Feeling a bit frazzled upon first glance at our Levels page? Wondering what the difference between Platinum and Diamond is? Never fear, because we're here to keep everything detangled for you so you can know exactly how to navigate Blonde Faith Salon's level system, get those fantastic results, and keep them!
In one sentence, our levels system at Blonde Faith Salon is a seven-tiered roster of our stylists, organized by experience and demand (among other factors), that gives you as much clarity and control as possible when choosing your stylists and services. Read on to learn what the levels mean, how stylists earn their way through them, how to pick the right fit for your needs and budget, and everything else you may not have even thought to ask.
Why Levels In the First Place?
At its core, the level system exists to give you, the guest, full transparency. Not every stylist is in the same place in their career, and every guest has unique preferences when it comes to the level of experience they're comfortable working with.
Beyond experience, Blonde Faith Salon's level system tells you exactly where each stylist stands in terms of demand and pricing, so you can make a confidently informed decision before you ever sit in the chair. It also creates a clear growth path for the stylists themselves, which we'll get into in a bit.
The Levels, From the Ground Up
Blonde Faith Salon uses seven stylist levels, plus an associate tier. Here's what each one actually means.
Associates aren't stylists yet in the booking sense, but they are fully licensed cosmetologists who have completed one to two years of cosmetology school and passed their state licensing exams. They work alongside stylists in a supportive role, including shampooing, combing hair, applying glazes and blow-drying, using techniques they've been taught in BFS's own education program.
Bronze (Level 1) is where a stylist's independent career at BFS officially begins. These stylists have completed the associate training program. They are ready to spread their wings and grow their own clientele, and their pricing reflects that early-career stage.
Silver (Level 2) stylists have often spent a year or more at BFS as licensed associates before reaching this point, or they may be coming from another salon and going through a period of assessment and growth at Blonde Faith. Either way, they're performing work that meets BFS standards and are actively growing their book.
Gold (Level 3) is a definitive step in the direction of a busier and more experienced stylist. These are either experienced stylists new to Blonde Faith or stylists in the ramp-up stage of building a full client base. This level balances expertise and affordability.
Platinum (Level 4) is officially in the upper echelon of Blonde Faith Salon stylists. These stylists have busy books, strong client satisfaction and the kind of track record that keeps people coming back. Like Gold stylists, they work with licensed associates for the supporting steps of your service while personally handling all the color work and design details themselves.
Diamond (Level 5) is filled with in-demand stylists who tend to be booked solid (or close to it) weeks or more in advance. They bring the most hands-on experience to the table and consistently hit every benchmark BFS tracks. Associates always handle the shampooing and blow drying at this level so the stylist can give their full focus to the intricate work: your color and cut.
Emerald (Level 6) is reserved for stylists who are nearing the pinnacle of their career at BFS. To reach this level, a stylist has to meet or surpass every benchmark across the board: performance, client satisfaction, professionalism, leadership, contribution to the salon and loyalty to the brand.
Ruby (Level 7) is the highest level at Blonde Faith Salon. These stylists have reached the top of the BFS career ladder by consistently exceeding every benchmark the salon tracks. Their services are among the most sought-after, and they book out weeks in advance.
How Do Stylists Move Through the Levels?
Advancement at BFS isn't just about "putting in time," however foundational in-house experience may be. Stylists move through the levels exactly when they meet a set of benchmarks designed to accurately reflect the overall quality of their work: client satisfaction ratings, number of referrals generated, professionalism, contribution to the team and salon culture, and more.
Every category is carefully and intentionally crafted to spell out our philosophy of excellence in this business, which goes beyond raw talent to incorporate leadership, collaboration and character. And we simply couldn't keep this pipeline running if it weren't for the associate program. Thanks to our associates, our higher-level stylists get the support they need to keep delivering stellar service with zero compromises, and the associates get priceless hands-on experience.
Which Level Should I Book?
The answer depends on which factors you prioritize (experience, budget, complexity of service, etc.), and there's no single right answer.
If budget is the primary factor, Bronze and Silver stylists offer BFS-quality work at highly competitive price points. If you want a great balance of skill, availability and value, Gold and Platinum might be a great place to land. Gold stylists in particular tend to have more schedule flexibility than the higher levels, which means you might get an appointment sooner. If you have a complex service, like a full balayage transformation, a major color correction, an intricate highlight situation, or anything else that requires a highly experienced hand, booking around Diamond or higher may serve you best.
Finally, if you're in no rush and want the best of the best, plan ahead for a Diamond, Emerald or Ruby appointment. These stylists book out several weeks in advance, so spontaneity isn't really a thing in this scenario. But if you're planning a big event, a major transformation, or you've just decided it's finally time to invest in yourself at the highest level, the wait is more than worth it.
The Bottom Line
The level system at Blonde Faith Salon exists to take the guesswork out of booking. It gives you real information about experience, demand and cost so you can make a decision that actually fits your life.
Whether you're booking a Bronze stylist for a fresh trim as you build a relationship with someone on the rise, or you're putting yourself on a Ruby stylist's waitlist for a full color transformation, we're always here to accommodate your evolving hair needs.
Ready to find your person? Browse the full BFS team and filter by level to find the right fit, then book online whenever you're ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a lower level mean lower quality?
No. Higher-level stylists charge more because they are in higher demand, they have more experience and their time is genuinely limited. But that doesn't mean a Bronze or Silver stylist will give you a subpar result. It means they're building their career.
At Blonde Faith Salon, every stylist at every level has come through the same training culture and is held to the same standards of client care. The level system isn't a competitive ranking system or a hierarchy, but a reflection of where each person is in their professional journey, how full their schedule is and how long they've been delivering consistent results.
You can view full services and pricing on the BFS website, which will give you a clear picture of what to expect at each level before you book.
What should I know before my first appointment?
A few things that will make your visit go more smoothly:
First, arrive with clean hair that's free of heavy products. Your stylist needs to see your hair's natural texture and condition to make the best decisions for your service. (If you want a deeper dive on this, check out our post on 5 Mistakes to Avoid at Your Next Hair Appointment.)
Second, bring inspiration photos (multiple angles preferred). If you're thinking about a color service or a significant haircut, being able to show your stylist exactly what you're envisioning removes a ton of guesswork.
Third, be ready to share your hair history. Previous box dye? Chemical treatments? Heat damage? Medications that might affect your hair? This helps our stylists work toward the results you're looking for in a way that uniquely suits your hair and your personal preferences.
Finally, know that associates will be involved in your service if you've chosen a mid-to-upper level booking, which is by design. This frees up your stylist to dedicate their skills to the most technically demanding parts. All of this goes toward creating the best possible experience for you!
How far in advance should I book?
It depends on the level. Bronze and Silver stylists are typically easier to get on the books with shorter lead times, making them a great option if you're looking for something soon. Gold and Platinum stylists are busier but generally more accessible than the top three tiers.
Diamond, Emerald and Ruby stylists book out several weeks in advance, so if one of them is on your radar, the sooner you reach out, the better.
What role do associates play in my service?
Associates are fully licensed cosmetologists who support your stylist during your appointment. At mid-to-upper levels, they handle tasks like shampooing, applying glazes and blow drying so your stylist can stay focused on the work that requires their expertise: your color and cut.
It's a team approach that keeps your service running on time and ensures the highest-level stylists can give every detail of your color and design the full attention it deserves.
