Good Things Take Time: Why Sticking With Your Training Matters

I had a chat the other day with another hairdresser about this topic, and it really got me

thinking. So many young stylists throw in the towel when training feels slow or tough. I wanted to share a few thoughts as to why it’s worth sticking it out.

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If you’re starting out in hairdressing, you probably want to be amazing right now. I get it — you’ve grown up in a world where you tap, swipe, and things happen instantly. Food, music, videos, likes, comments.

But here’s the reality: hairdressing doesn’t work like that.

Why You Feel Like Quitting Sometimes

Your brain is wired for instant rewards. Science calls it present bias — it makes that quick hit feel way more important than the long-term gain. That’s why endless scrolling or checking likes feels good in the moment, but it doesn’t build a career.

The problem? When training feels slow, your brain screams: “I’m not good at this. Quit.”

The truth? You’re just building your foundation. Every shampoo, every blow-dry, every repeat matters.

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Gen Z & Gen Alpha: The Instant Generation

Let’s be real — Gen Z and Gen Alpha (1995 onwards) have grown up digital. That means:

They have always had fast feedback (notifications, likes).

They expect speed in almost everything.

They hate feeling like you’re wasting time.

None of this is bad. It makes them quick learners and super adaptable. But in a craft like hairdressing, this same wiring can make patience feel painful.

Why Training Feels Slow (But Isn’t)

Think of it like the gym. The first time you go, nothing looks different. But show up every week, and suddenly, the results appear. Hairdressing is exactly that: it’s reps, not shortcuts.

You can’t fake confidence — you have to grow it.

You can’t hack the fundementals — you have to repeat them.

You can’t rush trust with clients — you have to earn that.

Lifestyle Matters Too

And here’s something people don’t talk about enough: success isn’t just about what you do in the salon, it’s about what you do outside of it.

Turning up to work exhausted because you’ve been up all night isn’t a badge of honour — it’s a barrier. Being constantly tired isn’t “mental health,” it’s burnout waiting to happen. Sleep is fuel for your brain, your hands, and your creativity. Without it, your patience is shorter, your learning is slower, and your work suffers.

Yes, your friends might be out partying — and it’s tempting to join every time. But remember: your time will come. When you’ve learned your skill and built your career, you’ll enjoy those nights out even more, because you’ll have freedom, confidence, and money you’ve actually earned. That makes the party sweeter.

The Payoff: Your Future Self

Here’s the best part: if you stick with it, you’ll look back and realise how far you’ve come.

Clients will ask for you by name.

You’ll work faster, cleaner, sharper.

You’ll feel proud of skills you once thought were impossible.

And guess what? That satisfaction lasts longer than any “like” on a post.

Final Thoughts

To all the young stylists: don’t tap out early. Don’t let your generation’s “I want it now” mindset cheat you out of something amazing.

Success isn’t a swipe. It’s a build.

Stick with your training. Be patient. Trust the process.

Because good things don’t come to quitters. They come to those who keep going.

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📌 Did You Know?

Your brain’s reward system lights up more for quick hits than slow gains — but you can train it like a muscle to be more patient (Wikipedia – Delayed Gratification).

Studies on Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha show digital generations expect faster results than older ones (Pew Research).

The famous Marshmallow Test found kids who could wait ended up with stronger life outcomes later on (Wikipedia – Stanford Marshmallow Experiment).