Salon trends- Bosses prefer male hairstylists
May 27, 2010
FROM time immemorial, hairdressing was a female pastime. But men have now jumped into the fray. In Kampala’s upmarket salons, you would be forgiven for thinking that hairdressing has always been a man’s job.<br>
By Agnes Kyotalengerire
FROM time immemorial, hairdressing was a female pastime. But men have now jumped into the fray. In Kampala’s upmarket salons, you would be forgiven for thinking that hairdressing has always been a man’s job.
When and how did this happen? Are men truly the best hairdressers? Or is it the money?
Martin Ssekyazi, a hairstylist and proprietor of Lords and Lady’s, on Parliament Avenue, has been in the salon business for 10 years. He says it is more rewarding to employ male hairdressers.
“Women are always distracted by family responsibilities. Men, on the other hand, are committed to their work and are always available unless they are sick,†he explains.
Ssekyanzi adds that though male hairstylists have responsibilities, they will ask for money and send it home and continue working while the female ones will want the money and the day off.
Ssekyanzi also cites gossip as the number one put-off with women hairdressers. “Men do not gossip like women. Clients want the assurance that they will not be talked about once they walk out of the salon,†he says.
Jeff Mugisha, the proprietor of Jephi’s Beauty Spot on Jinja Road, says men’s weakness lies in their endless football talk.
“When the discussion is on football, they will even put their tools down.â€
He adds that ethically, a hairdresser has to be smart, responsible and respectful, at the same time command respect. Conversing or shouting while working on a client is totally unacceptable behaviour.
Mugisha joined the business out of passion, having abandoned a life in carpentry.
Mugisha’s decision not to employ female hairdressers stems from his training. “I watched how female hairstylists treated clients.
They would not pay attention to them and I decided not to employ females once I set up my own business,†he says. Mugisha adds that female customers want a male touch because they are caring and do not get jealous.
Besides, Ssekyanzi notes that men pay more attention to detail. They explore different hairstyles and manicure ideas.
Jane, the proprietor of La Trends Salon in Nakawa agrees, and adds: “They take time to listen to the clients and in return give appropriate advice.â€
Silver Byaruhanga, the director of Bright Beauty Lounge, Mbuya, says: “The job involves a lot of standing and yet women find it difficult to stand for long hours.†Besides that, Byaruhanga says, male hairdressers are fast and enjoy what they do.
As the women sneered at their fellow women as they did bad jobs on them because they look better or had better hair, the men smelt the money and took over.
FROM time immemorial, hairdressing was a female pastime. But men have now jumped into the fray. In Kampala’s upmarket salons, you would be forgiven for thinking that hairdressing has always been a man’s job.
When and how did this happen? Are men truly the best hairdressers? Or is it the money?
Martin Ssekyazi, a hairstylist and proprietor of Lords and Lady’s, on Parliament Avenue, has been in the salon business for 10 years. He says it is more rewarding to employ male hairdressers.
“Women are always distracted by family responsibilities. Men, on the other hand, are committed to their work and are always available unless they are sick,†he explains.
Ssekyanzi adds that though male hairstylists have responsibilities, they will ask for money and send it home and continue working while the female ones will want the money and the day off.
Ssekyanzi also cites gossip as the number one put-off with women hairdressers. “Men do not gossip like women. Clients want the assurance that they will not be talked about once they walk out of the salon,†he says.
Jeff Mugisha, the proprietor of Jephi’s Beauty Spot on Jinja Road, says men’s weakness lies in their endless football talk.
“When the discussion is on football, they will even put their tools down.â€
He adds that ethically, a hairdresser has to be smart, responsible and respectful, at the same time command respect. Conversing or shouting while working on a client is totally unacceptable behaviour.
Mugisha joined the business out of passion, having abandoned a life in carpentry.
Mugisha’s decision not to employ female hairdressers stems from his training. “I watched how female hairstylists treated clients.
They would not pay attention to them and I decided not to employ females once I set up my own business,†he says. Mugisha adds that female customers want a male touch because they are caring and do not get jealous.
Besides, Ssekyanzi notes that men pay more attention to detail. They explore different hairstyles and manicure ideas.
Jane, the proprietor of La Trends Salon in Nakawa agrees, and adds: “They take time to listen to the clients and in return give appropriate advice.â€
Silver Byaruhanga, the director of Bright Beauty Lounge, Mbuya, says: “The job involves a lot of standing and yet women find it difficult to stand for long hours.†Besides that, Byaruhanga says, male hairdressers are fast and enjoy what they do.
As the women sneered at their fellow women as they did bad jobs on them because they look better or had better hair, the men smelt the money and took over.