For hair stylists and barbers, back-to-school is like the playoffs. You’ll dig deep and lean into your training to deliver a win for crowds of adoring fans. 

We talked with Addison and Ari, two members of the Great Clips, Inc. National Design Team, and asked for their best tricks for peak back-to-school performance. Here are their top four recommendations.   

Tip #1: Put on your own oxygen mask first  

If this is your first back-to-school season behind the chair, the most important thing to remember is that it's a marathon, not a sprint. 

"Take your time, and your breaks!" says Addison. "Yes, you want to serve as many customers as possible, but you won't be able to do any of that if you don't take care of yourself first." That means prioritizing sleep, eating a real breakfast, and treating yourself to your favorite coffee or energy drink. You're going to earn it. 

Ari recommends stylists lean into the energy. "Go into it with a positive attitude,” she says. “Busy is a good thing!" She also has a fun hack for connecting with young customers right away. “Wear something that sparks conversation. Bright jewelry, fun hair, colorful nails … kids notice, and it immediately breaks the ice." 

Tip #2: Keep calm to settle the wiggles 

Nervous or restless kids offer a unique opportunity for connection this time of year, and both Ari and Addison have strategies to give them great haircuts with great care. A little extra warmth and comfort can put young customers at ease and set the stage for a lifetime of happy salon visits. 

Addison recommends making your tools less mysterious before you pick them up. "Let the kids see the tools you're using so they're familiar with them," he says. “Then, redirect their attention. Ask what grade they're going into, and what they're most excited about. Use your natural ability to start conversation to keep their mind distracted." 

Ari echoes this, adding that your own vibe sets the tone. "Go into the haircut with calming energy. Slowly introduce your tools before using them so the child has time to process the loud sounds in a busy environment." 

Both stylists also flagged a common, well-intentioned issue: parents hovering or physically stepping in when a child gets squirmy. "As much as parents want to help by holding their kid, it can do more harm than good," Addison explains, noting that it can escalate nerves and make for an uncomfortable experience. Ari's take: "Try to kindly get parents to have a seat in the waiting area. Kids behave differently when their parent isn't there!" Plus, when the grownups see you’ve got it handled, they will likely be grateful for a few precious minutes of downtime. 

Tip #3: Get acquainted with the most-requested looks  

Consultations are everything, especially during the back-to-school season. Knowing what customers are asking for helps you stay ahead. Here are some of the top haircut requests Addison and Ari are seeing right now. 

For boys and/or masculine cuts: Tapers remain extremely popular, according to Addison, with lots of texture still going strong. Ari is seeing burst fades and tapered mushroom cuts trending with younger clients. 

For girls and/or feminine cuts: Addison is seeing a wide range. “Everything from short to long, layers to one length, butterfly cuts to wolf cuts and all things in between,” he says. Ari notes that blunt cuts and one-length styles with no bangs are having a moment. 

For any trending style, both stylists emphasize setting realistic expectations during the consultation. Addison recommends making sure parents understand the daily maintenance a style requires, including how often they'll need to come in for a trim, and what products to use to recreate the look at home. Ari adds another practical layer: "Will the kid sit still long enough for an intricate cut? Will they actually style it every day? What does it look like as a wash-and-wear style?" These are the questions that set kids and their parents up for success. 

Tip #4: Pay attention to the salon team’s energy 

When stylists face long days, back-to-back customers, and waiting rooms full of kids with summer energy, it takes a village to keep things fun. Addison and Ari have a few tips to keep going strong when the season peaks. 

"The biggest mood shifter in the salon is the music," says Addison. His team keeps a playlist or station that spans every decade so there’s something for everyone on the floor.  

Food comes in at a close second. Addison's salon keeps water and snacks stocked in the breakroom throughout the back-to-school season. “Our Great Clips franchisee does a great job providing extra goodies and snacks for each of our salons. They understand the importance of taking care of everyone working there," he says. Ari's team takes it up a notch with candy for the kids and either a potluck meal or pizza delivery so staff can grab a real bite on the go. 

You can win this back-to-school season!  

Back-to-school is one of the busiest and most rewarding times of year to be behind the chair. The stylists who come out of it feeling good are the ones who prepare, pace themselves, take care of their team, and remember that every nervous kid and grateful parent is a relationship worth building.  

You've got the skills. Now get out there and have a great season! 

Are you looking for a new salon team? 

Use our search tool to see the salon roles available near you. 

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All Great Clips® salons are independently owned and operated by third party franchisees. Franchisees, not Great Clips, Inc., are responsible for all hiring and personnel matters at their individual salons.