Understanding Hair Apprentice Learning Styles (And Why It Matters)

If you’ve ever explained something to an apprentice three different ways and still been met with a blank stare, this is for you.

Not because they’re not listening.

Not because they don’t care.

But because people don’t all learn in the same way.

And when we ignore that? We slow progress, frustrate apprentices, and put unnecessary pressure on ourselves as educators or salon owners.

Understanding learning styles isn’t about labelling our hair apprentices or making training complicated. It’s about working with how people learn — not against it.

Why learning styles matter in hair education

Hairdressing is practical, creative, technical, and fast-paced. Apprentices are expected to absorb huge amounts of information while building confidence with clients — often under pressure.

When learning styles aren’t considered:

• Apprentices can feel “not good enough”

• Trainers repeat themselves endlessly

• Progress stalls

• Confidence drops (on both sides)

But when learning does align with the apprentice?

Things click faster. Skills stick. Confidence grows.

And ultimately — you build better hairdressers.

The 3 main learning styles you’ll see in apprentices

Most people are a mix, but apprentices usually lean towards one dominant style.

1. Visual learners

These apprentices learn best by seeing.

They thrive with:

• Demonstrations

• Diagrams

• Photos and videos

• Watching you perform a technique before trying it themselves

You might notice they say things like:

“Can you show me again?”

“I need to see it once more.”

How to support them:

• Demonstrate first, talk second

• Use mirrors intentionally

• Provide visual resources (step-by-step guides, photos, videos)

• Let them watch senior stylists where possible

2. Auditory learners

These apprentices learn best by listening and talking it through.

They thrive with:

• Verbal explanations

• Asking questions

• Repeating instructions out loud

• Feedback conversations

You might notice they say:

“Can you explain why we do it like that?”

“Talk me through it again.”

How to support them:

• Explain the why, not just the how

• Encourage questions (without judgement)

• Talk through techniques step by step

• Use reflective conversations after services

3. Kinaesthetic learners

These apprentices learn best by doing.

They thrive with:

• Hands-on practice

• Repetition

• Making mistakes and correcting them

• Learning through experience

You might notice they say:

“Can I just try it?”

“I’ll get it once I’ve done it myself.”

How to support them:

• Get them practising early (with guidance)

• Break skills into small, repeatable steps

• Allow safe mistakes

• Coach during the action, not just before or after

Why one-size-fits-all training doesn’t work

Many salons rely on:

• “Watch me, then copy”

• Verbal explanations only

• Or throwing apprentices in and hoping they figure it out

The problem? That approach only really works for some learners.

Great training isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing it smarter.

When you:

• Vary how you teach

• Adapt your communication

• Use structure and flexibility together

You’re not lowering standards — you’re raising outcomes.

This isn’t about making training harder

Let’s be clear: understanding learning styles isn’t about creating three different programmes for every apprentice.

It’s about:

• Noticing how they respond

• Adjusting slightly

• Being intentional with how you explain, demonstrate, and coach

Small changes make a huge difference.

The bigger picture

Apprentices who feel understood:

• Learn faster

• Ask more questions

• Build confidence sooner

• Stay engaged in the industry

And as educators and salon owners, that matters.

Because when training improves, retention improves.

Standards improve.

And the future of the industry improves with it.

Understanding learning styles isn’t “extra”.

It’s essential.

And once you start seeing apprentices through this lens, you’ll never train the same way again.