- 27. How to get hired, faster!
In this episode, Nathan shares practical tips on how aspiring cosmetologists can stand out in the job application process, from showcasing their work to making a strong first impression. Learn how to prepare for interviews, demonstrate your value, and connect authentically with potential employers.
Get the complete guide on choosing a cosmetology school at the link below:
https://www.avedaidaho.com/guide/
Contact Admissions to get your questions answered
https://www.avedaidaho.com/contact/
00:00 Introduction and episode overview
00:28 The challenge of standing out in salon applications
01:34 How salons assess a candidate’s skills
02:47 Using social media and portfolios to showcase work
03:15 Making a good first impression with research and preparation
04:21 Informed flattery and asking specific questions
05:50 Visiting salons to learn their vibe and culture
07:03 Getting a service at the salon to evaluate the environment
08:26 Presenting yourself professionally for the interview
11:55 Understanding the two types of interviews
12:11 Excelling in technical skill demonstrations
13:53 Common pitfalls in technical interviews
15:09 Questions to ask during the interview
17:57 Speaking the language of salon owners and managers
20:31 The importance of asking about success traits and KPIs
22:08 Avoiding common mistakes in application and follow-up
23:13 The power of face-to-face interaction over digital communication
24:33 Persistence and follow-up strategies
25:47 Closing remarks and practical tips for job seekers
26m - Sep 3, 2026 - 26. Why would he start a school instead of more salons?
Nathan shares his unconventional journey from a successful hairdresser to founding a cosmetology school, emphasizing the importance of skills, effort, and industry impact.
Get the complete guide on choosing a cosmetology school at the link below:
https://www.avedaidaho.com/guide/
Contact Admissions to get your questions answered
https://www.avedaidaho.com/contact/
00:00 Introduction to Nathan Shaw and his career path
01:23 Nathan's early career and rapid skill development
03:21 How Nathan became an educator with limited experience
05:03 Working with top industry professionals and skills gained
07:19 The importance of continuous effort and skill improvement
09:38 Growing demand and opening a salon
10:50 Deciding to start a cosmetology school
12:52 Challenges of starting a school during economic downturn
16:07 Steps to opening a cosmetology school
18:29 What sets Shaw's school apart from others
20:10 Industry trends and adapting education to new platforms
21:54 Balancing teaching and practicing as a stylist
22:43 How to learn more about Shaw's schools
25m - Aug 13, 2026 - 25. The 5-Step Color Consultation That Saves You Every Time
In this episode, Nathan shares his expert approach to color consultations, emphasizing the importance of a systematic formulation process, honest communication, and long-term client relationships. Perfect for stylists looking to improve their skills and build trust.
Get the complete guide on choosing a cosmetology school at the link below:
https://www.avedaidaho.com/guide/
Contact Admissions to get your questions answered
25m - Jul 23, 2026 - 24. Cosmetology: How to make big money in a small town
Nathan shares insights on building a successful cosmetology career in small towns, pricing strategies, and the importance of profitability for generosity and growth.
Get the complete guide on choosing a cosmetology school at the link below:
https://www.avedaidaho.com/guide/
Contact Admissions to get your questions answered
25m - Jul 16, 2026 - 23. Why specializing is not a risk
In this episode, Nathan Shaw shares insights on how cosmetologists can adapt their skills to stay relevant in a constantly changing industry. From shifting specialties to stacking skills and embracing new trends, learn how to build a resilient and profitable career.
00:00 Introduction to Cosmetology Insights
01:01 The Importance of Specialization
03:16 Stacking Skills for Success
06:27 Mastering Cutting and Styling Techniques
10:11 Maximizing Profitability in Services
14:13 Finding Passion and Overcoming Boredom
16:05 The Power of Specialization in the Industry
18:22 Investing in Hands-On Education
20:26 Sharpening Your Skills for Career Growth
Get the complete guide on choosing a cosmetology school at the link below:
https://www.avedaidaho.com/guide/
Contact Admissions to get your questions answered
https://www.avedaidaho.com/contact/
22m - Jul 1, 2026 - 22. How to sell more product at your salon
Nathan breaks down how to sell more product at your salon, how those sales impact profitability, and effective strategies for stylists to recommend and sell products naturally during client consultations.
Get the complete guide on choosing a cosmetology school at the link below:
https://www.avedaidaho.com/guide/
Contact Admissions to get your questions answered
28m - Jun 26, 2026 - 21. Should you keep or fire your MOST difficult clients?
Nathan shares practical strategies for managing difficult clients in the cosmetology industry. From setting clear expectations to handling complaints and boundary management, learn how to create a positive salon environment and protect your well-being.
C.A.L.M. Framework
C – Clarify Upfront (The Consultation): The strategy is to prevent client horror stories by using the consultation to set clear expectations upfront and avoid misunderstandings.
A – Acknowledge & Listen (De-escalation Part 1): When a client is unhappy, do not get defensive or interrupt; let them vent completely and use your soft skills to validate their frustration.
