Many licensed stylists aren’t just looking for their next job — they’re looking for long-term opportunity. In franchised Great Clips® salons, career paths may include leadership roles, advanced training, relocation flexibility, and even salon ownership. Because salons are independently owned and operated, growth opportunities may vary by location — but many stylists build lasting careers within the Great Clips brand. 

Advancement & Promotion 

Q: Do Great Clips salons promote from within? 

A: Yes, many Great Clips salons promote from within. Since all salons are independently owned and operated by franchisees, they are responsible for making all hiring and personnel decisions within their salons. Check with your local Great Clips salon to find out more about career paths and growth opportunities. 

Q: Can I grow my career with Great Clips?                  

A: Yes. Many stylists in franchised Great Clips salons advance from entry-level roles to management, leadership or ownership positions. Career paths may include assistant manager, salon manager, trainer, recruiter, area manager, general manager, or franchise salon owner. These are just some examples and may vary by location. Franchisees are responsible for all decisions related to employment in their respective salons. 

Q: Can I move from stylist to salon manager - and how long does it usually take? 

A: Yes, many salon managers start as stylists. The timeline of moving from a stylist position into management may vary and is not guaranteed. If you are interested in career growth with your local Great Clips franchise, it's a good idea to communicate your goals with a general manager or franchisee. They can share more about the requirements for a leadership path in their organization. Franchisees are exclusively responsible for employment and personnel matters in their respective salons. 

Training & Professional Development 

Q: Does Great Clips have ongoing employee evaluations? 

A: Many Great Clips salons conduct ongoing evaluations to maintain a high level of customer service and support staff development. Great Clips salons are owned and operated by independent franchisees, who make all employment and personnel decisions, so processes and policies may differ by location. To better understand this process at your local Great Clips salon, ask the hiring manager at your interview. 

Q: What support does Great Clips provide for ongoing stylist training? 

A: Great Clips stylists have exclusive access to Great Clips University, a learning hub with many training opportunities for all stylists, from recent graduate to seasoned professional. For more details, check out our Training page! 

Q: Are there shadowing opportunities at Great Clips? 

A: Yes, some locally owned Great Clips salons offer job shadowing, salon tours, or internship programs. Availability may vary and is determined solely by the franchisee. To find out if a local salon offers these opportunities, reach out to the local management team or search for "intern" on the Salon Careers page. 

Long Term Stability & Flexibility 

Q: How long do employees work in franchised Great Clips salons? 

A: Great Clips salons employ professionals at all stages of their professional journey, and many stylists have found long-term career fulfillment in their franchised locations. In fact, around a fifth of Great Clips salon stylists have been with the brand for 6-10 years, and another fifth have been with the brand for 11 years or more. These tenure milestones reflect the long-term career potential many stylists find within the Great Clips system. 

Q: Can I bring my own clients to Great Clips? 

A: No, you don't need a clientele to work in a franchised Great Clips salon, as Great Clips stylists don't book appointments or maintain an exclusive clientele. The Great Clips system focuses on consistency and convenience, so customers can check in online and feel confident knowing that they can get the same great haircut from any licensed Great Clips stylist. This model helps provide steady client traffic across many locations. 

Q: Can I transfer from one Great Clips location to another? 

A: Yes. Great Clips is the world’s largest salon brand, with over 4,400 locations across the United States and Canada. Many stylists have stayed with the brand when relocating. If you're interested in moving to a different salon location, talk to your manager or franchisee. You may also want to look at the professional licensing requirements in your new area, as requirements and processes may vary 

All Great Clips® salons are independently owned and operated by third party franchisees. Franchisees, not Great Clips, Inc., are responsible for all hiring and personnel matters at their individual salons.*