The "Hairapist"

First off let me say I have debated making this blog for a couple months. I've only ever really truly gotten deep the one other blog earlier this summer when I talked about struggles during covid. Sometimes, when we get deep and talk about subjects not talked about as often people think you're complaining. This isn't at all me complaining! The reason I've debated making this blog is I didn't want people to think I'm whining or complaining about this side of the career. I absolutely love my career and all the parts that come with it this is just a part that isn't talked about usually. After talking to several friends and family they told me this is the perfect blog because it isn't negative or me asking for this side of the career to change. It's just simply shining light on a part of our career no one usually knows about.

Recently a client asked me what the hardest part of my job is. I had to think about that for a moment because there are several technical sides of my job that can be a challenge when it comes to certain techniques or chemical. But, at the same time the hardest part I feel can actually be the emotional side. Just the week before another client joked and said I'm her "hairapist" because her hair appointments are also like a therapy session. Not only do we help clients with how they see themselves, but we also hear about what's going on in their lives. We get to hear about what's happening good or bad and what they have been dealing with. I honestly love this side of my career. Being able to be what is called in 2023 a "safe space" is a good feeling. I know clients can be comfortable in my chair and share personal things with me good or bad and tell me how they're feeling. Sometimes I can even offer my advice and I always make sure to offer my support and know I am always here for them when they just need someone to listen. As much as I love it though it also can become the hardest part of my job because some days I have to hear tough news but then my next client has happy news. So in those cases I have to adjust from something more sad or upsetting and become super happy and upbeat if the next client has excitement.

Clients often become close friends or even like family. It's always fun and exciting to hear what different clients have been up to and what's going on in their lives. I love hearing about all the excitement, and even when its hard times and not so great news it's honestly an honor I can be trusted to share that with. I am so glad clients can be comfortable enough in my chair to open up to me and tell me how they're feeling or what has been going on. Not everyone has a huge circle or good support group so I am glad I can be that person for them.

We as stylists feel the ups and downs with our clients. We have to try to match clients energy levels to keep the appointment at what they need and want. We want to keep their hair appointment tailored to what they need that day. So that is why some days it can be mentally exhausting by the end of the day. Sometimes we are constantly going back and forth from highs to lows as we go to the next client and appointment. We might have to switch from highs to lows and back again multiple times a day. Some days I hear all exciting and fun news, and other days it may be mixed or just mostly all tough news. No matter what the news is I always listen and just make sure clients know that I truly do care about them and am there for them. Sometimes they just need me to listen and to vent. Other days I will offer advice if needed or wanted or just relate to them with my own personal experiences to help remind them they're not alone and I hear them.

The other emotional side that can be tough at work is keeping everyone happy. I am absolutely a people-pleaser to a fault . I wish I could get every client in exactly when they wanted and achieve everyones hair goals in just one session. That just isn't realistic though, sometimes I am just booked up and sometimes hair goals may not be achieved in one session, and sometimes it just may not come out 100% as planned. I hate having to disappoint or let down a client, but I am only human. Clients sometimes think stylists don't care about these things but I care and always am worried about trying to keep everyone happy and booked where they want. But sometimes I am just busy and can't fit another client in on a certain day. Stylists often adjusts their schedules as is to try and get extra clients in and accommodate for times that are best for them. So when I do have to tell a client I can't get them in when they want it is hard for me. I also hate having to tell a client a goal is not achievable as quick as they would like.

Even though some days are tough and may even leave me in tears I love my career. I love being able to be clients "hairapist" and give them that time for self care and reflection and conversation. Or even if you just need the quiet appointment to enjoy the self care I am happy to do that. I have made such amazing bonds and connections with so many people. I feel extremely lucky and blessed to wake up every morning excited to go to work and see my clients. I love my career and all the services I can offer. To some people I may not have a "real" job, but it honestly is so much more than just a job. I can help clients feel more confident and express themselves, while also providing someone they confide in and talk to. I am honored I can be there and be included to celebrate good news, and also the bad news or any milestone in between that comes with life.