National Hairstylist Appreciation Day

a woman cutting hair for National Hairstylist Appreciation Day

April 30th is National Hairstylist Appreciation Day!

It’s a fantastic day to recognize and honor the hard work and dedication of your favorite hairstylist! 

It’s a day to show appreciation for the skills and talents of these professionals who help us look and feel our best. I mean, when you find a hairstylist that you love, you never want to let them go, right? 

So let’s let them know how much we appreciate them, their friendship, and what they do for us!

A Brief History of National Hairstylist Appreciation Day

We’re not really sure when this day came about. We know that it’s relatively new, but really have not information about who started it.

Perhaps it was a hair care company or a group of hairdressers who wanted to create a special day to celebrate and appreciate hairstylists?

That would make sense, right?

We think this day gained popularity in the United States in the early 2000s, and since then, it has become a widely recognized observance in the beauty industry.

A brief history of the Hairstylist

Hairstyling is a profession that has been around for many thousands of years, going all the way back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Back then, hair was considered a symbol of social status and was often styled in intricate and elaborate ways.

During the Middle Ages, hairstyles became more subdued and simple, with long hair very normal for both men and women. It wasn’t until the Renaissance that truly elaborate hairstyles came back, with women’s hair being styled in intricate updos and men’s hair being worn in curls and waves.

In the 19th century, the hairdressing profession became way more organized, with the formation of hairdressing academies and professional organizations. Women’s hairstyles in this era were often voluminous and ornate, with the use of wigs and hairpieces.

In the early 20th century, the bob haircut became super popular, with shorter, more natural-looking hairstyles making their way into pop culture. The advent of cinema and celebrity culture also had a significant impact on hairstyling, with movie stars and musicians influencing the everyday person and their hair-dos.

Today, hairstyling is a mega industry, with a wide variety of styles and techniques available to both men and women. Hairstylists must have formal training and certification, and the industry is regulated to ensure that the highest standards of hygiene and safety are maintained. 

Thank goodness, right?

Simple Tips for good Barber Shop Etiquette 

If you’re going to a barber shop or a hair salon, there are a few simple tips you can follow to ensure good barber shop etiquette:

  1. Arrive on time: Make sure you arrive on time for your appointment, or let the barber know if you’re running late. This shows respect for their time and allows them to manage their schedule effectively.
  2. Be clear about what you want: Before your haircut, be clear about the style you want and any specific details you’d like the barber to know. This helps ensure you get the haircut you want and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings.
  3. Keep still during the haircut: While getting your haircut, try to keep still and avoid excessive talking or fidgeting. This helps the barber concentrate on their work and ensures a more precise haircut.
  4. Don’t use your phone: Avoid using your phone during your haircut, as it can be distracting and disrespectful to the barber. If you need to take a call or respond to a message, let the barber know and step outside.
  5. Tip appropriately: Tipping is a common practice in the barbering industry. A good rule of thumb is to tip 15-20% of the total cost of your haircut. However, if you’re unhappy with your haircut or service, it’s okay not to tip or to tip less than usual, but it’s always best to communicate your concerns with the barber so they have a chance to address them.

Most importantly, just be kind. You can never go wrong with that!

Famous hairstyles through the 20th century

From Audrey Hepburn to Rachel on Friends, we’ve seen some iconic hairstyles grace the covers of magazines, movies and TV. The original hairstyles of our favorite celebrities have made a huge impact on our lives as we look for trendy and fashionable ways to wear our hair!

Here are some of the most famous styles we’ve seen in our lifetime:

  1. The Bob (1920s) – This iconic hairstyle was popularized by flapper girls in the 1920s. It was a short, chin-length cut that was often worn with a side part.
  2. Finger Waves (1930s) – Finger waves were a popular hairstyle in the 1930s. They involved creating “S” shaped waves with the hair using a comb and fingers.
  3. Victory Rolls (1940s) – Victory rolls were a popular hairstyle among women during World War II. They involved rolling the hair up and away from the face to create a victory symbol-like shape.
  4. The Slicked Back Look (1950s) – Guys everywhere used some thick grease to achieve this James Dean look. I think they called it Brylcreem? 
  5. The Beehive (1960s) – This was a popular hairstyle in the 1960s, made famous by singers like Dusty Springfield and The Ronettes. It involved teasing the hair at the crown to create a high, rounded shape.
  6. The Afro (1960s and 70s) – The Afro hairstyle, also known as an Afro or Afro-textured hairstyle, is a natural hairstyle that is characterized by a full, rounded shape. It is typically worn by people with naturally curly, kinky, or coiled hair, particularly those of African descent. Today, the afro remains a popular and powerful symbol of Black culture and pride.
  7. Dreadlocks (1970s) – also known as dreads, are a hairstyle where the hair is matted and knotted into long, ropelike strands. The hair is left to grow and naturally knot together over time, forming long, cylindrical strands.
  8. The Shag (1970s) – The shag was a popular hairstyle in the 1970s, characterized by layers and feathered bangs.
  9. The Mullet (1980s) – The mullet was a popular hairstyle in the 1980s, characterized by short hair on the front and sides and long hair in the back.
  10. The Rachel (1990s) – This hairstyle was made famous by Jennifer Aniston’s character on the TV show Friends. It was a layered, shoulder-length cut with face-framing layers.
  11. The “emo” haircut (2000s) – This was a popular style among emo and alternative music fans, characterized by long, choppy bangs that often covered one eye.
  12. Undercuts (2010s) – An undercut is a hairstyle in which the hair on the sides and back of the head is cut very short or shaved, while the hair on top of the head is left long.

