Students in Dutchess BOCES’ Cosmetology program at the Career & Technical Institute got firsthand knowledge of how to be an effective and courteous hairdresser from an industry pro on March 20.
Eclectic Studio owner Cynthia Moore, a CTI graduate herself, spoke to second year students in both Nicole Laino’s and Melissa Lennon’s morning classes where she did exercises with them on how to give a client a good experience while sitting in the salon chair. This included students standing across the way from their classmates they do not normally associate with to give them compliments.
“You’re looking at them as a guest,” Moore said of the exercise. “It’s to understand where your character is right now and the room for growth that you have.”
Sixty eight percent of clients are anxious the first time they visit a salon, so Moore had students act as a hairdresser where they needed to create a welcoming environment for a nervous customer, played by Moore. She noted that a simple handshake and getting down to their level goes a long way.
“You will be faced with people that are uncertain about what they’re even there for,” Moore explained. “Who you are as a person sometimes is the only reason why someone comes back to sit in your chair.”
Students were encouraged to find a mentor and Moore is currently offering to coach four students, from CTI, at her salon in Fishkill. They need to email a one-minute video to eclecticstudioinc@hotmail.com explaining why they would be the best pick and must take the opportunity seriously.
“This is not a job, this is a career path,” Moore said. “If you’re serious about this, I would love to help you.”
Moore hopes to return for another visit and asked students to write down specific techniques they would want her to demonstrate.
“I want you to tell me what you want to know technically,” Moore said. “I’ll bring in a live model.”
Ashley Staffa appreciated Moore’s energy and the exercises she taught in class. She expressed interest in being mentored by Moore, specifically on how to work on curly hair.
“I’m really intrigued by it,” Staffa said. “I feel like I learned a lot.”
For Josie Sorci, the talk taught her how to become more customer-oriented when working with clients, which she will incorporate in class.
“Skill is definitely important, but how you speak to your clients is just as important,” Sorci said. “It’s definitely a good thing to take away.”