I\'ve been interested in the hair biz since I was a kid. Unfortunately my life path took me in a different direction, and I never got to pursue being a stylist. I\'ll be 40 in the not too distant future, and am reconsidering careers. One possibility is going back to the interests of my youth, and becoming a stylist. But there\'s something holding me back. I don\'t think I have the \'gift\' it takes to become a stylist!

I did a Vocation Vacation where I shadowed a salon owner/stylist for 2 days. His opinion was that one really doesn\'t know hair until 3 years in to training/work/education. Then I\'ve talked to someone else in the hair biz and they say that you either have the gift or you don\'t. End of story.

I just feel that I don\'t seem to (at least now) be able to visualize what would work best on someone. I can tell when a color doesn\'t seem to look quite right.. but for haircuts? No. But, I\'m pretty much \"uneducated\" in the industry at this point, in a professional manner. I\'ve been a long time admirer of José Eber\'s work (24+ years). Familiar with terms used in the biz and understand some techniques. But that\'s about it.

So, it\'s the argument of nature versus nurture. What do the pros out there believe? If I were to go to an academy like Graham Webb, learn all there is to know, do an apprenticeship... could I become a good stylist? Or is my greatest limitation going to keep me from doing much with it?

Ooooh Nic...good question ...welcome by the way. I\'m a prime example of the no natural talent, or even interest in hair to begin with.
Long story short, I started Cos school because I wanted to be a Make Up Artist...no interest in doing hair what so ever. In my State (MI) at the time you had to have a cosmetology license in order to charge for Make Up Services.
After I got the license and started at a salon my boss really pushed me into hair if I was going to make a living. I agree with your salon owner friend...about three years into it, and I mean three years of tenacious hard work...I started to get it..cutting especially, the rest of it came after that.
I love hair now...24 years later, and I will add that I get it.
On the other hand My Sister who started about 8 years after I did was what I would call a natural...she got cutting... sculpting from the beginning.
So I say it depends on your desire...your determination...you sound like you could be AWESOME..to me. Can you apprentice with the first Salon owner you spoke of??? I\'d apprentice you...because I think you have the desire. There\'s nothing like surprising yourself, take it from me.
GO FOR IT! Especially if you can support yourself during the training time. :D Keep us updated.

I work with both sides of this issue- I have some incredibly talented students who if they really put their minds to it could rock the hairdressing world, then I have students who really struggle to grasp concepts, drag in models, bribe neighbors, give certificates away for presents to get clients and will take any appointment no matter what. I\'d hire the struggling group in a heartbeat- There is something to be said for talent, but their is more to be looked at with tenacity. A passion provides motivation, and determination. When you have desire, determination and patience you can do anything you put your mind to.

I am not what I would call a gifted hairdresser. I have trained many gifted stylists, some who\'s talent was nothing short of amazing, but few showed the passion I have for hair. I think that a desire to do something will always get you somewhere. Like I said I am not a natural talent, but I have a talent with people, and in this industry you can be average, and truthfully that\'s where most of us are, but if you have a way with people, and willing to service them, you can be a great success. My brother is now entering the industry, he is 35 years old, so I don\'t think almost 40 is too old to start.

Yep i hear you, especially on the part where you shadowed a stylist...Listen i came back into this game after a long brake, and i had a time in a salon where they tret me like an idiot, everyone has to start at the beginig, but they were nasty...I ended up leaving and nearly cost me my carear, am glad i stuck it out i moved salons. I was told that until you have been in a salon 3 years you are not qualified yet there i was with 3 years nvq and cerftificates coming out of my ears lol. some people just like to make it their thing especially when its in there salon...Go for it if its what you want, i have and ive never looked back...Good luck;)

Hello and big >>hugs<< Presotto :)
I agree with Presotto, You have to be a people person and have the passion to keep learning and furthering your self. The rest will follow.

I am not what I would call a gifted hairdresser.

I would have to disagree, you are amazingly gifted. :cheer:

Hi Nicv im 34 soon to be 35 and i have just started a nvq1/nvq2 course and im not the oldest on the course theres a woman there 50 years old so your age isnt an issue. Like you i wanted to do it when i was young but life took me in a different direction, but i can say i have no regrets booking on the course at my age, im sure if you give it a go you will love it and things slowly start falling into place.
Good luck with what ever you decide to do