If you’re looking for a new hairstyle, you might consider one of those listed above. Who knows? Maybe you’ll bring back something from the past! 

Just take some time to seriously consider a change before you let your stylist near your hair with his or her scissors. They may indeed have a rare skill, but if you make a drastic change, you might end up in your car in tears. 

Sometimes small changes are better than overwhelming regret. LOL

How about that Permanent Wave, Y’all?

Perms, short for “permanent waves,” became popular in the United States in the 1920s, during the Jazz Age. The hairstyle was often associated with flappers, who wore their hair in short, bobbed styles that were curled using a perm solution.

Perms became increasingly popular in the 1950s and 1960s, as women sought to achieve the curly hairstyles like Marilyn Monroe hair and the pouf’ style of Elizabeth Taylor. In the 1970s and 1980s, perms became even more popular, with many women opting for the “big hair” styles of the era. Were they going for that Marie Antoinette look, ya think?

In the 1990s, perms fell out of fashion as sleek, straight hairstyles became popular. However, they have experienced a resurgence in recent years, with many people seeking to achieve the tousled, beachy waves that are popular today. Today’s modern perm techniques use gentler chemicals and can create a variety of different curl patterns, making them a popular choice for people of all ages and hair types.

I have to say, growing up in the 80s, I had a perm or two. All I can say is that I’ll never do that again. Knock on wood. haha.

Why Celebrate National Hairstylist Appreciation Day?

Hairstylists play a seriously important role in our lives. They help us look and feel our best by giving us the perfect haircut or color. They listen to our concerns and provide advice on the best ways to care for our hair. 

And sometimes, they listen to a whole lot more than just our hair concerns, right? I know I talk to mine about all kinds of things… life, love, work… you name it!

They also create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere in their salons, making it a place where we can unwind and enjoy some much-needed self-care. Hairstylists work long hours, are on their feet 8-10 hours a day, undergo years of training, continually learn new techniques and try to further their expertise. They often take on an apprentice, teach them new skills and help them go from a junior stylist to a master stylist.

Our favorite hairstylists often work on special occasions creating artful hairstyles for our weddings and parties. They give of their time and talent when we most need someone we trust to help us look our best. 

National Hairstylist Appreciation Day is important because it gives us the unique opportunity to show our hairstylists how much we appreciate them. It’s a chance to say thank you for the time and effort they put into making us look and feel beautiful. 

And listening to us vent, rant and brag about our amazing kids. LOL

How to Show Appreciation to Your Hairstylist on National Hairstylist Appreciation Day

There are many ways to show your appreciation to your hairdresser. Here are a few ideas:

  1. Leave a Positive Review – One of the best ways to show your appreciation is to leave a positive review on social media or review websites like Yelp. This not only helps your local stylist gain more clients but also boosts their confidence and makes them feel valued. Online reviews are really important these days. They can make or break a small business.
  2. Refer Your Friends – If you have friends or family members who are looking for a new hairstylist, refer them to your favorite stylist. This helps your stylist gain new clients and shows them that you trust and appreciate their work.
  3. Tip Generously – Tipping is a common way to show appreciation for good service. Consider tipping your stylist more than usual on National Hairstylist Appreciation Day to show your gratitude for their hard work.
  4. Bring a Gift – Bringing a small gift to your stylist, such as a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers, is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, just a small gesture to let them know you value their work.
  5. Write a Thank You Note – A handwritten note is a personal and heartfelt way to show your appreciation. Write a thank you note to your stylist, expressing your gratitude for their work and how much you enjoy coming to their salon.
  6. Be Respectful of Their Time – One of the best ways to show your appreciation is to be respectful of your stylist’s time. Arrive on time for your appointments, give them plenty of notice if you need to reschedule, and be considerate of their schedule.

Hairstylists absolutely have an important place in our lives. Be sure to let them know how much you appreciate and value their work. You can help boost their confidence and make them feel appreciated!

I love you, Whitney!

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