Comfort Clicks | September 2025

 ✨ This Week’s Comfort Clicks ✨

This week's Comfort Clicks is a curation of videos and links for my students who are looking to create a professional makeup artist kit. 

Behind the Chair Confessions: The Big Chop Gamble

“Bless me, hair gods, for I have cut. This is my first behind-the-chair confession…”

This week’s confession? I’m learning to dread just a little when someone comes in with long hair and says: “I’m ready. Take it all off.”

Not because I don’t like short cuts, I actually love them but because the “big chop” is a total coin flip. It’s a 50/50 gamble: half the time they strut out the door feeling fabulous, the other half… well, let’s just say it’s a little less “red carpet” and a little more “I need a hat.”

The Story

An elderly client came in a few weeks ago with a shoulder-length bob. She told me she wanted to go short — like pixie-short. We looked at pictures, she nodded confidently, and I thought, okay, she’s ready.

I did the cut, spun her toward the mirror, and waited for that spark. Instead, I got: “I don’t like it.” Followed by the kind of line that makes every stylist’s stomach drop: “You can’t glue it back on.”

Ouch.

I tried to lighten the mood, offered to adjust or we could later in the week, but she waved me off and joked about hiding in her room. And that’s when it hit me: sometimes the mirror gives back a reality we just weren’t expecting, no matter how ready we thought we were.

Advice for Clients Thinking About the Big Chop

Before you make the leap from long to short, here are a few things to consider:

1. Give it time. Don’t decide on a whim, especially after a breakup or a bad Tuesday.
2. Start smaller. Maybe try a medium cut first before going full pixie.
3. Know the difference. The person in your inspiration photo may have thicker hair, a different face shape, or style their hair daily. Be honest about what’s realistic for you.
4. Be ready to style. Short hair often needs more day-to-day styling than long hair. Ask yourself: Do I want to commit to that?
   

Advice for Stylists Behind the Chair

The best tool we have for these moments isn’t our shears, it’s the consultation. A strong, honest consultation can save a lot of heartbreak (on both sides of the cape).

1. Be specific. Point out differences between the inspiration photo and the client’s actual hair texture, thickness, and face shape.
2. Talk lifestyle. Ask: “Do you style your hair every day? Are you willing to maintain this cut regularly?”
3. Be honest. Sometimes we’re afraid to say, “This may not look the way you think it will” but saying it upfront is better than watching someone cry in your chair.
4. Offer options. Suggest step-down cuts or tweaks that give the client confidence without all the shock at once.
   

The Reflection

The truth is that big chops are brave. They’re bold. They’re a leap of faith. And faith, as we know, doesn’t always look the same once it’s staring back at you in the mirror.

But here’s the part I hold onto... every cut, every single head of hair, teaches me something. Each one is a chance to listen better, to adjust my approach, to grow not just hair but my skills.

So yes, maybe the big chop will always be a gamble, but that’s okay. Because even on the days when the odds don’t fall in my favor, I still walk away a better stylist than I was the day before.

Amen.

Shear Comfort Education Hub: Study Support for Beauty Students

When I was a student, I always wished there was a place to find organized notes, real explanations, and extra support beyond the classroom. That’s what I’ve set out to create with the Shear Comfort Education Hub — a space designed for current and future beauty professionals who want to learn with confidence.

Inside the Hub, I’ve started building Guides that follow along with the textbooks many of today’s students are using, including the Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th Edition and the Milady Foundations book. Each guide organizes posts by chapter so you can review material in a way that’s simple, accessible, and directly tied to what you’re studying.

And because the hub is hosted on social media, it meets students right where they already are. Instead of asking them to dig through heavy textbooks or complicated websites, the learning tools come to a familiar platform, making it easier to stay engaged, study in short bursts, and connect with others going through the same material. 

"Education connects best when it meets students where they are and grows with them."

What’s Inside the Guides 

1. Chapter Notes & Breakdowns – easy-to-follow study support straight from the books you’re already using
2. Tailored Posts – tips and explanations written with students in mind
3. Future Plans – expanding into lecture-style videos, how-to tutorials, and demonstrations for mastering basic MPAs

Whether you’re prepping for an exam, refreshing your knowledge, or just trying to make sense of the overload of information in class, the Hub is here to help you stay on track.

👉 Join the Education Hub here: Shear Comfort Education Hub on Facebook

Together, we can make beauty education more accessible, supportive, and inspiring for every student.

Pinspiration: Stunning Up-do's for Everyday

 

There’s something about a hairstyle that feels simple but polished — like you woke up, twisted it up, and somehow it looks amazing. These comfy updos prove you don’t need hours of styling to feel confident.

Why We Love Them 

• Easy and wearable all day

• Flatter every age (especially silver hair!)

• Look chic without the fuss

Style Ideas to Try

• Soft braided crown

• Messy top knot

• Scarf-wrapped bun

• Loose side braid

• Low textured chignon

Pinspiration takeaway: Effortless styles aren’t just quick — they radiate confidence.
Which one would you wear tomorrow?

The Comb Through | Vendor Events and Pitching Ideas to Strangers

My First Vendor Event – A Little Nerve-Wracking, A Lot of Fun

Well, I did it. I survived my very first vendor event. If I’m being honest, I wasn’t sure how it would go. I had about a week to throw everything together, and my booth was a mix of Dollar Tree frames, a mission statement print-out, and a whole lot of “I hope this looks okay.” Spoiler: it wasn’t Pinterest-perfect, but it was mine.

Carrying everything in, I felt like the new kid walking into the lunchroom — nervous, overthinking, and trying not to drop anything. Other booths looked polished and put-together, and there I was fighting with the wind because apparently, my signs thought it was a kite-flying competition. Note to self: bring tape, clips, and weights next time.

