Male hairdressers today are more likely an exception than a rule. But in vain, because this profession has been male for centuries. What advantages do guys have over hairdressers-girls, what stereotypes are around this profession, as well as many other interesting things you will learn from the article.
History tour
In general, the profession of hairdresser is not one thousand years old. The word itself is of German origin and means "one who makes wigs." And images of people conjuring over hair were found in ancient Greek frescoes. Moreover, in some cultures, where his spirit, his strength and power were contained in a person’s hair, hairdressers had a special status.
Since the long hair of women was their pride, the fair sex practically did not cut their hair. The regulars of the hairdressers were only men, which means that their male hairdressers cut their hair. After all, it was considered indecent for a woman to touch a man, even his hair.
Why do guys choose this profession today?
It has long been the case that women are more often interested in fashion and beauty, more likely to choose a job as a hairdresser. But this does not mean that a man in this form will look worse.
The guys who chose a comb and scissors as a professional tool believe that there is nothing wrong with that. And even more so, they do not pay attention to criticism and attribution to them of non-traditional sexual orientation. Quite the contrary: a man hairdresser is completely free from prejudice. He does not listen to those who say that unloading wagons or forging iron cars, and cutting hair is a female matter. And rightly so.
Male hairdressers, subject to a competent professional approach and a desire to develop, will certainly succeed. A skilled craftsman who is pleasant in communication is more likely to win the sympathy of a young female client, a child, and an elderly lady. In addition, a woman hairdresser, going on maternity leave, risks losing regular customers. The guy remains more "reliable" in this regard.
Customer reviews
Many girls want to get a haircut and styling specifically to a male hairdresser. After all, he sees a woman from a completely different point of view, not like the other woman. It is important for him to make her truly beautiful, the subject of envy and admiration of others, and not just to get money for his work. He is always attentive to the wishes of the client, and complete with accuracy and a sincere compliment - what else does a girl who came to the salon for a haircut need?
There is also an opinion among clients: a woman can cut another woman worse simply because of envy, a subconscious desire to get rid of her competitor. This applies, of course, not to every hairdresser, but there is a certain sense in the words. And for a man, this is not even a question - he does his work with inspiration and beauty.
Legendary Hairdressers
Many French hairdressers were men. Here are the most famous of them in the history of mankind. Some are so famous for their talent that they still know their names.
- Champagne. The very first known hairdresser who lived in France in the 17th century and sheared princes, kings and their wives. Many clients were ready to give anything in order to get into his chair.
- Legros de Rumigny. French hairdresser whose regular client was Madame Pompadour herself. He is the author of the first book with drawings of hairstyles, the reading of which was considered mandatory among the "cream of society."
- Leonard. He became famous for his extravagant hairstyles, up to one and a half meters high and with the most incredible decorations. He had her hair cut by Marie Antoinette and the Duchess de Liuin.
- Marcel Grateau. He became famous for making the world's first hair curling tongs. The invention has become so popular that a styling called the Marseille Wave has still survived.
- Antoine (Antoine). This male hairdresser, whose photo you see below, worked in the 20s of the last century. Coco Chanel herself trusted her talented master of Polish descent. He also came up with an ageless classic - a bob hairstyle.
- Sydney Guilaroff. A native of Russia, raised in a family of Jewish immigrants. Strig Greta Garbo, Grace Kelly and many other celebrities of the time.
- Alexandre de Paris. A student of Antoine, who became a stylist of such famous personalities as Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. Repeatedly participated in fashion shows of Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent.
- Raymond Bessone, or "Mr. Teasy-Weasy." He became famous for his luxurious London salon and the invention of a fashionable fleece. It was he who became the first hairdresser to “light up” on a blue screen.
- I saw Sassoon. Icon of the swing style, a hairdresser who revolutionized hairstyles: since the 60s, they have become ideally geometric, crisp and easy to style.
Hairdressers today
A male hairdresser can be a stylist, a colorist, or a weaving specialist. He can specialize exclusively in women's, or, conversely, men's hairstyles. There are also generalists - real “scissor geniuses”, demanded in most salons.
In a word, there is nothing strange and unusual if your master hairdresser is a man. Rather, you are just very lucky!