On hairstylist appreciation day hj shares why we love our hairdressers

To celebrate National Hairstylist Appreciation Day (30 April) Team HJ thought it was the perfect opportunity to share why we love our hairdressers and all of you within the professional hairdressing industry. From the best head massages in the business to the hairdresser that just 'gets it', the team share why they have a special bond with their stylist. There are no words to describe just how amazing each and every one of you are. As both clients ourselves and being on the editorial team at Hairdressers Journal International, we’ve seen first hand just how much care and love all of you put into your clients and improving your craft to make sure you are the best you can be. You share your words of wisdom with one another, you share your expert hints and tips with your clients and you work your butts off to squeeze in as many clients into each and every day – sometimes to the detriment of your own wellbeing and sanity! On National Hairstylist Appreciation Day, HJ just want you to know we love you, we respect you and we are always here for you as both clients and members of the HJ team so if there’s anything you need or want from us – we are here!

For National Hairstylist Appreciation Day the HJ Team Share Why We Love All Of You – Our Hairdressers

Jayne, HJ executive director says:

"Hairdressers do so much more than cut, colour and style hair  - it is how they make you feel. Boosting self-confidence, self-esteem and the great feeling you get is hard to beat. A trip to the salon for me is still - on every occasion - a treat, and post-lockdown the excitement and anticipation was reminiscent of a first date! There is no better feeling than newly cut and coloured hair – it makes me feel empowered and is part of my armour that makes me feel confident and happy to go out and face the world. When you can sit back, relax and have absolute trust in the team looking after you to give you the style that makes you look the best you can, that is magical! Happy Hairstylist Appreciation Day everyone from Team HJ!"

Laura, HJ editor says:

"I already knew it, but lockdown just confirmed how much I rely on going to the hair salon to feel like ‘me’. It’s a ritualistic experience every six to eight weeks (prior to the depths of lockdown) where I get to book a day off work or spend a Saturday afternoon sat in a chair with my hairdresser and feel like a million dollars. It frustrates me when hairdressers worry about increasing prices because the truth is once you have a loyal client who respects what you do for them and loves nothing more than booking an appointment to see you, they will not hesitate to pay what you are really worth. The best part for me is that I leave feeling like myself again after having spent two or three hours chatting with a friend. I can chat about anything and everything from friends and family to the latest hair techniques and the best products for my hair. There is literally nothing else more uplifting than having someone who is happy to listen to what you want and transform how you look and feel completely in such a short space of time! It has been too long since I’ve visited my hair salon due to lockdowns. Although I did pop in on 12 April to do some filming at the Hair Movement in Sidcup, Kent. It was the most incredible experience as I saw first-hand the excitement and sheer joy on those client’s faces. You could see the priviledge and honour they felt to be the first clients through that door and be sat in those ‘golden chairs’. They looked like they’d won the lottery or managed to get tickets to the hottest gig in town – the atmosphere was electric and even though I was just an observer I felt honoured to be there to experience it with them!! It’s finally my turn next week – I’ve booked a day off work to go back to the Hair Movement and I can’t wait to be sat in the hot seat for two or three hours, have a good chat and be transformed. Happy National Hairstylist Appreciation Day to all of you and myself and the HJ Team want you to know you are appreciated today and every day!"

Charlotte, HJ contributor says:

"I've been lucky to have had some wonderful hairdressers over the years. And the ones that stand out are the ones that from the moment I walk into the salon to the moment I leave, make me feel totally relaxed and at home. I love it when everyone in the salon (from the staff on the desk or at the styling station next to me) says hello and smiles. I want to feel like I'm being looked after – but not in an overly-fussy way! It's such a blessing to find a hairdresser that gets you and what you want your hair to look like. Despite my TERRIBLE explanations and collection of completely random pictures that I bring in for 'inspiration', my favourite hairdressers have managed to translate my musings into a finished look that I couldn't be happier with. No mean feat. And the conversation – who could forget the convo?! The chat is a big part of why I like going to the salon. Give me a hairdresser that can give me three strong Netflix recommendations or show me their dog's cutest angles and I'm in my element."

Eleanor, HJ content writer says:

"Where would we be without our hairdressers? After the best part of a whole year with no hair services (and a good laugh at Boris Johnson's increasingly diabolical hair), society as a whole now appreciates the importance of the hairdressing profession more than ever before. Hairdressers are truly special people; not only can they transform a person with their cutting and colour artistry, they transform how people feel about themselves. Nothing gives a boost of confidence than walking out of the salon with a fresh cut, colour or bouncy blow-dry. And a trip to the salon can be life changing too – these uplifting hairdressing stories show just how much hairdressers touch their clients’ lives. Hair is a huge part of our identity and our hairdressers play an important role in our self expression and how we feel about ourselves. From a backwash scalp massage to great chat in the chair, we’d be lost without this brilliant industry."

Kieran, HJ contributor says:

“I think the bond you build with your hairdresser or barber is really unique. When you’re blessed to find someone that’s right for you, it can open your eyes to the different kinds of connections you can have with people. There’s something pretty great about speaking with someone you only see every so often for that amount of time. A lot can happen in a month or so and being able to share experiences back and forth with someone who is genuinely interested can offer new perspectives on the things you’re going through – it’s quite meditative in a way. I also don’t think I’ve ever had a haircut without laughing pretty hysterically at some point. You even begin building a subtle language when it comes to getting the best out of your haircut which makes explaining what you want so much easier. Hairdressers and barbers deserve all the respect in the world - anyone that can complete a creative and challenging task whilst keeping up an engaging conversation is a hero in my books.”