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We Must Change the Perception of Hairdressing - Michael Van Clarke
Posted by
Kate
Dated: August 19, 2009 6:55 PM
Despite regularly appearing at the top of the list of the happiest workers, hairdressing has long been maligned as a career option, both in the press and by careers advisors in schools and higher education institutions.
As a result of this negative portrayal, hairdressing is often dismissed by high fliers and seen as a career choice for people who struggle academically and this in turn has an effect on the quality of young people who enter the profession.
"There is a perception of hairdressing that it has low pay and poor skills," explains Marylebone salon owner Michael Van Clarke. "This keeps more educated students away from the profession and turns them towards other parent-pleasing careers.
"A lot of candidates start hairdressing with a casual attitude, because barriers to entry are low and no qualifications are needed to start, but this lack of commitment is partly to blame for the very high drop out rate in the first five to 10 years."
Frustrated by both the quality of young people entering the industry and the aspirations of many of those who do choose a career in hairdressing, Michael has set about his own recruitment drive that involves challenging the conventional perceptions of hairdressing and targeting university graduates.
He has created a video that demonstrates the skills required for a career in hairdressing and the opportunities that it can present. The video is set to be used to reach out to students at some of London's key design institutes and will appear on a number of university careers websites.
"We need to reframe current perceptions of hairdressing and add some more compelling ones beyond those of glamour and celebrity," Michael explains.
"The facts are that hairdressing can be very highly paid; it is the happiest of professions; to be a skilful hairdresser requires a wide range of intelligences and skills and, perhaps most importantly, hairdressing plays a valuable role in the community."
As winners of the British Hairdressing Business Awards Training Award 2008 and having nurtured the talents of the Junior of the Year 2008, Niki Moores, Michael Van Clarke has a proven track record for developing graduates
However, he believes that the video can also have a positive effect on those already pursuing a hairdressing career as well as helping to recruit newcomers to the industry.
"I've found that the hairdressers who have seen the video have been able to view themselves in a new light away from old prejudices, and take a pride in just how skilled they really are," he concludes.
Tags: hairdressing careers
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Comments (1)
Posted by dunc
Dated: February 18, 2010 9:36 PM
i think degrees for hairdressers helps change the industry im studying and working both full time. its the stereotype people produce but alot of hairdressers are academic. If i can do it anybody can, i think its all beneficial to the industry. However the main point being we are hairdressers and dont necessarily have anything to prove other than its a great career and you dont have limited options. Yes we are 'happy' in our jobs but it doesnt mean we are brain dead and that people that come into the industry have to be. It is challenging, academic, vocational and creative. Not many jobs tick all of the above boxes, however all are required to produce high motivation and job satisfaction. Boundaries should be broken and that is what we are all about the question is how. How many hairdressers practice what they preach and try to change views, make a difference and stand-out.