Building Confident Hairdressers: The Power of Presentation Skills

By Bernadette Beswick

I want to share something with you all… At the beginning of my career, I never felt confident during the consultation process. I felt unsure how to lead conversations with confidence, nervous that I might not get things right... One day I noticed something powerful: when I sounded and presented myself with confidence, everything shifted — for me and the client.

Was I faking it? Maybe, a little. But I realised it wasn’t about pretending — it was about learning through the power of education on how to present myself with clarity, purpose, and presence. How we show up — how we stand, speak, listen, and lead — affects how others feel around us. That’s why I don’t believe in “fake it till you make it.” I believe in education to increase the power of presentation skills. LET’S BUILD IT UP!

When you present well, you build trust. Clients feel reassured. You feel more in control. You deliver better results. That’s what I want for you — not just to be skilled, but to be confident, compelling, and trusted.

Confidence isn’t something we’re born with — it’s something we build. In this industry, it grows in the doing. It strengthens every time we take a step forward, show up even when unsure, and lean into learning. Whether you want to lead better consultations, make bold suggestions, or feel more at ease — confidence is key. And it starts with action.

7 ways to build real confidence in the salon:

1. Understand Your Why

Confidence begins with clarity. What does it mean for you? Speaking up? Leading a consultation without hesitation? Trusting your decisions? Be specific. Maybe it’s mastering styling, colour, or communication. For me, it was presenting to a group and leading a demonstration. When you know why you want confidence, you can move towards it more clearly.

2. Shift Your Self-Talk

What you say to yourself matters. Confidence often fades under harsh self-talk. Replace “I’m not good enough” with “I’m learning and growing.” One of my favourite mottos is: Learn the skill, create the will. The skill is the “how,” the will is your determination. Be your own hype person — your inner voice leads the way.

3. Activate Action – Even Small Steps Count

Confidence grows through action. Start small: eye contact, smiling, adjusting your tone, or giving a confident recommendation. Practise a service with a teammate and reflect on what felt good. Celebrate it. Every small win builds belief in yourself.

4. Learn from Mistakes

Mistakes don’t define you — they grow you. Every confident stylist has had them. What matters is how you respond. Use mistakes to build resilience and communication. Handling setbacks well can actually build client trust and show your professionalism.

5. Surround Yourself with the Right People

Your environment matters. Spend time with people who lift you up and push you forward. Avoid energy that drags you down. You rise faster when you’re around those who believe in you — especially when you’re still learning to believe in yourself.

6. Keep Promises to Yourself

Every time you follow through, you build self-trust. That trust becomes your confidence base. Whether it’s showing up to practise or learning something new — keep promises to yourself. It matters more than you think.

7. Celebrate Progress

Don’t wait for perfection. Confidence grows in the journey. Celebrate effort, courage, and growth. Every step forward, every new skill, every brave conversation is shaping the stylist you’re becoming.

The Power of Interpersonal Skills

Confidence and communication go hand in hand. When you know how to present yourself with warmth and clarity, clients relax. They trust you. And most importantly — you begin to trust yourself more.

Here are 7 interpersonal presentation skills you can practise now:

1. Eye Contact

It’s simple but powerful. Eye contact shows you’re present, engaged, and listening — and it builds instant trust.

2. Body Language

Posture speaks first. Stand tall, shoulders back, and smile. Strong body language makes clients feel safe and supported.

3. Voice Tone

Speak calmly and clearly. A steady, warm tone is reassuring and gives your words strength.

4. Active Listening

Really listen — don’t just wait to talk. Reflect back what the client says. This builds connection and loyalty.

5. Positive Language

Use words that uplift. Say, “Here’s a great option,” instead of “I’m not sure.” Your words shape the experience — choose them wisely.

6. Ask Empowering Questions

Don’t just ask what they want. Ask how they want to feel. “What are you loving right now?” or “What’s something you’ve always wanted to try?” These questions lead to better consultations.

7. Give Confident Recommendations

Clients come to you for guidance. Lead them. Offer your suggestions clearly. When you believe in your skills, they will too.

Confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, learning, and backing yourself. You don’t need to be the most experienced stylist to lead with confidence. You just need to keep growing, keep showing up, and trust that you are absolutely capable.

You’ve got this.

LOVE Bernadette

#be the exceptional hairdresser