4 Signs You’re Ready for a New Hairdressing Job
Let’s be real: breaking up with your salon is tough. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been there, a month, a year or a decade, it’s not just a job, it becomes your second home. You’ve built relationships, honed your craft, and probably even shared some deep convos with your clients (because we’re part hairstylist and part therapist). But just like with any relationship, there comes a time when you have to ask yourself: Is this still working for me?
If you’ve been feeling unsure about your current salon, here are five major signs that it might be time to move on and find a role that truly fits your goals, lifestyle, and worth.
ONE: You’re Not Growing Anymore
Remember when you started at your salon, hungry to learn and excited to master new techniques? If those days feel like ancient history and you’re just going through the motions, that’s a big red flag. Growth isn’t just about getting better at balayage or perfecting that seamless blend—it’s about feeling challenged and inspired.
Ask yourself: When was the last time I learned something new at work?
If your salon isn’t investing in education, training, or career development, you could be stalling in your career. With a massive 60.8% of hair stylists prioritizing growth opportunities when job hunting, you’re not alone in wanting more from your job!
TWO: You Feel Undervalued
Passion is great, but let’s talk money. Your skills are valuable, and you deserve to be compensated fairly for them. If you’ve been bringing in consistent revenue, retaining clients, and levelling up your techniques but still getting the same paycheck, that’s a problem.
Reality check: Hourly rate and commission were the #2 most important factors for stylists looking for hairdressing jobs. If your current salon isn’t willing to offer competitive pay or raise your commission structure, it might be time to explore places that will.
THREE: The Work Environment Is Bringing You Down
Salon culture is everything. A supportive, drama-free environment makes all the difference between a job you love and one you dread waking up for. If there’s constant negativity, micromanagement, or a lack of respect between staff and management, your happiness (and even your creativity) will take a hit.
Fact: The #1 factor hair stylists look for in a job is a positive salon atmosphere and internal culture. This is even more important than pay!
If you feel unsupported, unappreciated, or just straight-up exhausted from the vibes in your salon, listen to that feeling. The right workplace will fuel your passion, not drain it.
FOUR: Your Work-Life Balance Feels out of Reach
We all know the hustle is real in the hairdressing industry. But if you’re constantly working late nights, squeezing in extra appointments on your days off, or struggling to balance work with personal time, it’s only a matter of time before burnout hits.
Sound familiar? three in four hair stylists say work schedule flexibility is a top priority. You shouldn’t have to choose between your career and your personal life. Choose a salon that has your work-life balance as an interest.
So What’s Next?
If you’re nodding along to more than one of these signs, it’s time to seriously consider your next move. The good news? You don’t have to navigate this transition alone.
Changing salons isn’t just about leaving a job; it’s about choosing you. Your happiness, growth, and career fulfillment matter. If you feel stuck, undervalued, or uninspired, trust yourself enough to explore what else is out there. Your dream hairdressing job is out there. The question is, are you ready to take the leap?
At My Hair Career, we help hair stylists like you find roles that match your skills, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you want better pay, more flexibility, or a salon that actually values your talent, we’ve got the connections to make it happen.
Ready for your next big move? Check out the latest hairdressing jobs or get confidential career advice with us today.