Moving to a new city or state can be overwhelming. You need to hunt for a gazillion boxes, scout a new place to live, and most important, find a job! As a hair stylist or barber, relocating to a new area can translate to months of little to no income as you scramble to network, find the right salon environment, market yourself, and hustle for clients. But for professionals who work at Great Clips franchised salons, it’s possible to find a new job in a new town — fast.   

We talked with Corron, a stylist who moved between Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Chicago, Illinois, about her relocation experience and how working with Great Clips salons gives her the freedom and flexibility to embrace whatever future opportunities come her way. 

You’ve been with Great Clips franchised salons for a while. What’s your history with the brand? 

Corron: I’ve worked at Great Clips salons for about 14 years. I worked for two different franchisees in Lancaster for nine years, then went to a private salon for a year. It was a terrible experience! At that point, I relocated to Chicago and went back to a Great Clips salon. I stayed for five years. I just recently moved back to Lancaster and am with a different Great Clips salon here. 

We have to ask, what happened at the private salon? 

I realized that I really enjoy cutting hair! I don’t like coloring and styling and promoting myself to build a clientele. I just want to show up and serve customers. I won’t ever go back to a private salon. 

Why did you decide to move to Chicago?  

I’m originally from Lancaster, but when things reopened after the pandemic, I was ready for something different. I moved with my best friend to Chicago. It took me one week to start working at a nearby Great Clips salon. 

You were working within the week? 

Yes, I reached out to the salon, and they gave me the general manager’s info. I had an interview and was behind the chair within a week. 

How was your transition to the new salon? 

It was pretty easy! As a former Great Clips stylist, I already had the training down and knew the systems. I was ready to jump in and start working.  

Honestly, the licensing was the most difficult part of the process. Each state requires something different. I had to reapply and get background checked. More training hours are required for licensure in Illinois, so I wasn’t sure if I needed to go back to cosmetology school or not. But because I’ve been a stylist for so long, I was able to get my license.  

Were there any adjustments you had to make for the salon in Chicago? 

In Chicago, the salon had a different customer base. We had a lot of customers in their early 20s; I was doing a lot of bald fades! 

Lancaster is more laid back and relaxed. We serve more kids and families. The back-to-school rush is huge. 

But that’s the great thing about Great Clips. No matter which Great Clips salon you are working at, you will be prepared to deliver the haircuts customers want. The Great Clips technical training means you know the correct haircutting techniques, and you’re ready for whatever comes your way.  

You recently moved back to Lancaster. Another move, another Great Clips salon? 

Yes! I’ve always received Great Clips job alerts, so I know what’s available in specific locations. When I knew I was getting ready to move back to Lancaster, I applied for a job at a Great Clips salon and got it.  

How did this transition go? 

It was smooth! My license was reinstated in Pennsylvania. My franchisee in Chicago connected with the salon owner in Lancaster and gave me a great review. Plus, my new Pennsylvania franchisee wrote me an official offer letter so I could show proof of employment for housing. It was great! 

What would you say to other stylists who are thinking about making a move? 

Go for it! Moving is a lot, but there are Great Clips salons all over the U.S. and Canada and, once you’ve joined the brand, it’s easy to find a job.  

What’s next for you? 

Lancaster is probably not my final stopping point. I might head to Philadelphia or go back to Chicago. I’m going to take some time before I decide where to go next but knowing Great Clips will be there gives me a real sense of security. 

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Ready to make a great career move? 

Use our job search tool to find available roles at Great Clips® franchised salons 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.