How Shadowing Shapes the Next Generation of Stylists

The beauty industry is always evolving! Unfortunately, what we learn in cosmetology school is often outdated, strictly focused on passing state board exams, or taught in environments that don’t always foster creativity and positivity. This isn’t meant to discredit beauty school—it’s simply a reality that many new stylists face.

That’s why shadowing is the key to success for any young stylist who truly wants to thrive. Learning directly from experienced professionals, in a real salon environment, provides hands-on education that no textbook can replace.

3 Things Shadowing Taught Me That School Didn’t

1. How to Actually Foil Hair to Get the Desired Result

In school, we’re typically taught just a handful of highlighting techniques—maybe three at most. But how are we supposed to create the endless variations of blonding results that clients ask for with only three methods? The truth is, cosmetology school wasn’t designed to teach us everything.

Hair is a trade, and like any trade, the best way to master it is through real-world experience. If you dream of becoming a blonding specialist, the smartest thing you can do is find the best blonde specialist in your area and ask to shadow them. You’ll learn their techniques, their approach to client consultations, and maybe even land an assistant position. And trust me—you’ll gain far more knowledge than you ever expected.

2. It’s Okay to Specialize—It’s Actually Smart Business

Many new stylists feel pressured to offer every single service under the sun—perms, highlights, root touch-ups, pedicures, men’s cuts… the list goes on. But the most successful stylists? They niche down.

Take this example: Imagine a stylist who struggles with foiling. No matter how hard she tries, she just can’t get the placement right. But when she picks up clippers? Magic. She can do an incredible men’s cut with ease. Instead of forcing herself to “get better” at highlighting, she leans into her natural talent, refines her barbering skills, and builds a six-figure business specializing in short cuts for men and women.

Shadowing different stylists opened my eyes to this reality—it’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing what you love and what you’re naturally good at.

3. Clients Want to See Your Face, Not Just the Back of Someone’s Head

As stylists, we love a beautifully blended root melt and high-contrast dimension. We obsess over hair photos on Instagram and Pinterest. But you know what? Clients don’t care about any of that.

What they do care about is trusting their stylist. They want to see your face, hear your voice, and feel a connection before they even sit in your chair. The most successful stylists I shadowed weren’t just posting pretty hair photos—they were showing up on social media, sharing videos, talking about their lives, and building relationships with future clients before they ever met them in person.

I took this lesson to heart, and when clients finally came in, they’d say, “I feel like I already know you!” Those were the clients who stuck with me for years. They didn’t just book one appointment—they became loyal customers who came back every eight weeks, trusting me with their hair (and sometimes their deepest thoughts) for years.

Why Shadowing Matters

Shadowing isn’t just about learning techniques—it’s about gaining confidence, understanding the business side of the industry, and finding your unique path as a stylist. It teaches you the things school doesn’t, like how to connect with clients, refine your skills, and build a business that aligns with your strengths.

If you’re just starting out, find someone whose work inspires you and ask to shadow them. The experience will shape your career in ways you never imagined—and just might be the key to unlocking your future success.