At a lot of salons, “new” can mean new to everything. At c+t, it means something very specific: artists who are in a structured, mentored training program designed to protect your experience and build real confidence behind the chair.
Our goal is simple: keep delivering the best service at the best value for our guests, while creating a clear path for stylists to enter the workforce earlier than most — with the support they actually need.
what “new talent” means here
Our new talent artists are:
- Stephany
- Kim
- Devra (currently in training and not yet taking services)
They're not thrown onto the floor and told to “figure it out.” They're guided through a program that's intentional, skill-based, and signed off by educators.
We don't rush the process — and we don't ask guests to be practice.
the problem with most salon training (and what we refuse to do)
A lot of traditional salon training is built around speed and survival:
- “watch for a bit, then jump in”
- “you'll get it eventually”
- “sink or swim”
That approach can create inconsistent results, nervous energy, and a guest experience that depends on luck.
At craft + theory, we don't rush the process — and we don't ask guests to be practice.
our training program: structured, mentored, and skill-approved
Our new talent program is approximately 16 months and built in two semesters. It's designed to develop real-world skill in a way that's measurable and repeatable.
A huge part of what makes this program work: our educators Gab B and Spenser work extremely hard to keep the curriculum tidy, clear, and up-to-date — so new talent isn't learning from outdated habits or random “tips,” but from a consistent standard.
what they learn first (and why it matters)
Before anything “big,” we focus on the foundations that create great hair and a great experience:
Consultations
Listening, translating inspiration, setting expectations.
Shampoo + Treatment Rituals
Comfort, scalp health, product knowledge.
Blowouts
Finish quality, longevity, at-home guidance.
Basic Cutting Techniques
Precision, structure, shape, and foundational haircutting skills.
Basic Color Techniques
Control, sectioning, application, timing.
These aren't “starter tasks.” They're the building blocks of consistency.
how they're supported (so you're never the test run)
New talent artists work within a system that includes:
- Shadow hours to learn our standards in real time
- Service check-ins at key moments during appointments
- Educator sign-off before skills are approved for the floor
They also complete multiple skill assessments, including timing benchmarks. That means progress is earned — not assumed.
what you can expect when you book with new talent
Booking with new talent should feel like booking at craft + theory — just with a little extra time and a little extra support built in.
Here's what stays the same:
- The same standard of service
- No double booking
- The same care, intention, and attention to detail
And here's what's different (in a good way):
- Extra timing is built in so nothing feels rushed
- As skills strengthen, timing is gradually reduced
You'll still get a thoughtful consultation, a calm experience, and hair that's treated with care.
This isn't an easy program. But anything worth doing in life isn't.
why this matters (for guests and for artists)
We built training this way for two reasons:
- To continue delivering the best service at the best value for our guests.
- To create a real path for stylists to enter the workforce earlier than most — without cutting corners.
This isn't an easy program. But anything worth doing in life isn't.