L – Lead with Solutions (De-escalation Part 2): Shift the energy away from emotional panic and pivot to professional problem-solving by keeping your voice calm and body language open, isolating the physical fix from the client's mood.
M – Manage Boundaries (Knowing When to Part Ways): Recognize that some client relationships are structurally toxic, identify red flags like constant last-minute cancellations, and use a professional breakup script to release them cleanly.
01:01 Framework for Dealing with Difficult Clients
03:38 Acknowledge Client Concerns
09:59 Navigating Color Complaints
18:06 Managing Client Boundaries
Resources
Get the complete guide on choosing a cosmetology school at the link below:
https://www.avedaidaho.com/guide/
Contact Admissions to get your questions answered
https://www.avedaidaho.com/contact/
31m - Jun 4, 2026 - 20. When should you start your own salon?
In this episode, Nathan discusses the realities of opening a salon, covering financial considerations, planning, and leadership. He shares practical insights for aspiring salon owners to make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
Get the complete guide on choosing a cosmetology school at the link below:
https://www.avedaidaho.com/guide/
Contact Admissions to get your questions answered
https://www.avedaidaho.com/contact/
"Know your demographics and location impact"
"You must have working capital for slow months"
"Culture is based on shared core values"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cosmetology Insights
01:09 The Reality of Opening a Salon
07:13 Financial Considerations for Salon Owners
11:18 Creating a Business Plan
16:03 Building a Team and Salon Culture
22:40 Seeking Counsel Before Opening
25:07 Determining the Right Time to Open a Salon
27:24 Final Advice for Aspiring Salon Owners
29m - May 29, 2026 - 19. Beauty School Drop Out? How to avoid burning out of cosmetology school
Are you afraid of becoming a beauty school dropout?
In this episode of Uncut & Unfiltered, Nathan Shaw pulls back the curtain on "Foundations"—the critical first 12 weeks of cosmetology school.
Foundations is designed to be a safe, low-pressure learning environment where you practice your basic skills on mannequins before ever touching a real client. During this time, you get a taste of everything from hair cutting and color theory (which Nathan explains is actually an algebra equation!) to facials, waxing, and nails. This broad exposure often leads students to discover hidden passions they never even knew they had, completely shifting their career goals.
Nathan also gets real about the frustration of learning new skills, sharing a hilarious and humbling story of throwing his own mannequin head in the trash when he struggled to learn perms. He reminds listeners that everyone starts at a different skill level, and the key to surviving these early weeks is to keep an open mind and embrace the clumsy learning phase knowing that mastery takes time.
Finally, we discuss the nerve-wracking but exciting transition that happens around week 13, when you finally take your skills to the salon floor and start working on real clients with your instructor by your side.
Don't forget to check out the show notes to download our free guide, featuring over a dozen short videos to help you confidently answer the most important questions about starting your cosmetology career.
https://www.avedaidaho.com/guide/
Contact Admissions to get your questions answered
19m - May 23, 2026 - 18. How To Balance Beauty School and Your Family Life
Nathan shares practical insights on balancing cosmetology school with family life, highlighting flexible schedules, success habits, and the emotional support needed for students and their families.
Get the complete guide on choosing a cosmetology school at the link below:
https://www.avedaidaho.com/guide/
Contact Admissions to get your questions answered
27m - May 22, 2026 - 17. How to have great conversations with all of your clients
In this episode, Nathan shares expert insights on mastering client conversations in the cosmetology industry. Discover practical tips for handling positive and difficult disclosures, building relationships, and enhancing your soft skills to grow your business and enjoy your work more.
https://www.avedaidaho.com/guide/
01:00 The Importance of Chair Talk
03:02 Celebrating Good News with Clients
06:09 Handling Difficult Conversations
09:00 The Power of Silence in Conversations
11:58 Guiding Positive Conversations
14:49 Recognizing Signs of Abuse
18:40 Building Lasting Relationships with Clients
27m - May 14, 2026 - 16. How To Get Your Dream Job in Cosmetology
In this episode, Nathan Shaw shares practical advice on how aspiring cosmetologists can land their dream salon job, emphasizing the importance of skill development, strategic approach, and understanding business metrics.
Get our guide on how to choose the right school by going to:
https://www.avedaidaho.com/guide/
22m - May 1, 2026 - 15. How do you build a client base from scratch?
Nathan shares practical strategies for building a client base in the cosmetology industry, emphasizing the importance of referrals, doing a great job, and leveraging digital platforms. Discover how to start strong, retain clients, and grow your business effectively.
Get our guide on how to choose the right school by going to:
23m - Apr 2, 2026 - 14. Should I Choose a School Based on Location or Reputation?
How important is location when you’re choosing your cosmetology school? Today we’ll help you make that decision.
