At Cutting Loose, our Protégé Academy is where emerging talent begins their path to becoming confident, successful stylists. This immersive, hands-on program is designed to elevate technical skills, build strong client relationships, and reinforce our salon’s commitment to excellence.

Throughout their journey, protégés meet with educators every two weeks for hands-on learning and coaching. In the alternating weeks, they are expected to complete assigned video training and practice independently on a mannequin provided by the salon. These mannequins must be brought to class for evaluation and feedback.

Onboarding: The Starting Point

Duration: 3 weeks

Your journey begins with an intentional onboarding experience designed to set you up for success. During this phase, you will:

• Receive hands-on training in our systems, language, and service standards.
• Learn the essentials of guest care, blow-drying, and back bar responsibilities.
• Build confidence before assisting on the salon floor.
• Meet with your educators and mentors to set expectations and goals.

This focused training ensures you enter Phase 1 fully prepared and supported.

Phase 1: Foundation & Immersion

Duration: 2–3 months

• Shadow senior stylists and assist with color, blow-dries, shampoos, and guest care.
• Learn our systems, guest journey, and salon culture, including how to create a memorable experience in our signature Lather Lounge.
• Begin building confidence in communication, timing, and product knowledge.

This phase is all about immersing yourself in our standards while learning from the best.

Phase 2: Skills in Action

Duration: 3–6 months

• Begin taking your own guests one day per week while continuing hands-on support and bi-weekly education.
• Focus on building a small, loyal clientele through rebooks, referrals, and exceptional service.
• Receive one-on-one coaching using your Phorest tracker to monitor progress, goals, and income potential.
• Start your first rotation of cutting and color classes on mannequins to strengthen your technical foundation.

This phase is where your confidence grows as you put skills into practice and start building momentum behind the chair.

Phase 3: Behind-the-Chair Readiness

Duration: 6–12 months

• Complete final technical assessments and guest experience evaluations to demonstrate readiness. This includes the expectation to test out on two live models for each module of cutting and color classes.
• Focus on business-building skills, including:
  
  • Social media strategy.
  • Retail recommendations.
  • Time management for productivity and profitability.
• In class, protégés are responsible for bringing in models for the hands-on portion of their training.
• Prepare for your transition to a full-time stylist with guidance from mentors and salon leaders.

Graduates of the program are confident, capable, and positioned for long-term success at Cutting Loose.