Salon Today
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

5 Habits of Highly Successful Hairstylists

By sharing five simple habits of highly successful stylists, Dawna Jarvas helps them boost their personal productivity. Owners: This is the perfect blog to share with your team or discuss at your next staff meeting!

by Dawna Jarvis
April 27, 2023
5 Habits of Highly Successful Hairstylists

Dawna Jarvis helps you boost your personal productivity with these 5 helpful tips. 

3 min to read


A productive and well-organized workday can make a significant difference in a hairstylist's success. With the right mindset and habits, you can enhance your efficiency, provide a stellar experience for your clients, and grow your business. Here are five essential steps to maximize your workday at the salon.

1. Arrive Early

Kick off your day on a positive note by arriving early at your salon. This impactful habit not only sets you apart from others but also shows respect for your client's time. Being prepared to face the day with enthusiasm is essential. Arriving early allows you to organize your workspace, review your schedule, and mentally gear up for the day ahead. Pay attention to the stylists around you who arrive late, appearing frazzled with their freshly brewed Starbucks in hand. Clients notice when their time isn't valued, and showing up could have some clients feeling disrespected.

Ad Loading...

2. Journal Your Day

Boost organization by journaling your appointments, add-ons, and retail offerings. Understanding where your day starts and ends keeps you focused and efficient. Top stylists recognize that being organized is crucial for making the most of their workday."Journaling has been a game-changer for me," says Christy Calafati, a permanent makeup artist at The Canyon Salon in Westlake, CA. "It's a crucial tool for staying organized, maximizing productivity, and enhancing sales. By mapping out my day and monitoring my progress, I can focus on growth opportunities and celebrate my wins." 

3. Schedule Your Time for Content Creation

In today's digital world, content is king. Prioritize content creation by scheduling dedicated time in your journal. Consistently producing engaging content will enhance your online presence, attract more clients, and showcase your expertise. Invest time in learning about social media algorithms and best practices and creating high-quality content to make the most of your online presence "Some of our most successful stylists understand the importance of building their brand online. They have a strong online presence and excel at marketing themselves," says Nikki Corzine, Owner of The Canyon Salon in Westlake Village, CA.

4. Avoid Overbooking

Overbooking is an outdated practice that can lead to dissatisfied clients and increased stress. Instead, concentrate on creating a memorable experience for each client by giving them the individual attention they deserve. Focusing on exceptional client experiences will help you build a loyal client base and contribute to a positive salon atmosphere.

5. Steer Clear of Gossip and Negativity

The backroom of a salon can often harbor gossip and negative energy, which can drain you and impact your overall mood. Be conscious of the time you spend there and the people you associate with. Choose to surround yourself with positive influences, the ones you look up to (trust me, they're not hanging out in the backroom). Engage in uplifting conversations and concentrate on personal growth to cultivate a positive salon environment.

Conclusion: By implementing these five steps, you can maximize your workday at the salon, boost your productivity, and provide an exceptional experience for your clients. Stay organized, prioritize your tasks, and maintain a positive mindset to thrive in the competitive salon industry. Embrace continuous learning and adapt to the ever-changing landscape to ensure your long-term success.

Ad Loading...

About the Author:Dawna Jarvis is a former salon owner, master stylist and business growth strategist from Los Angeles. Aside from slaying it behind the chair, Jarvis is passionate about helping business owners dominate their niche and explode their online presence. To learn more visit dawnajarvis.com.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Salon Management

Ad Loading...
Headshot of Sophie Galabru

How Women are Rewriting the Rules of Grey Hair

At a panel discussion hosted by L’Oréal Professionnel in Paris in early July, French Philosopher Sophie Galabru explored the cultural shift where women are increasingly choosing natural, personalized color results over traditional grey coverage. In an exclusive interview with SALON TODAY, Galabru and L’Oréal Professionnel Colorist Pierrick Beringer discuss this shift and how salons and colorists respond.

Cover of whitepaper

How AI Is Closing Revenue Gaps for Salons and Spas

The beauty and wellness businesses pulling ahead aren’t just working harder—they’re using AI to capture demand, personalize pricing, and convert more of every guest interaction into revenue. Here’s what the benchmark data reveals about the growing gap between AI adopters and everyone else.

Sponsored by Zenoti

Ad Loading...
copy of the whitepaper cover

The Premium Talent Magnet: The Modern Salon Playbook for Attracting Six-Figure Stylists

Stop chasing recruitment ghosts on generic job boards and start curating an elite team. Discover the framework that top-tier salons use to bypass phone tag, automate visual portfolio vetting, and attract high-earning, culture-first beauty professionals directly through real-time messaging. Turn your recruitment process into an exclusive brand invitation that keeps your highest-ticket chairs permanently filled.

Sponsored by Beautista

Cover of the whitepaper

Five Revenue Leaks Hiding in Your Salon

Your calendar looks full, but is all of that demand actually converting to revenue? From phantom rebookings to underpriced peak hours, the 2026 Benchmark Report exposes five revenue leaks that most beauty and wellness businesses don’t even know they have.

Sponsored by Zenoti

Nicki Wenz (above) and Allison Stock of Zandi K Salon

The Heartbeat of Zandi K's Success

After moving to Colorado and teaching at a cosmetology school, Allison Stock joined Zandi K as a stylist, eventually becoming part of the Leadership Team, Education Team and Master Bridal Team. Today, as Director of Operation, Stock is Owner Nicki Wenz's right hand, managing human resources and operations, education and career development, and coaching and culture.

Ad Loading...