...to ask your honest thoughts when someone tells you they're a hairdresser?

[westmommy]

First thoughts, any assumptions? Fully transparent and honest answers please, no judgement whether good/bad!

Also any hairdressers out there, what are your honest experiences and thoughts about the job? Do you enjoy, would you recommend it etc?

Worried they're judging my box dyed hair then questioning whether they honestly consider the price of salon dying to be a reasonable amount to spend several times a year if you're not very rich.

What a great job! My hairdresser is one of the most important people in my life! She can make or break my day. She is very talented, a fantastic business woman- owns her own business, makes a ton of money, is enormously kind .

She also looks fab.

I don't really know what assumptions I should have about a hairdresser to be honest

Why? I've described my own hairdresser to a t.

I view them positively. It must be nice doing something creative with their hands each day and making people look their best.

If anyone was disrespecting them or looking down on them I’d question them more than I would someone choosing hairdressing as a career

It's not a job I have any strong feelings about

I've definitely come across that more often than not in my career as a beauty therapist. People were forever surprised that I knew what impetigo was and that I had A levels in sciences. It's pretty sad, actually.

OP, to answer your question, I'd think they are...a hairdresser. That's all. No assumptions. I've worked with pretty amazing hairdressers who very well educated (some even had degrees and high-flying careers before deciding they wanted a change and more flexibility) as well as with some who could hardly spell their name and needed support with figuring out how to tare a mixing bowl. People come to these professions for all sorts of reasons and these are not always due to lack of options or being "dim".

Good job she's skilled at cutting your hair then considering you have such a low opinion of hairdressers.

I too was about to mention the shoes! I’m always interested in what people who are on their feet all day wear - I always look at the shoes medical professionals wear as well. Just any profession that’s constantly on its feet but can’t wear work boots.

That they were the people we missed most during lockdown!

I always wonder how they work out the lengths and manage to cut the hair the same length & straight (though had a few that struggle with that principal)

I don’t particularly think anything though, its a skilled job & they have to stand up 7/8hrs a day and be chatty

I couldn’t do it. Had some brilliant hairdressers in my time though

I think hairdressers do a skilled job, but somehow people think plumbing etc. is more 'important'. I think, why do hairdressers in salons get a raw deal salary wise when haircuts/colours cost a flippin fortune

I know some people make assumptions about level of eduction being low etc, but I have a family member who is a hairdresser and also a graduate, so I know that’s absolutely not the case. My family member comes up against that assumption a lot and it really annoys her, as it makes clear that the person with that opinion doesn’t value what she does, and sees as it as a fall-back for people who can’t do anything else. To be honest, when I discover people are a hairdresser I usually worry that they are judging my hair as I’m mostly grey now and haven’t been able to afford a cut in over a year, and know I look a mess.

Interesting - so many responses!

Honestly I am degree educated, creative but struggling to find work in my field so now considering transitioning industry with a consistent income over freelance.

A few posters have confirmed there can be a stigma around it...

Others raise points I've considered myself - not being replaced by AI/ who knows what potential future technological developments and the physical strain.

I'm mid 30s so wonder if an apprenticeship route is even an option. Great to know some of you rate as financially viable as have been warned the pay can be peanuts apparently.

I don’t understand what you mean? It doesn’t really bring up any sort of thought but at a party, I’d ask small talk questions about how you enjoy the job and what you specialise in (colour, styling etc) but I honestly don’t care.

It’s a very normal, good job. But it’s not exactly interesting to inspire great thought.

Probably an initial panic that they might try to make extended small talk with me (something I’d think they’d be good at, and which I am very much not!) but other than that I’d have no strong feelings, it’s a normal sort of job?

Honestly, no opinion really. Indifference I guess same as most other normal, regular things that people do for a living.

Yes he's got his own salon and is very skilled at cutting hair, that's why I go there.
I don't need to like him, think he's a great person or think his opinions are worth anything.
He provides a service for which I pay, that's it.

I literally think nothing.

Mind you, I’ve just realised I’ve never met a hairdresser when I’ve not been at the hairdresser’s, if that makes sense. I guess I’m not cool enough to be friends with one!

I would think that it must be exhausting being on your feet all day and making small talk while the person in the chair is watching you and judging your work! Also that my back would ache a lot if that was my job.

I’ve huge respect. It’s a skill which will never be replaced by AI, it can be completely flexible, it makes people feel good and it pays well. What’s not to like? It’s also a career which can take you all over the world.

didn't go to uni
can be a great career
stylish
great hair
defo make up
wear black
they make cash
do they suffer from the chemicals
standing all day

I'd considering if they could be my hairdresser. I've only ever felt really comfortable with one hairdresser and she left the profession so I'm usually on the lookout for a new one.
I wouldn't think much deeper than that. If you're looking for answers around people's views on hairdressers in general, I think it's great that someone can be skilled in something creative and make it a steady career.

Just do what you want to do and will play to your talents.

Hairdressing brings happiness to clients, being a divorce solicitor not so much

"Oh that's nice" and then think no more about it for the rest of my life.