Talking to People (aka the Scary Part)

When someone asked, “So what made you want to do mobile hair?” my brain short-circuited. I stumbled and rambled... but then I remembered why I was there: to talk about Shear Comfort and the heart behind it. By the third or fourth conversation, I found my rhythm. Turns out, people don’t care if you have a perfectly rehearsed pitch; they care if you’re real.

Little Wins

1. People did stop by my booth.
2. I had genuine conversations about hair, dignity, and accessibility.
3. I walked away with ideas for how to make my next setup better (and maybe a sturdier table).

What I Learned

1. You don’t need the fanciest booth to connect with people.
2. Having a short, clear way to explain what you do helps (I’ll work on that one).
3. Showing up matters more than being perfect.

At the end of the day, I felt proud. Proud that I showed up. Proud that I talked to strangers about something I care so much about. Proud that Shear Comfort had a seat at the table — or, in this case, a spot-on Main Street.

To my students (and fellow baby business owners): don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Sure, you'll word vomit a stream of words that make no sense, your pretty signs will blow halfway down the block, and you might forget to use the bathroom for seven hours... but, you'll find your rhythm, your "why" and your motivation to keep going. I know I did. 

Messy but proud, 

Kelli 

Getting Ready for Your Sensory Sensitive Appointment

How to Prep for Your In-Home Hair Appointment

Why This Matters

Haircuts can be overwhelming for many autistic children because of sensory overload, unfamiliar tools, unexpected touches, or changes in routine. But when we approach the experience with preparation, flexibility, and understanding, we create a space where they can feel safe and supported.

Whether this is your child’s first haircut or their tenth, preparation makes all the difference and every win, no matter how small, matters.

Before the Appointment: What to Do Ahead of Time

1. Start talking about it 1–3 days in advance, depending on your child’s understanding level.
2. Use a visual schedule or countdown calendar if your child benefits from visual cues.
3. Read a social story or create a simple photo sequence (e.g. “First we sit, then we spray, then we snip, then we’re done!”)
4. Let them explore the tools in a no-pressure way, touch the comb, try the cape, listen to the spray bottle.
5. Choose a comfort item or activity they can have during the haircut (tablet, toy, weighted blanket, etc.)
6. Let them help pick music or background sounds. Giving choices builds trust.

The Day Of: How to Set Up the Space

1. Choose a quiet, familiar room with good lighting and space to move around.
2. Set up a chair or seating option they’re used to, a beanbag, booster, wheelchair, etc.
3. Keep towels, wipes, and a change of shirt nearby in case they want to feel clean right after.
4. Prep sensory-friendly options like noise-reducing headphones, fidget items, or chew necklaces.
5. Have their favorite comfort object visible and accessible.

During the Appointment: How to Support Your Child

1. Let your stylist take their time. Rushing = stress.
2. Model calm behavior and reassure your child with short, soft phrases: “You’re doing great.” / “Just one more snip.” / “We’re almost done.”
3. Use a first-then structure: “First haircut, then Bluey.”
4. Offer deep pressure hugs or gentle squeezes if that helps regulate them.

Need a Visual Schedule, Countdown Calendar, or Social Story?

Every child is different and sometimes, preparing for a haircut means more than just setting the appointment. If your child would benefit from a visual schedule, countdown calendar, or a custom social story to help them know what to expect, I’m happy to help. Just let me know when booking, and I’ll create a tool tailored to your child’s needs.

I also offer pre-consult visits, where I come by to say hello and let your child explore the tools and environment at their own pace. No cutting necessary, this visit is all about getting comfortable with me, my tools, and the idea of a haircut. It’s especially helpful for kids who need a little more time to warm up or who have had tough experiences in the past.

Because at Shear Comfort, we’re not just doing hair, we’re building trust. 

Final Tips & Encouragement

You’re not doing it wrong if it’s hard. You’re doing it right by showing up with care.

Every child is different. Some days might be tough. Some might surprise you. But what matters most is that your child feels seen, safe, and loved, you’re giving them exactly that.

Comfort Clicks | August 2025

✨ This Week’s Comfort Clicks ✨

Your gentle guide to products, posts, and finds that made my heart (and chair) smile.

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1. Product I Want to Try

A portable inflatable basin for hair washing, perfect for nursing home clients! No more soggy towels or spill worries during bed washes. Convenient, sanitary, and hopefully life-changing for both my clients and me.
Check it out on Amazon

2. Class I Just Signed Up For

I registered for a Sensory Safe Salon provider training at the Premier Columbus Beauty Show. I can’t wait to deepen my skills in serving neurodiverse clients with empathy and expertise.
Learn more here

3. Helpful Article for Senior Haircare

This blog post from BLHC shares gentle advice like using mild shampoo, moisturizing the scalp, and choosing flattering styles for fine thinning hair.
Read the article

4. TikTok That Made Me Nod

A hairstylist broke down high-end vs. affordable tools—super helpful and honest. I love when people don’t gatekeep great tips!

5. Blog Worth a Bookmark

Creative Booster’s list of “23 Gorgeous Short Hairstyles for Women Over 60 with Thin Hair” is full of soft, flattering cuts made for ease, confidence, and texture.
View the blog post

6. Style I’m Inspired By

This super-simple hairstyle I found on Pinterest is perfect for someone who wants to look good with minimal effort.
See the pin

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Why I love this space: It’s like sharing a virtual coffee break, thoughtful, tidy, and sprinkled with things that matter. Looking forward to next week’s Comfort Clicks!

Comfortably,
Kelli