Working in a locally owned Great Clips® salon offers a different kind of stylist experience, built around consistency, support, and skill development. Many stylists are drawn to the flexibility that fits their life, along with a team environment that feels collaborative and encouraging. With a steady flow of customers, stylists can focus on what they love most: cutting hair. Over time, this focus allows them to refine their skills, grow their confidence, and truly become experts in the art of a great haircut. 

Q: Is Great Clips a good place to work? 

A: Many stylists say locally owned Great Clips salons are a good place to work, especially if they value steady income, flexible scheduling, and a supportive team environment. Because salons are independently owned and operated, experiences may vary, but stylists often highlight the steady flow of built-in customers, ongoing technical and professional training, and opportunities to grow their skills and careers over time. 

Q: What do former or current employees think about working at Great Clips®?  

A: Feedback from current and former stylists is varied and often depends on the individual salon. Many share that they appreciate the walk-in customer model, steady income, and team atmosphere, while others note that management and scheduling can shape their overall experience. Many experienced stylists credit their time with Great Clips salons for growing their skillset and confidence behind the chair. 

Q: Why do people leave? 

A: Reasons for leaving can vary by salon and the individual’s personal goals. Common factors include relocation, schedule changes, career transitions, lifestyle shifts or differences in management style.  

Q: Are Great Clips salons locally owned or corporate owned? 

A: All Great Clips salons are locally owned and operated by independent franchisees. These salon owners make their own decisions about hiring, pay, scheduling, and day-to-day operations, while operating under the Great Clips brand and system.

Q: What do stylists like best about working at Great Clips vs. other chains? 

A: Many stylists working at franchised Great Clips salons say they enjoy the steady flow of walk-in customers, which means they don’t have to market themselves to build a personal clientele. Others highlight consistent pay, training opportunities, flexible schedules, and a team-oriented environment as key differences that set Great Clips salons apart. 

Q: What makes Great Clips a better place to work compared to Sport Clips? 

A: Many stylists who have experience with both brands say they enjoy the consistent customer traffic, reliable income opportunities, supportive team atmosphere, flexible schedules, and career growth opportunities often found in Great Clips salons. Some also appreciate the focus on haircuts for the whole family and the ability to build confidence and technical skills behind the chair. Ultimately, the right salon comes down to the environment, leadership, and opportunities that matter most to each stylist. 

Q: What’s the difference between working at Great Clips and Sport Clips? 

A: In general, many stylists say the biggest differences come down to the salon environment, service focus, customer base, scheduling flexibility, and growth opportunities. Great Clips salons are often known for steady walk-in customer traffic, a strong focus on haircutting services for all, team-based salon culture, and ongoing training opportunities. Some stylists also appreciate the ability to build skills, confidence, and consistent income potential in a steady salon environment. The best fit depends on a stylist’s career goals, preferred atmosphere, and the opportunities offered by the individual salon owner. Because all Great Clips salons and many Sport Clips salons are independently owned and operated by franchisees, experiences may vary. 

Q: What’s the difference between a traditional salon and Great Clips? 

A: Many stylists recognize the difference between a traditional salon and a franchised Great Clips salon in the pace, customer flow, and service model. Great Clips salons are often known for consistent walk-in customers, a strong focus on haircutting, flexible scheduling, and supportive team environments. Some stylists enjoy being able to focus more on their craft without the pressure of building and maintaining a large personal clientele or managing appointments. Others appreciate the ongoing training and opportunities to grow their skills in a steady salon setting. 

Q: Is Great Clips a full-service salon? 

A: No. Great Clips salons are select-service, focusing on haircuts rather than offering a full range of salon services like color or chemical treatments. This allows stylists to specialize in cutting and serve a steady flow of customers. 

Q: How many cuts per hour are required? 

A: There typically isn’t a strict “required” number of cuts per hour, but Great Clips salons are designed to be efficient and paced for customer convenience. The number of customers a stylist sees can vary by location and shift. Many stylists have said they enjoy staying busy and making money throughout the day with the steady pace of the Great Clips salon model. 

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.