Great Company, Bad Store - Hairstylist Sport Clips Employee Review

2.0
Oct 7, 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You make great money when it is busy, no chemical services or women's haircuts to deal with. Plus sports playing all the time and awesome employee discount

Cons

Mandatory uniforms that don't allow the skin to breathe (they never keep it cool enough in the store), cookie-cutter mentality of following the same sales pitch and routine word for word EVERY client (which virtually eliminated the whole personal client-to-stylist relationship, even though they require you get requests somehow), not getting more than 30 hours a week which is all contingent upon selling product (something out of our control), bi-weekly Saturday mandatory "pep" rallies where the manager would call out on the carpet everyone who breathed wrong that week...also, they would cut your hours with no warning but expect you to be waiting with bated breath by your phone to be called in at a moment's notice, even on your day off or if you had gone home for the day. As far as ever getting sick, forget missing work unless you can find a replacement , which is virtually impossible. The stylists are also expected to do about 20 closing duties with no help from any insiders, such as receptionists. It would look like a hair bomb had gone off on some busy nights. Mandatory marketing using your own vehicle (in simpler terms...soliciting coupons). Stylists are skilled at doing hair, not marketing...in my opinion, they should either hire separate marketing people or pay way higher for gas compensation (as we were not compensated for this to begin with) They do not allow you to access or keep track of your tips until your shift is over. Also, if the drawer is shorter than $5, they would expect stylists to pay for it out of pocket, but no proof was shown where the missing money had gone. Mandatory attendance during your off hours at community events...again, pushing coupons. Workers who have a run-in with another team member (say, for example, someone just does not like you and acts rudely and another team member reports to upper management on your behalf because of the bad behavior), BOTH stylists get a write up and put on probation over it. However, this had to remain confidential (at explicit manager's orders). Or else we would be written up. Having to split time between three understaffed stores...again wear and tear on my car, not to mention no chance of ever getting that mandatory clientele. Most stores close at 8 or 9 depending on location, however, they require you take haircuts 5 minutes past closing time. They do tell you this company is not for everyone once you are hired and have you by the shorthairs...so you do get "warned". However, within 30 days, they also can let you go at a moment's notice if they think you don't fit their standards somehow. I lucked out and passed but the stress alone sent me packing a few months later. It may be all in the management. The store I was hired at was where all these things I listed above occured. The other stores I helped out in were wonderful. Yet when I put in a request for a transfer, they denied it, saying I had to earn it, producing great numbers and product sales. However, I had already done this.

Explore other reviews about Sport Clips

5.0
Jul 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Bonusing, fun family culture, award ceremonies, fun prizes, fun parties, feel appreciated, steady client flow, reliable paycheck potential, paid trainings, no chemical services, flexible scheduling, opportunities for advancement, established brand.

Cons

Fast paced, mostly men and boys, stand all day, pressure around productivity, income varies, working weekends, holidays and evenings.

avatar
Sport Clips Response
9h
We're overjoyed to hear about your positive experience with Sport Clips! It's wonderful to know that you appreciate our fun family culture, flexible scheduling, and the opportunities for advancement. We strive to create a high-energy atmosphere where our All-Star Team Members feel valued and supported. Your feedback about the fast-paced environment and the varying income is important, and we encourage open communication with appropriate leadership to ensure everyone can thrive. Thank you for being a part of our Championship Experience! Thank you again for your kind words. We appreciate your time and contributions to Sport Clips.
3.0
Jul 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great hourly pay with tips. Averaged about $38 to $40 an hour. Great starting place. They do offer training. The co-workers were nice at my location. Management does help you with flexible scheduling so if you have children, it works out great.

Cons

Burnout is real. Expected to complete service within an allotted short time. Too many clients come in that want expensive barbershop cuts but want to pay the lowest price (they really shouldn’t even go to sport clips for). Also, way too many clients with long hair wanting full scissor cuts. They won’t turn away clients even if the cuts they ask for are — are not something sport clips does or allows for a lot of time. TV’s get annoying after a while (too loud).

avatar
Sport Clips Response
3d
Thank you for sharing your insights about your experience at Sport Clips. It's great to hear that you found value in the pay and training provided. We appreciate your feedback regarding client expectations and scheduling challenges, and we are committed to continually enhancing the work environment. Your input is invaluable as we strive for improvement! Thank you again for your kind words. We appreciate your time and contributions to Sport Clips.
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