Get our guide on how to choose the right school by going to:
https://www.avedaidaho.com/guide/
00:00 Introduction to Cosmetology Insights
00:55 Choosing the Right Cosmetology School
02:55 Evaluating School Outcomes
05:10 Safety and Environment in Schools
07:48 Curriculum and Modern Techniques
10:04 Investing in Your Education
11:45 Classroom Size and Individual Attention
13:22 Quality of Education and Tools
16:35 Practical Expectations for Students
19:59 Commuting to School
22:03 Red Flags in School Admissions
26m - Mar 26, 2026 - 13. Tips for Passing the State Board Exam
In this episode, we share practical strategies for passing cosmetology licensing exams, including preparation tips, test environment insights, and how to overcome test anxiety. Perfect for aspiring beauty professionals aiming to succeed in their licensure journey.
https://www.avedaidaho.com/guide/
00:00 Introduction to Cosmetology Insights
00:58 Preparing for State Exams
04:03 Understanding the Exam Structure
07:06 Hands-On Practical Testing
10:02 Overcoming Test Anxiety
13:01 Choosing the Right Cosmetology School
16m - Mar 19, 2026 - 12. Three Unique Things About Great Cosmetology Schools
What makes great cosmetology schools stand out? It’s experienced and passionate instructors, up-to-date curriculum, and a strong culture of hard work. Discover how these factors can significantly impact your success in the beauty industry.
Contact Admissions with your questions:
https://www.avedaidaho.com/contact/
Get the free guide on how to choose the right cosmetology school:
https://www.avedaidaho.com/guide/
00:00 Introduction to Nathan Shaw and the School's Mission
01:15 What Makes Instructors at Nathan Shaw's Schools Unique
02:19 Balancing Experience and Fresh Perspectives in Teaching
03:47 Identifying Engaged and Passionate Instructors
05:09 The Importance of Challenging Students with Quality Teaching
08:06 The Role of Up-to-Date Curriculum in Cosmetology Education
10:37 Keeping Curriculum Relevant with Industry Trends
12:47 Nuances in Teaching Techniques and Industry Knowledge
15:56 The Culture of the School and Its Impact on Success
17:43 Class Size, Attention, and Alumni Support
18:35 The Culture of Hard Work and Its Benefits
21:27 Why Price Should Not Be the Sole Factor in Choosing a School
22:48 The ROI of Investing in Quality Education
24:42 Investing in Yourself for Long-Term Success
26m - Mar 12, 2026 - 11. How to keep your money in cosmetology
In this episode we discuss the financial aspects of pursuing a career in cosmetology. We cover the costs of education, the importance of managing educational investments wisely, and the various paths you can take in the beauty industry. You need financial literacy, budgeting discipline, and to make informed decisions about spending on tools and education.
Uncut & Unfiltered Video Guide
25m - Mar 5, 2026 - 10. How to perfectly price your services
In this episode Nathan shares valuable strategies for pricing services in the beauty industry. He emphasizes that pricing is rooted in confidence rather than just mathematical calculations. The conversation explores how to create value beyond mere pricing, enhance customer experiences, and build lasting relationships with clients. He discusses the importance of personalizing interactions and the impact of small gestures on client satisfaction. The episode concludes with insights on strategic pricing adjustments and the significance of attention to detail in the salon environment.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cosmetology Insights
01:06 The Confidence Behind Pricing
03:55 Understanding Competitor Pricing
05:20 Creating a Premium Experience
10:49 Engaging Conversations with Clients
15:29 Strategic Price Increases
19:03 Personalizing Client Interactions
23:32 The Power of Small Details
Uncut & Unfiltered Video Guide
28m - Feb 27, 2026 - 9. Should I Focus on Hair, Nails, or Skincare First?
Today we discuss the various paths within the beauty industry, including hair, skin, and nails. We explore how to choose a focus based on cost, market demand, and personal passion. Nathan shares insights from his extensive experience in cosmetology education, emphasizing the importance of aligning career choices with market needs and personal interests. Our conversation also highlights the evolving nature of beauty services and the potential for unexpected passions to emerge during training.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cosmetology Insights
00:59 Choosing Your Path in Cosmetology
02:01 Exploring Hair, Skin, and Nails
03:10 Deciding Based on Cost
07:37 Trying All Three Areas
09:48 Focusing on Market Demand
14:16 Finding Passion in Unexpected Areas
Uncut & Unfiltered Video Guide
19m - Feb 19, 2026 - 8. How to prioritize self-care for long term success
In this episode of Uncut and Unfiltered Cosmetology Insights, Nathan Shaw discusses the importance of self-care for beauty professionals, focusing on physical health, financial management, and time management. He emphasizes the need for comfortable work environments, understanding financial metrics, and the significance of scheduling to avoid burnout. Shaw also highlights the long-term sustainability of a career in cosmetology and the necessity of rest for personal and professional growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Self-Care in Cosmetology
01:00 Physical Aspects of Self-Care
07:20 Financial Management for Beauty Professionals
14:34 Time Management and Scheduling Strategies
20:35 Long-Term Career Sustainability and Rest
22m - Feb 12, 2026
