Jordan Alexander, Educator with K18, wants to inspire stylists to recognize their worth, and that’s why we’ve selected him as our Featured Educator for May!
Jordan Alexander, Director of Global Sales & Education, is our Featured Educator for May!
How’d you get your start in education?
I’ve been in the industry for 16 years and an educator for seven. I started working under celebrity colorist Tracy Cunningham and was doing a lot of product testing. That led to having a lot of experience around the product, so becoming an educator was a natural transition.
What’s your favorite product from K18?
I would have to say the
Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask. It’s just a great product and really restores hair health.
What's the newest, freshest approach you're bringing to education?
Right now, it all comes down to digital. We’ve had to move education entirely to Zoom and other video platforms. This has made education much more accessible and broadened the number of stylists we can reach; people don’t even need to leave their home—they can just hop right onto their computer. Even with things starting to reopen, there are still a lot of people who are nervous about in-person contact, so using those digital platforms is really important.
What are the common problems faced by stylists today?
A lot of clients still aren’t comfortable coming into the salon, so a lot of stylists are still struggling to come back from the pandemic. The clients that are coming back haven’t been to the salon in a year, so we’re seeing four, five, even six-inch roots. Instead of a routine appointment, it’s a major color correction.
Stylists need to book additional time for every single client. Color corrections aren’t easy, and they take a lot of time. You can’t be afraid to charge for your time and the value of your work.
K18 products are perfect for this because you can be confident that you’re going to maintain hair health throughout the color correction.
What do you want stylists to know about education?
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in the industry—ten days or ten years—education is always important. Even if you’ve been a stylist for decades, there’s always something you can learn. Try not to get stuck in your ways.
What are your educator goals?
A lot of stylists are more artistic, and they tend to underestimate their worth and under-charge for their services. I want to show them that they can not only become a better stylist, but they can make more money in the process. I want to inspire them to see their worth and not be afraid to charge accordingly.
What new skill would you like to learn (hair or non-hair related)?
I am currently working on training for a Strongman competition.
Who’s your biggest mentor?
Tracy Cunningham, who I used to work for. I was one of five assistants, and we would see 40-50 clients a day. She taught me never to say no, and not to quit until the job is done. She is one of the hardest working people in the industry, and I’ve definitely adopted that work ethic in everything I do.
Where do you find your inspiration? (for teaching, for behind the chair, for personal life)
I find my inspiration in the things that make me happy—getting outside, enjoying nature, working out, skiing, and especially traveling.
What is the most rewarding part about educating?
For me, it’s connecting with people, especially face to face. I love to see that lightbulb moment when I’m teaching.
What is your favorite cutting or coloring technique?
I specialize in vivids and fashion colors, so I’d have to say that sort of work is my favorite: Take a level one to a level 10 and make it bright!
What is a word of advice that you have for new stylists?
Seek out as much education as you can from day one. Find a leader you can look up to and assist them. Learn everything you can.
Any advice for seasoned stylists?
Apart from
continuing education, get on social media if you’re not already. I know some of the more seasoned stylists are sometimes hesitant to be on social media, but it’s so important. You can really use it to build your clientele, and that’s the first thing most people are going to look at if they’re searching for a stylist.
How do you like to spend your days off? (hobbies/interests)
I am usually either at the gym or hanging out at home with our pets. We have two cats, a Husky and a Pomski.
Favorite pick-me-up in the middle of a busy salon day? (snack, coffee, music, meditation, etc.)
I hate to admit this, but it’s energy drinks.