stylists are like actors

Being a stylist who spent twenty years as a professional actor, I am constantly amazed at how similar the two professions are. The most obvious similarity is that we are constantly having to perform for an audience. Now the audience of a stylist is much smaller than the audience of the actor - but the effect on the performer is very similar. There is pressure to ensure that your audience is entertained one way or another. There are times when your client needs to laugh, or smile, or cry, or vent. Which, naturally, brings us to another, less obvious, similarity. Listening. Actors must listen and must listen in many ways. Actors listen with their ears, their eyes, their hearts, their skin - everything. A stylist must do the same thing in order to pick up on the cues given by the client. The client may be in need of something (to vent for example) and the stylist must be able to pick up on that.

Without the ability to really, and honestly, listen to a client a stylist is doomed. So, if you are a client, don't accept the nods and uh-huhs that should indicate to you that your stylist isn't listening. Make sure they are hearing you when you have something you need them to hear. And stylists, make sure your clients are hearing you when you are educating them on their hair. It is a two way street and it's one that is wonderful to travel. So don't miss out on such a great opportunity.

And of course without an audience, both the actor and the stylist have no purpose. They must have someone to witness them do their work. As a stylist it is my job to make sure my audience is given the respect they deserver (even if it is only to make sure they come back.) And as a client it is your job to return the respect to your stylist. Stylists put a good deal of time and energy into their clients to make them happy and comfortable. Let them know you appreciate that effort - even if it is only to return to them another day.

Of course there is always ego involved when dealing with people of an artistic bend. Yes, stylists have egos too. So as they are stroking your ego to make sure you know you look your best, give a stroke or two back to make sure you appreciate their talent. Just don't stroke too much else the ego get out of hand. ;-) That goes for both stylists and actors.