Hairstyling School: Breaking Stereotypes and Pursuing Passion
Hairstyling school, like most vocations, has had its fair share of stereotypes, yet many young individuals are still drawn to it as a means to fund their education or as expression of their artistry. In the Utah Valley, Mountainland Technical College (MTECH) is one of the most popular destinations for aspiring hairstylists. However, misconceptions and prejudices against hairstyling students often prevail in the area.
Kaylia Lundgren, a student at Brigham Young University (BYU) and a hairstylist in Utah County, went to hair school to support her college education after learning that enrolling in high school at the same time would allow her to attend MTECH for free. Initially drawn to the opportunity to fund her higher education, Lundgren soon realized that hairstyling was a passion that she excelled at. However, despite her successes, she still experiences the negative effects of stereotypes associated with the profession.
Many people believe that hairstyling is an occupation of last resort for individuals lacking the necessary academic qualifications to attend college. This is far from the truth. Hairstyling is a skill that requires technical and creative abilities, industry knowledge, and excellent customer service. Unfortunately, negative stereotypes about hairstyling schools are prevalent in Utah Valley, which can make it challenging for students to pursue their passion with confidence.
Sheridan James, another student at MTECH, has always wanted to be a hairstylist. Yet, she also faces unwarranted assumptions that it was a “way out of college” and that such individuals are not academically accomplished. James finds these misconceptions especially hurtful, as she chose to study hairstyling for the love of it, not because she didn’t meet college admission requirements.
Kenedee Harrison, who studied at MTECH in high school, faced similar prejudices. She recalled how people assumed that she was “dumb” for choosing to study at hair school. Harrison was also frustrated that people misunderstood her. She attended hair school so that she could work and earn money while in college, not because she lacked other options.
Ben Harmer, a barber in Salt Lake City who completed his hairstyling education at Paul Mitchell, experienced stereotypes concerning his gender. As one of the few men in cosmetology school, people often assumed that he was gay. Stereotyping like this creates a toxic culture for students interested in hairstyling.
Thus, the question remains, why must students studying hairstyling or working in the beauty industry face such misconceptions and prejudices? The biased attitudes and negative stereotypes are harmful to young adults seeking to pursue their dreams and often perpetuate harmful perceptions.
It’s instructive to remember, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, an estimated 285,980 people are licensed hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists. Hairstylists, unlike what the negative stereotypes suggest, are skilled professionals with a passion for creativity and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Hairstylist Aunnika Stone, who works at Studio 1030, located on BYU campus, finds hairstyling to be an essential medium of artistic expression. She shared how hairstyling school helped her discover her passion for art and become an artist in her own right. Stone’s enthusiasm for hairdressing is a testament to the deep well of creativity that is at the heart of the profession.
Despite the unwelcome stereotypes about hairstyling students, the students’ successes put those dismissive ideas to rest. Many hairstyling school graduates work their way up from entry-level jobs as apprentices or assistants to start their salons or clinics. Some opt for further education or training to specialize in areas such as esthetics or nails. Hairdressing as a profession is constantly evolving, creating a vast array of opportunities for growth and development for those who pursue it.
In conclusion, despite the adverse stereotypes, people in the Utah Valley area continue to study hairstyling because it’s their passion and a possible means to earn a living or fund their education. Hairstyling schools are where they hone their skills, build their knowledge of the industry, and develop the fundamentals of entrepreneurship to become successful hairstylists. We must create opportunities for hairstyling students to dispel any harmful stereotypes while building knowledge that affirms their abilities. When we give students a fair chance to break past these stereotypes, hairstyles and other beauty professions will keep up with the times, and opportunities will continue to grow.
