3 Interview Red Flags Every Salon Owner Should Watch Out For

 When building your dream salon team, the interview process is a critical step in finding candidates who align with your vision. Over the years, I’ve learned to spot key red flags during interviews—signs that someone may not be the right fit for my salon culture. Here are three red flags I always pay attention to and why they matter:

1. Salon Hopping

 At first glance, salon hopping might seem like a typical industry trend. Many candidates even have “great excuses” for why they left each place. But if someone has a pattern of short stints at multiple salons, it often signals a deeper issue.

Here’s the concern: if someone has bounced from one salon to another, it’s likely they’re saying “yes” to any opportunity that comes their way rather than finding a workplace that aligns with their goals and values. I want to ensure that my salon is the right long-term fit for them, just as much as they’re the right fit for my company.

What I do instead: I ask questions that dig deeper into their decision-making process. “What do you value most in a salon culture?” or “What are you looking for in your next long-term home?”

2. Lack of Personal or Professional Development

 I’m looking for stylists who are invested in themselves—both personally and professionally. This doesn’t always mean expensive classes or certifications, but it does mean they show initiative.

I love hearing about continuing education, but even things like reading, exercising, taking trips, or pursuing a fulfilling hobby tell me a lot about someone’s mindset. These are the stylists who prioritize growth, embrace challenges, and bring a positive energy to the team.

What I do instead: I ask open-ended questions like, “What have you done recently that excites or inspires you?” This helps me see if they value self-love and growth.

3. Pushiness

Eagerness to work in your salon is great, but there’s a fine line between enthusiasm and pushiness. I’ve learned that overly pushy candidates may unconsciously test boundaries, persuade me to bend rules, or even undermine the systems I’ve worked hard to build.

I look for someone who respects the hiring process and appreciates the time it takes to ensure the role is a good fit for everyone involved.

What I do instead: I take note of how candidates handle waiting periods, follow-ups, and feedback. It tells me a lot about how they’ll handle policies and procedures once they’re part of the team. 

My Final Thoughts 👇

As salon owners, we owe it to our businesses to hire intentionally. Red flags don’t always mean a hard “no,” but they do warrant deeper conversations to ensure alignment. By being mindful of these signs during interviews, you can build a team that thrives alongside your vision.