Becoming Besties With Your Mannequin: The Beauty School Journey

If you’re a beauty school student, you know the drill: long hours, sharp scissors, and… your mannequin head. At first, it’s just a tool. But somewhere between the third failed braid and the first snip, something magical happens — you become besties. Yes, your mannequin is basically your new BFF 💇‍♀️🤣

1. The First Meeting: Awkward but Promising

You pick up your mannequin for the first time, and it’s stiff, silent, and… and judging you silently (or maybe that’s just your imagination). You stare at each other, scissors in hand, unsure if you’re supposed to snip or introduce yourself. A few awkward services later, and suddenly you’re whispering, “Don’t worry, we’ve got this, Viola.”

I still remember my very first mannequin back in 1996, when I was a student at the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis. Her name was Nancy — she had teal eye shadow, and a look on her face that seemed to say, “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” (Spoiler: I did not).

But after a few pretty bad services, I started treating Nancy like a real client. I’d put her on her stand, talk her through the haircut, and even apologize when I made mistakes. 🤣 Somewhere between the uneven layers and the crooked bangs, she became more than plastic and hair — she was my partner in crime.

2. The Student Salon Grind

One of my strongest memories with Nancy was in the busy student salon during school hours. Picture rows of students, each with their mannequin heads on stands, perm rods, papers and a mix of nerves and determination.

We were all side by side, sectioning, combing, wrapping, and watching the timers on our stations go down. I wrapped and unwrapped Nancy’s perm what felt like thousands of times, determined to get the whole head rolled in under 45 minutes. Back then, for the state board exam, that was the standard — every single rod with even bases and tension.

My classmates were doing the same with their mannequins — it was like a quiet competition, but also a team effort. Nancy sat patiently while I pushed myself, sometimes fumbling, sometimes speeding through like a pro. By the time I finally nailed it, I felt like both of us had passed the test together.

3. Mannequin Fashion Shows

Fast-forward to now, and I see the same bond between students and their mannequins. At Haywood Community College, competition season is the best — wild color experiments, intricate braids, and gravity-defying updos all find their way onto mannequin heads. It’s part runway, part comedy show, and all heart.

No matter how messy things get, mannequins always show up looking fabulous when it counts. They’re the perfect canvas for big creative risks, the ones you’d never dream of trying on a real client… yet.

4. The Secrets You Share

Mannequins are the ultimate listeners. I can’t tell you how many pep talks Nancy sat through — me venting about sore arms, impossible instructors, and the terror of state board. She never judged, never gossiped, and never once asked me to hurry up. Honestly, she was a better friend than some people I knew back then.

5. Graduation Day? Not Without a Selfie

When graduation day finally came, I snapped one last picture with Nancy. By then, she was looking rough — mostly bald, any hair left was frizzy and overprocessed — but she had been there for every milestone. My first bob, my first highlight, my first pass at the dreaded state board wrap.

Nancy wasn’t just a mannequin. She was my first client, my practice partner, and my beauty school bestie.

💡 Final Words

In cosmetology school, friendships are important — but your mannequin? That’s a bond like no other. They tolerate your mistakes, celebrate your progress, and never complain about the long hours. If you ever find yourself talking to your mannequin like it’s your best friend… congratulations, you’ve joined the club.

My current Mannequin Bestie Madeline- Looking as cool as ever after I did some vivids color practice with her last spring 🌈💇‍♀️

And if you want to celebrate that bond, our Mannequin Bestie shirts, totes, and hats and other #future stylist accessories are the perfect way to show it — because every bestie deserves a little style!