If you’re a recent cosmetology or barber school graduate, congratulations! Now, where should you launch your career?  

The hair industry offers almost unlimited paths, such as full-service, select-service, booth rental, and salon suites. There are pros and cons to them all, but for recent graduates, select-service salons, particularly those like Great Clips® franchised salons, can provide an exceptional launchpad. We’re breaking down six reasons why a Great Clips salon might be right for you.   

 

1. You Want to Build Your Skills—Fast!  

Thanks to an established, steady flow of customers, you can perfect core techniques and build your speed. There’s nothing quite like a consistent, structured workflow and warm team environment to accelerate your growth and development.  

2. You Want Paid Training and Ongoing Support  

Take it from Austin, a stylist in a Great Clips salon, who says, "I can grow here. If I want to learn something new, we have classes. If I want to help someone else, everyone is open to learning." Great Clips salons prioritize continuous learning, offering access to classes and workshops to enhance skills and stay up to date with the latest trends. But you don’t always need to take a class to learn something new. Salons with strong cultures and team vibes embrace collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stylists.   

3. You Want Built-in Customers and Marketing 

Not everyone wants the burden of marketing, branding, financial management, scheduling, and other important business tasks. As Great Clips salon stylist Amber shares, "I'm not responsible for making sure I have a full, busy day. At my Great Clips salon, I show up and there are customers waiting every single day. I never have to worry about what my paycheck is going to look like." This peace of mind allows stylists to focus on what they love – providing great haircuts – without the constant worry of building and maintaining a client base. The salon's established marketing and brand recognition bring in a steady stream of customers, ensuring busy and productive workdays.  

4. You Want to Know What Work-Life Balance Really Feels Like  

With a predictable income and steady schedule, stylists can better plan their personal lives while experiencing less stress. For newer stylists, this can bring a sense of comfort, allowing for a more balanced lifestyle compared to the tremendous pressure that comes with being responsible for marketing, booking, and building a clientele from scratch.  

5. You Don’t Want to Go Broke on Day One  

With no booth or salon suite rent, no product purchasing, and a consistent paycheck, starting your career at a Great Clips salon means you can enjoy making deposits – not withdrawals – right out of the gates!  

6. You Want a Thriving, Growing Career

Select-service salons often provide clear pathways for career development. As stylist Austin notes, "If I want to grow into management, there is help every step of the way."  

Many stylists find unexpected avenues for growth in select-service salons. Dee, a Great Clips salon manager in Ontario, says, "My journey has been incredible. Coming from full service, I was shocked when I came to my Great Clips salon and saw that there was so much opportunity here for me." This sentiment is common among stylists who discover the diverse career paths and skill-building opportunities available. From advanced training to potential management roles, select-service salons provide a solid foundation for long-term career success.  

Are Great Clips salons a good fit for barbers, too?  

Ray, a pro barber in Florida, sure thinks so: "I worked at a few barber shops, tried chair renting, and even owned my own shop at one time. Working at a Great Clips salon has been one of my best moves since starting this career. I fell in love with cutting hair again." 

Make a great career move! 

If you’re a student or licensed graduate looking for a solid start to your salon career, look no further. From stability to work-life balance and growth opportunities, Great Clips salons may just offer the perfect blend of support you need to set out on a confident career journey. To find out more about opportunities with a Great Clips franchisee near you, search for salon jobs today.

 

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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.