The Role of Female Hair Stylists in Chinese Society
For centuries, Chinese society has celebrated the skills and expertise of hairdressers. They are seen as artists who possess the fine art of transforming hair into masterpieces. However, what may surprise many is that the majority of hairdressers in China are women.
Song Huimin, a 27-year-old hairstylist and business owner, is among the many successful women in the hairdressing industry in China. She co-owns two salons in downtown Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi province, and has gained a following of more than 90,000 on the short-video platform Douyin for the various hairstyles she has designed for female customers.
Despite the many challenges she faced to become a hairstylist, such as overcoming biases against female hairdressers and receiving less support from her family, Song has achieved remarkable success. Her signature look, a chic bob, has become one of the most sought-after styles among her clients, who are willing to pay 300 yuan ($44) for her cuts.
“In addition to skill, a favorable price, and well-cut styles, what matters most is your haircutting technique,” she said. “I have a good aesthetic and some talent in this area. Lots of my customers look for me exclusively and they come to me all the time.”
To ensure that her knowledge remained up-to-date with industry developments, Song took classes regularly. This habit has helped her maintain her edge in the ever-evolving hairstyling industry. Two-day courses cost 5,000 yuan, but she believes it is worth the investment.
Song also runs a number of loyal customer groups, mostly for women. This reflects her belief that it is a good thing for her clients to talk freely at her salon, and that she can easily win their hearts by suggesting a hairstyle they like or a color they would like to dye their locks.
Her success as a hairstylist has enabled Song to provide for her family and has given her a sense of accomplishment. “Even though being a hairstylist is hard, painstaking work, I earn money through my efforts, and I help others become more beautiful. I love this work and am still extremely enthusiastic about it.”
As China continues to evolve and shift its cultural norms, the importance of female hairstylists continues to grow. Women like Song Huimin are breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes, helping to shape the landscape of Chinese society and the beauty industry.
In conclusion, the role of female hairstylists in Chinese society cannot be overstated. Their artistry, dedication, and commitment to their craft have shaped the industry and helped to empower women across the country. Song Huimin is a shining example of the success that can be achieved when talent is combined with hard work and perseverance.
