to cover for Jane who has been off ill this month.
Staff development request: I would like to go on a fashion-coloring course if possible, as many clients are
booking in for partial colors.
Action plan for next review: To improve on time keeping and to do my course.
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