Since I was in high school, I have worked as a receptionist at two salons. I could not have asked for a better first job. Working at a salon has taught me so much – organization, communication, scheduling and more – and I am so thankful.

Here are some key (and somewhat hilarious) things I have learned my past few years in the salon world!

1) Just because Selena is the spokesperson for Pantene, that does not mean you should use it

If you know me, you know I am a die-hard Selena fan. However, after multiple disappointed faces and a lot of “Kayla, no, stop. Now.,” from my co-workers, I had to make the switch. Hello shampoo and conditioner that costs more than it should! (But hey, it is worth it, my hair has never felt so healthy, strong and clean).

2) Everyone will want to play with your hair

After a day of working at my salons, my co-workers wanted me in a chair, ready to chop, color and style. Stylists are some of the most up-to-date people on new trends; they always know when I need to switch it up.

3) Communication is KEY

There has to be constant communication between the receptionist, the stylists and the clients for everything to flow smoothly. Stylists need to know when their clients have arrived and receptionists are the ones that need to notify them of everything, including any and all changes within their schedule.

4) Stylists are keepers of secrets

There’s something about being in the chair at a salon that makes you spill your secrets. I do not know whether it is the trust between the client and the stylist, or just some kind of magic, but I do know when I sat in the chair; my co-worker knew half of my life story in an hour.

5) Eat when you can

If there is not anyone to cover the phone and the clients, you will not be getting a lunch. Or if you find someone to cover you, you may be able to get a five minute lunch, depending on the day. It sounds like a crazy sacrifice, but it’s a sacrifice that makes your job 10x easier. There is nothing worse than knowing you upset a client or caused a problem for a stylist. Honestly, half of the time I do not even realize I forgot to eat.

6) Post-its are your best friend

Someone is on the phone and you have clients out the door? Post-it all of the clients on hold and give them a call back when you have a minute. Need a reminder to get updated information for a client? Post-it. Have to leave a note for a stylist? Post-it and stick it on their station.

7) We are family

As a salon, we’re a family. Each and every one of us works as a team to keep everything running smoothly and successfully; we are a team. We would not be able to work without each other.

I absolutely love the salon atmosphere. I could not have asked for a better first job. I am so lucky to work in such a positive environment with motivated and determined people.