Philocaly Hair Education: How I Make 100k Behind the Chair

We're so excited to introduce you to the one and only Braxton Entwistle – hairstylist, salon owner, and Philocaly Educator.

Hear it straight from the expert himself as Braxton spills the tea on how he ventured into the world of extensions, refined his techniques, and created a clientele that keeps coming back for more. If you've ever wondered what it takes to dominate the hairstyling game, Braxton's got the inside scoop.

Hair extensions have become a sought-after service. Could you share how you initially ventured into offering extensions and how they've contributed to your ability to make over $100,000 behind the chair?

Braxton: My first experience with extensions was at Salon 306 right out of school. Tape ins were the big new thing and I was instantly hooked on how it could transform not only the hair, but the person too.

Extensions have given me this ability to level up my work to create these amazing transformations (big or small), while completely boosting their self-confidence. Resulting in a clientele that view their hair, and their extensions as a priority. And a priority means the limit does NOT exist! Haha!

What motivated you to specialize in hair extensions as a revenue-boosting service, and how did you go about perfecting your extension techniques to provide exceptional results?

Braxton: At the time, specializing in anything wasn’t as normal, it was just starting to happen. I had moved to Montreal and worked at a salon where you had someone do your colour and someone else to cut your hair. I just thought it was so odd until my boss told me “we excel at what we enjoy and are typically bad at the things we don’t enjoy doing, it’s like putting your best foot forward.''

So when I came home, I started specializing in extensions, blonding, and lived in colors cause it’s what I truly love doing. I quit doing men’s hair and kids and kept my schedule open for extensions and once they filled I noticed my income seriously grow.

Being a niche stylist created buzz, I found myself busy to the point of booking 2-4 months out constantly, and it’s been that way for years now.

Extensions have evolved over the years. How did you stay at the forefront of extension trends and technologies to continuously offer cutting-edge services that attract clients?

Braxton: I constantly was practicing on mannequins, taking classes on extension methods, watching tons of videos on different methods but my personal fave - all the tips from other stylists!

Building a strong extension clientele is crucial. Can you discuss your strategies for attracting and retaining clients seeking extension services, particularly in a competitive market?

Braxton: Instagram was my tool for building! Before and afters are what make people say “my hair is the before and I want the after”, they can go right to your page and book if they want to.

Initially, I would offer discounts on installs to help attract clients, or grab a coworker that has extensions to show them the goods! I constantly talked about how much I enjoyed doing it and I swear it convinced my non extension clients into extension lovers!

Back that with knowledge of the hair and how to care for it, well installed extensions, and consistency in those installs they will never leave you.

Hair extension products can vary significantly. How did you identify the right brands or suppliers that align with your quality standards and contribute to your reputation as a stylist?

Braxton: I look for the things I value. What do they stand for or believe in? How do I relate to this brand? Are they improving themselves or the product to keep up with trends? Are they honest about their product and how it’s processed or produced? Working with a brand that aligns with what you value and believe in, and provides an amazing product will help your services and your reputation climb, or stay up top!

Many stylists struggle with pricing extensions appropriately. How did you determine your pricing structure for extensions, and how has it contributed to your higher earnings behind the chair?

Braxton: My pricing is partly due to what the norm is for each method but also my experience. I’ve been doing extensions for years and my pricing reflects the quality I’ve gained through those years! I feel pricing and timing go hand in hand. With extensions I can make more in the same time it tkes to do a root touch up.

Social media has played a significant role in showcasing extensions. Could you share how you've effectively utilized platforms to display your extension work, attracting clients who seek premium services?

Braxton: Social media is such a multi-tool. Instagram is what I call my portfolio, it’s a collection of a lot of the work I’ve done over the years. This shows my growth, shows my story of how I got to where I’m at today. It helps people trust you, see if what you do aligns with them.

Getting your coworkers to share and hype you up helps spread the word about the stunning work you just posted, and your location tag is crucial for potential clients to find you!

Extensions often require maintenance. Can you elaborate on how you've turned extension maintenance into an additional income stream and ensured that clients return regularly for upkeep?

Braxton: Maintenance is important for the integrity of both the clients hair and the extension hair. You need to educate them and make them aware they have to put in not only time but money to care for them.

Proper shampoo, conditioner, masks, heat sprays are all integral for longevity but also to boost your income!

Depending on the method and their natural hair your client will need to come anywhere from 4-10 weeks for maintenance. If you have a large extension clientele that’s a lot of luxury service clients paying top dollar and frequently. Add that up at the end of the year!

Why did you choose Philocaly Hair as the company to partner with in your extension growth journey?

Braxton: I chose Philocaly because they truly are a company with a purpose. They give people confidence, provide an amazing product that’s always improving, they are open and honest with us, and have seriously built an incredibly loving community of people that have each other's backs, uplift, and support one another.

Learn From the Best and Elevate Your Hairstyling Career

If you're eager to follow in Braxton's footsteps and embark on your own journey to success, check out our exciting education line-up! Join one of our courses and dive deep into the strategies, techniques, and secrets that have propelled hairstylists like Braxton to the top.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity – your future success awaits!

Check out Braxton on Instagram:

@braxtonthomashair