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Expert Hair Stylist Shapes Future Professionals at PLCC’s Hair School
For Angela Harper, a career in hair design is more than creating beautiful styles. It’s about embracing change, connecting with people, and continually learning from every client who sits in her chair.
As lead instructor for Portage Lakes Career Center’s (PLCC’s) Uniontown, Ohio-based hair design program for adults—which focuses exclusively in hair styling and cutting techniques—
Angela eagerly shares her wealth of experience with a new generation of stylists. Her mission: to show aspiring professionals the craft is both an exciting and deeply rewarding career that touches lives in unexpected ways.
“My job is never boring,” she says, reflecting on her journey of more than three decades in the industry. “I like that it’s never the same. Even when I’m taking care of a client I know well, there’s always something new in front of me.”
For Angela Harper, a career in hair design is more than creating beautiful styles. It’s about embracing change, connecting with people, and continually learning from every client who sits in her chair.
As lead instructor for Portage Lakes Career Center’s (PLCC’s) Uniontown, Ohio-based hair design program for adults—which focuses exclusively in hair styling and cutting techniques—
Angela eagerly shares her wealth of experience with a new generation of stylists. Her mission: to show aspiring professionals the craft is both an exciting and deeply rewarding career that touches lives in unexpected ways.
“My job is never boring,” she says, reflecting on her journey of more than three decades in the industry. “I like that it’s never the same. Even when I’m taking care of a client I know well, there’s always something new in front of me.”
Hair stylist school blends timeless skills, trendsetting techniques
In hair design, trends evolve rapidly and classic styles often make comebacks with contemporary updates. This dynamic creates a unique challenge for stylists: they must stay current with the latest techniques and products while maintaining mastery of timeless fundamentals. The key to success lies in striking a balance between trendy and classic approaches.
“A skilled stylist seamlessly blends cutting-edge methods like modern balayage or the popular ‘wolf cut’ with foundational techniques,” says Angela. “That way they can meet diverse client needs and stay relevant.”
This balance is at the heart of Angela’s teaching philosophy at PLCC’s hair school. She aims to instill adaptability in her students, covering current trends while ensuring they have a strong grasp of classic cutting, coloring, and styling methods.
Angela sums up her approach:
"In this profession, versatility is your superpower. We're not just teaching styles; we're cultivating adaptable artists who can create a modern, edgy look one hour and a classic, elegant style the next. That's what makes this career so exciting and rewarding – you're always learning, always creating, and always ready for the next challenge that walks through the salon door."
This approach to hair stylist school instruction prepares students for the realities of working in a salon, equipping them with the skills and mindset to handle any request with confidence and creativity.
PLCC’s hair design school preps for business success
While creativity and technical skills are crucial, Angela emphasizes success in the industry also requires business acumen. “When I started hair school, I thought it was all about the art of hair,” she reflects. “But I quickly learned that understanding the business side is just as important.”
At PLCC’s hair salon school, Angela ensures students grasp the realities of the industry. She covers the pros and cons of different career paths, from working on commission in established salons to the challenges and rewards of booth rental and self-employment. Students learn about pricing strategies, client retention, and the importance of time management, and they get firsthand experience running PLCC’s hair salon that’s open to the public.
Marketing is also a critical skill for hair designers. “Social media changed the game,” Angela says. “While it can be a powerful tool for showcasing your work and attracting clients, it’s also created a more competitive landscape.”
With the rise of beauty influencers and the accessibility of online tutorials, standing out in the crowd can be daunting. However, Angela sees this as an opportunity for those willing to put in the work. She says social media may make the market seem crowded, but there’s always room for talented, hardworking stylists.
“The key is to focus on building real relationships with your clients,” she says. “Social media is great for exposure, but it’s the personal connection and quality of your work that will keep clients coming back. Your reputation is everything, and I encourage students to build it through consistent, quality work, excellent customer service, and continuous learning.”
The heart of hair design: building connections
While mastering techniques and understanding business principles are crucial, Angela believes the true essence of hair design lies in the human connections formed in the salon chair.
“You do get close to your clients,” Angela says, reflecting on personal relationships built over her career. “You see them go through joy and some heartache. You feel that with them.”
Angela shares this story about a unique bond that honed her professional skills and enriched her life:
"When I first started, I had a client who seemed quite old to me at the time—though she was probably only in her 60s. She was very particular about her hair, and I was just starting out. After she'd leave, I'd go to the back room and cry because I felt I hadn't done a good enough job for her. But she kept coming back.
"Years went by, and our relationship grew. I found myself playing cards at her house, doing her hair in the nursing home, and even styling her hair for her funeral. What started as an intimidating professional relationship blossomed into a beautiful friendship that lasted until the end of her life."
This story exemplifies the profound impact hair stylists can have on their clients’ lives, and vice versa. It’s these human connections that Angela believes make the profession truly rewarding.
“In this career, you’re not just changing someone’s appearance; you’re boosting their confidence, listening to their stories, and sometimes, being a source of comfort during tough times,” Angela says. “It’s a privilege to be part of people’s lives in this way.”
For Angela, this human-centered approach is what transforms hair design from a job into a fulfilling lifelong career. As she shapes the next generation of stylists at PLCC, she’s not just teaching techniques—she’s nurturing compassionate professionals ready to make a positive impact, one client at a time.
PLCC’s school for hair design, located in Uniontown, Ohio, provides comprehensive training for aspiring hair stylists. Students gain hands-on experience in our modern facility—including a salon that’s open to the public—and emerge fully prepared to excel in the dynamic world of professional hair styling, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in salons across Northeast Ohio and beyond.