How To Prepare For A Hair Show & Become the Star of the Show!

Your First Show!

Getting ready for your first hair show can be nerve wrecking! You are not alone. The key is to be prepared. Don't worry, we can help with this! It’s time to step out and show the world all that you’ve mastered over the previous year. But before you show out, there are some things one must know as a stylist to prepare for their big moment. Continue reading on how to prepare for a hair show!

Know Your Why

One of the most important words to always follow by no matter what career you’re in is, why. Knowing your why keeps you grounded. It keeps you focused on what the goal is. Being a part of a hair show is a major move in your business. You’re stepping out and showing the world all that you’re able to do. But while doing that, you have to figure out what’s going to drive that. What is it that you want people to take away when they leave your table and go on to the next? What is different about you’re brand and business compared to the stylist over at table 12? Also, what is something that you plan on taking away? These would be some good questions to ask your self while you’re preparing for a hair show event. You never want to start with your what and then why. Start with a purpose and then go from there. Once you have an understanding of your why, it’s time to focus on your vision. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself.

• How do you want your set up to look?
• Have you figured out if you want to purchase a middle, front, back or corner table?
• Do you know which team member will be doing what?

Having a clear vision is key because if you can see it, then you can achieve it. Put a plan together from A to Z and then execute.

Advertisement

Advertising is a significant portion of the process when planning a public event. You’re now ready to showcase your hard work to the world, but you also have to make sure the world knows about you so they can support. During this phase, the Internet is going to be all you need, for the most part. With social media being one of the fastest ways to get the word out, there’s not much you have to do. If you’re a part of a major social site like Instagram or Facebook, they allow you to create a post that can also be turned into ads. So hopefully, you already have an Instagram account, if not it’s simple to create one. You will need to have flyers made up for your event. Once you get the flyers, you will be able to upload them straight to your accounts. This way, those who visit your page will see it. As for the ads, you will need to purchase them. You will answer a series of questions, that will reflect where you want the ads to show, what demographic you want to view them and also how long you want the ad to run for. Another key is to use as many hashtags as possible for each flyer. Hash-tags will link your photo/flyer with other people who are sharing the same hash-tag. For example, your hash-tag could say “#hairshow2018,” and when someone is viewing it, they will be able to see your photo as well as anyone else using the same hashtag. That way it reaches more people.

Hair Show Networking

Networking is one of the best things you can do for your career in general but most importantly when attending events. The most popular hair shows have some of the biggest names in attendance. You should make it your business to build relationships and connections. You never know who you may meet that will have a major hand in helping you reach the next level in your career. Don’t ever think you’ve come so far that you know everything.

If you think you know it all, you know nothing. Always be ready to learn.

Hair Show Budget

Having a budget in place is going to ensure you stay within your means for your event. You have your vision in place, but now you’re going to have to break down each item you may need or want to make sure it fits within your budget. There are several things you must factor in. As I mentioned earlier, most times when attending a hair show, you must purchase a table or space for you to set up at. Table prices all depend on who’s in charge of the event. The middle tables are most likely going to be the best if your budget is a little tight. Front and corner tables tend to be pricier since those are perfect spots to get all the customers. These are things you must factor in. Another piece to think about with your budget is making sure you purchase business cards, decorations, possible gifts/games in case you want to run a raffle at your table. It’s important to have a check-list to make sure you have all that you’re going to need and also can afford it. There’s nothing worse than going over the amount that you planned for or even not having enough. So, as you’re planning for these things, try to do them ahead a time so things go smoothly and you know what to expect.

Finding The Right Models

Most times, if you’re at a hair show as a stylist, you’re going to be doing a lot of demonstrations for hairstyles and having your model do a walk through. So making sure you have the right person to fulfill that role is crucial. Below is an example of a check-list and questions to follow for getting the right model for your hair show.

Height

Are you going to want your model to be a certain height? Are there certain styles that look better on tall or short people? How many models will you need? Are you going for a particular type look? It’s important to have a vision all throughout your planning.

Confidence

Confidence is a very great quality to have when being a part of such a public event. You don’t want anyone who is shy, timid or even nervous in from of people. You want someone who is going to represent your company well. A person who won’t be scared to hold a pose and walk-in room full of people.

Hair

In the planning process, you’re going to want to plan out which styles you will be demonstrating. So, depending on the style will determine which type of hair your model should have. You may need models that only have natural hair or someone who has a relaxer. Or you may need someone who has a certain type of hair texture. You will also need to find out if you’re model is okay to have their haircut or color added. You should have a model that is okay with being experimented on.

Background

What is your model's background like? Do they have any references or pictures from their past events? Being a part of a hair show is your time to shine, so you want your model to have some experience, so you ensure they are the right fit.

Production Team

A hair show is a huge event, which means it’s impossible for you to try and run the whole show alone. You will need a team of people who can complete delegated tasks. Also, if the hair show isn’t in your hometown, you will need to make sure your team is willing to travel with you and stay for however long you need them to. As you’re figuring out whom you’re going to bring on board, the biggest factor is making sure you can trust them.

Public Speaking

The most important trait to have as a business owner is being able to speak in front of people. Knowing how to work a crowd and speaking confidently. You want people to trust in what you believe in as well. Mastering public speaking has many benefits, too. It helps overcome fear, improves communication skills and helps with career growth. Below are tips on public speaking to help sharpen your skills are below:

• Record yourself talking and play it back. Test your selling technique too, so you can hear how convincing you sound.
• Always make eye contact with whomever you’re speaking too.
• Speak slowly and clear, so you ensure people will understand you.
• Try to remain calm if you’re nervous. Having an exciting tone helps.
• Pauses between making points.
• Always smile.

Selling at the Show!

You may also want to think about selling a product at your table. Make sure to bring your hair extensions, edge control and any other items you might sell. Having business cards is also a plus! Engaging with your customers should always be your main focus. Think about what you may want your customer to learn. Fill them up with information, so they walk away gaining knowledge.

Are You Ready For Your Hair Show?

As the hair show schedules start approaching, you can begin preparing yourself now. Start getting your vision together, budget and everything else so that when you see an event you want to sign up for, you’ll be ready. Have confidence in all that you do and be bold. Let the world know you’re a hard worker and then show them what you got! Have any tips on being a success at a hair event? Drop them in the comments below!