By “Jolleen,” owner of Shear Dimension, Greenwood St., Worcester

Shear Dimension strives to be not only a place that is warm and welcoming for new and existing clients, we want to be on the cutting edge of education and technology. I find it very important to invest in the future of cosmetology as the new owner of Shear Dimension, I want to grow students, new cosmetologists, and professionals to build not only my salon, but send successful, hard working, well-rounded professionals into the industry.  It is an investment that pays, not necessiarily financially, but is emotionally gratifying.

I have an extensive background in color education.  I am also a licensed cosmetology instructor and spent over 5 years teaching and traveling to schools and salons all over New England and have also worked closely with vocational schools in the past.  I was on the advisory board with Tri-County and was a judge for both Rhode Island and Massachusetts Skills USA.  Teaching is not only in my blood it is a passion that I hold close to my heart.

I spoke to the Worcester Vocational school about their vocational program over the summer.  This will be my first time working with this particular apprenticeship program and I am very excited.   With school starting this past week, I can’t wait to start the process working with department head Arlene Thompson and her students.  The process, while intense, is worth the pay off.  After speaking to the department, a representative will come to the salon, verify that we are up to standard, leave the necessary paperwork, and the school will determine the best student(s) to fit our salon.  This program is great for both the business and the student, the student has the opportunity to see the day-in day-out workings of salon life, a chance to see if the salon is a good fit, can ask questions, gain valuable knowledge from working professionals, and participate in education offered at the salon. 

I had similar mentors when I was a new stylist and attributes those managers and salon owners with the success and drive that has built our salon and staff.  The teachers and mentors I had in my formative years taught me the value of hard work, showed by example how to lead a successful team, and shared their passion for the beauty industry with me.  I could only hope that I can translate those lessons to others.

Shear Dimension employs student assistants, future professionals (as reception), and new licensees as junior stylists. We currently employ one future professional, one assistant, one junior stylist and 4 senior stylists.  Our future professionals work in reception, learning the ins and outs of inventory, scheduling, telecommunications, and customer service. These skills are invaluable as a stylist and student in cosmetology and are a great place to start for any future professional to get a feel for the salon business and how it runs.

Essential to all cosmetology students is the accumulation of 1,000  in field and education hours, learning the ropes in a salon and/or classroom setting.  Shear Dimension is one of few places that offers hours in a salon setting. Makayla, an assistant, who has less than 200 hours left until licensing, gets the benefit of classroom and practical experience while working at Shear Dimension.  She also furthers her knowledge with consultations, color formulation, classes geared toward her problem areas and one on one teaching with senior stylists to go over client retention, re-booking, and how to better serve each individual.

 Makayla says, “Jolleen was my educator at school and prior to her coming to Cosmix in Marlborough, MA it is safe to say that there was not much structure.  When Jolleen started, she was very hands on and always available.  She made me feel comfortable to ask questions, was very instructive.  When she made the move from Cosmix to owning Shear Dimension I was also looking for a job with a salon atmosphere while still in school. The staff is very helpful and Shear Dimension was a great career option for me. 

“The hands on learning has been great and I love the education.  The instructors are very personable and make sure everyone understands not only how to do the techniques but why to do them. 

“My advice to any up and coming students/stylists that are thinking about becoming assistants would be to keep busy and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

Our junior stylist who is a recent grad of a vocational school, not only assists our senior stylists and receptionists while building her own clientele, she receives free education from industry professionals and platform artists monthly (as do all of the Shear Dimension staff), she also has the added benefit of having her work assessed and critiqued for the trial period while she is still learning.

William, our newest senior stylist says, “Working at Shear Dimension has taught me the tools I need to grow my business.”  He adds, “My boss was so patient with me while I was learning certain techniques.”  William continues to add new trends and techniques to his arsenal and has become a well-rounded, well versed stylist that is capable and coveted by his clients. 

Leah, a senior stylist that started as an assistant at Shear Dimension over a decade ago, was brought up through the ranks and is now one of the top earning stylists in the salon.  She is a great mentor, talented stylist and her work is flawless.

Shear Dimension is a salon that . I find it very important to invest in the future of cosmetology as the new owner of Shear Dimension, I want to grow students, new cosmetologists, and professionals to build not only my salon, but send successful, hard working, well-rounded professionals into the industry.  It is an investment that pays, not necessiarily financially, but is emotionally gratifying.

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Fall Hair Color and Maintenance Trends

 By Jolleen

In the summer hair tends to get dry due to over processing, over exposure and water damage.  In the fall however, we often find that can get dry for a slew of other reasons.  Whether it is from lack of moisture, change in diet, or lack of maintenance, Shear Dimension is here to let you know just how to care for your hair this fall.

 In-Salon Treatment:

At Shear Dimension, we recommend that you get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain your style and avoid split ends.

For color reds, deep chocolate brown, and subtle ombre are right on trend for fall.   Pair it with a deep conditioning treatment and you will be ready right up until holiday season!

To beat the frizz we are booking a deep keratin treatment.  These treatments have 4 options depending on your level of commitment and hair care needs.  It will cut your styling time in half and leave your hair feeling silky smooth for up to 3 months!!

 What you should be using at home:

For a take home we suggest Awapuhi Intensive Treatment to beat that fall dull look.  It will infuse the hair with keratin, and moisture to beat the cool dry weather.

To keep those colors vibrant we suggest Ultimate Color Repair Triple Rescue.  This treatment will infuse the hair with Quinoa and keep those reds looking red for up to 6 weeks!!

To pair with your keratin treatment and color make sure you using a sulfate free shampoo.  The favorites of our stylists are GK Moisture Shampoo, Forever Blonde (not just for blondes ), and Double Hitter.