Guest Post: Hairdresser Haters | Faces of Black Fashion: Guest Post: Hairdresser Haters

Monday, April 14, 2014

Guest Post: Hairdresser Haters

Have you ever had a hairdresser "hate on" your hair?
How did you deal with it?

Read Tyra's Story Below



One day I was walking down a popular shopping avenue, and found myself in a strange position.  I had just taken down a protective style, and was proudly rocking my fluffy fro, while I ran a few errands.  As I walked past a beauty salon, I was approached by a hair stylist.
“You want a PERM?!” she asked loudly. I turned, looked at her head to toe, but did not respond.  I kept walking, my fro waving in the breeze.... 

No I didn’t want a perm. Why would she ask that? My hair was just passing the TWA phase,  and I had a healthy  4 inches to work with. I was happy with its progress, and my hair was healthy.  Why didn't  she ask if I wanted twists? Or Braids?  Why did she pratically yell that question? If she was really interested in gaining a new client, (Or being a decent hairdresser) she would have noted my style and suggested a hair style to match. My Conclusion, She was a HATER. 
Her own hair was fried, dyed, and laid to the side. Her short crop appeared damaged, and dry, despite the tons of gel she used to slick it down. And her salon chair was empty. Could it have been her work as a hairdresser, her attitude, or her own appearance keeping her business down? I don’t know.   There are a few things I am sure of:
Your hairdresser should take the time to understand your needs, and the needs of your hair. Your hairdresser should never tell you, that you need a relaxer in order to achieve a certain style. (You should accept that natural black  hair will curl, Embrace it, & discover alternative styles). And most importantly you should be able to communicate with your hair dresser.    I have had to walk out a of couple salons, because I wasn’t happy with the way they detangled, or braided. If your uncomfortable speak up! You may come across a lot of haters in your lifetime, don’t let your hairdresser be one of them.
Peace & Love
Tyra
Tyra is the Creator of Indigenous Curls. She is a  trained hairdresser, curly hair enthusiast, writer, and recruiter. She has loved her tightly coiled, 4c hair for the past 4 years. She share her tips, antics, and curl  must haves on her blog.  

2 comments:

  1. Wow! I have never had a hairdresser hate on me on the street BUT I have had hairdressers to hate on me while I was in the chair. Sounds crazy, doesn't it? You would think they would want to do a good job to have me come back, but NO something in them would rather try to destroy my hair. For years because of past experiences I wouldn't dare set foot in a salon unless it was for braids. Luckily, I found a lovely older woman who has hair just like mine and is in to the health of hair as well as an excellent stylist.

    Lastly I want to add, this story you shared is terrible on so many different levels. The two issues that stick out for me are, here you are with your awesome HEALTHY afro, and a sister who could have a healthy afro too, instead asked you if you wanted to douse your head in harmful toxic chemicals! Why don't we love our own hair, in it's natural state? Lastly, Black Women, let's love and support each other! There is no reason for the hate on each other.

    I think your hair is beautiful and you are a beautiful woman. If you ever encounter this nonsense again, just smile and continue to shine on the haters :)

    xoxo,

    Nicole
    www.iheartretailtherapy.com

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  2. I agree her hair is absolutely beautiful the way God created it. I'm glad she knows that despite what the uninformed hair dresser said.

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Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts :)