The Gardner Hair Collective Apprentice Program

The Gardner Hair Collective Apprentice Program was created to bridge the gap between cosmetology school and a successful career behind the chair. It’s a structured, hands-on training experience designed to help new stylists build confidence, sharpen their technical skills, and learn what it actually takes to create a sustainable career in the salon industry.

The Fall to Spring Training Cycle

FALL — Learn & Build

Apprentices focus on education, assisting, observation, and hands-on practice while learning our technical standards and guest experience. As they progress, they begin working with models and guests under guidance.

WINTER — Practice & Grow

Apprentices spend more time behind the chair, refining their techniques, consultations, efficiency, and confidence while learning the business side of building a clientele.

SPRING — Launch

By the end of the program, apprentices work toward demonstrating the technical skills, professionalism, and guest-care standards needed to transition into a Stylist position at Gardner Hair Collective.

What You will Learn

• Cutting, color, styling, and consultation

• Hands-on experience with real guests

• One-on-one mentorship and coaching

• Salon systems and guest experience

• Rebooking, retail, and clientele building

• Professionalism 

• How to confidently work behind the chair

You don't need to know everything yet. That's what the program is for.

Where Can It Take You

Graduating from the apprentice program is just the beginning.

Our career path is designed to give stylists room to continue growing:

Apprentice Stylist → Stylist → Senior Stylist

As you advance, you’ll have opportunities to expand your skills, grow your clientele, increase your earning potential, and take on greater responsibility within the collective.

Your Opportunity

We intentionally keep our apprentice program small so every apprentice receives meaningful mentorship and hands-on education.

Our next apprentice position will open for the Fall 2027 training cycle.

If you’re a licensed stylist looking for more than simply being handed a chair and told to build a clientele, we may be the place for you.

Keep an eye on this page and our social media for application details and the official opening of our next apprentice position.

Your first year behind the chair doesn't have to be something you figure out alone.