Not every great haircut has to come with a full-price tag. At Soon Beauty Lab, our apprentice training program gives stylists-in-training real, hands-on experience under the direct supervision of a licensed instructor — and it gives you the chance to walk out with a fresh cut, color, or treatment at a fraction of the usual cost. Here’s what becoming a hair model actually involves, and how to get started.
How the Apprentice Program Works
Our apprentice classes give student stylists real, hands-on experience performing services on real clients — with a licensed instructor supervising every step, start to finish. Nothing happens without that oversight, so you’re never in a chair alone with someone still learning the ropes. Classes typically run once a week and rotate between our Carroll Gardens and Fort Greene locations, so availability varies — the best way to see current openings is through our online booking system.
What Services Are Available
Apprentices train across the full range of core services, so there’s a good chance whatever you’re looking for is covered:
Haircuts — long layers, bobs, and short cuts
Single-process color — brunette, blonde, or red
Foil highlights
Balayage highlights
Double-process color
Keratin treatments
What to Know Before You Book
A few honest expectations up front: apprentice services take longer than a standard appointment, since your stylist is learning as they go with an instructor checking in throughout. Results can vary from what you’d get with a fully licensed stylist, and because you’re getting the service at a significantly reduced rate, apprentice appointments are final — refunds and complimentary corrective work aren’t available. You’ll also sign a model release before your appointment begins. None of this is meant to scare you off — just to make sure you’re going in with the right expectations.
Booking Your Spot
Classes rotate weekly between our Carroll Gardens and Fort Greene locations, so the easiest way to find an open spot is to check current availability directly. Full pricing, policies, and the complete list of apprentice services live on our Hair Models page — take a look, then book through our online booking system whenever a class lines up with your schedule.