Stupid Hairstylists? Absolutely Not: Time To Rethink A Common Misconception

Stupid Hairstylists? Absolutely Not: Time To Rethink A Common Misconception

Stupid hairstylists? While it might not have been said directly to your face, the misconception is too common. It’s time to rethink this terrible stereotype against hairstylists.

Happy Monday beautiful! As today is the start of the week, it is time for another of Ask the Pro Stylist’s Hair Police column. My rant of the week concerns the misconception of stupid hairstylists. I am so over the stereotype given to those of us who work in the beauty industry.

The battle over reconciling people’s thoughts about stupid hairstylists is over 30 years in the running. It began with my family who wanted me to be a doctor or a lawyer. I love hair.

While I did go to college, and earn a BA, I continue to do hair. I ran the gamut of careers so as to be the only caregiver of my children, but my heart belongs to hair. It is my vocation, and I love it.

When my youngest was old enough to handle mom working out of the home full-time, I went from law office back to hair. As an educator within Paul Mitchell, I met some of the most intelligent people in my 40+ years on this earth. Of course there were stupid hairstylists. However, there are stupid people in every industry. Just take a look at our PEOTUS.

In the cosmetology school where I taught, were young men and women in attendance with college degrees. They simply love the beauty industry. And trust me when I tell you, grasping some of the material was difficult for many. The NYS Board Exam requires a written portion that includes nail disorders, medical terms for hair and skin, along with technical items. It is not a piece of cake.

Yet, ignorant people still believe in the misconception of stupid hairstylists. I love when laypeople try to color their own hair. Without an education in hair color or cosmetology, they generally screw it up 90% of the time. When you explain what they did wrong, the immediate response is, “Oh, I didn’t know it is that difficult.” Yeh, you don’t know.

As a hairstylist, for the most part, respect is high, especially in salons. Yet, recently I have encountered a few “men” that hold onto the notion of stupid hairstylists.

When asked what type of medicine he practices, a doctor/client replied, “I am a neurologist, that means I am a brain doctor.” He seriously said that, with a tone that insinuates I am a moron. Being the smartass I am, I answered, “So let me pick your brain, as a neurologist…” He didn’t laugh.

Another man began a rant about the current young generation of women as sluts, and how the military has to lower its standards to include females, including many other anti-women insults. (BTW-he claims to be a golf buddy of Trump) My fury caused me to hyperventilate and I began to trip over my own words because his comments were so vile. He took that as a lack of intelligence and began to let me know how “dumb” I am.

As I mentioned above, not all feel this way. But the worst part is those in the hair biz that state it. That is a slap in the face. I firmly believe we need to support one another, not tear each other up.

Sure we have stupid hairstylists and catty bitches that talk shit. Be very sure you can find that in any place of employment or industry.

Be kind to one another, and never insult the person doing your hair. You are the one that will be sorry. Stupid hairstylists my ass! How do you like your color/cut now? Until then, happy styling!

©Deirdre Haggerty, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is unlawful to reproduce this article or any part therein without prior written permission and consent from the author. This post contains affiliate links, compensating Ask the Pro Stylist if you make a purchase via clicking on such.