Desperate hairdressers - staff look to cut and run

You've heard of Desperate Housewives. Now spare a thought for desperate hairdressers.

Image: Tragic and depressing stories told over a cut and colour are literally making hairdressers sick and unable to carry on. Picture: ThinkStock

Many hairdressers are so burdened by their customers' stories of domestic struggles they are giving up and getting out of the game.

Tragic and depressing stories told over a cut and colour are making hairdressers sick and unable to carry on.

A study across Cardinia Shire in Victoria found that all is not well in the salons of Wisteria Lane.

Survey leader Aileen Thoms said the study produced stories that would challenge any hairdresser.

"People of all ages, from different socio-economic groups - and particularly women - share their thoughts and feelings with their hairdresser," Ms Thoms said.

"They hear about their clients' weddings, anniversaries, births and graduations. But they also hear about death, ill-health, depression, grief and loss, breakdown of relationships and unemployment."

The study focused on 23 hairdressers in Cardinia and how they coped.

"We found a close bond often formed between hairdresser and client. People frequently stay with the same practitioner for many years, leading to friendships that extend beyond the salon and the usual business-customer relationship," Ms Thoms said.

"Many hairdressers feel close to their clients and want to help them through difficult times, but realise they are not really trained for that.

"Through this study and project, we are striving to help them recognise when expert help might be necessary, and assist them to correctly refer people to those who can provide that help."

Karen Werner loves hairdressing and the people she meets in her Nar Nar Goon Vanity hair salon.

"I feel very close to my clients. And I enjoy talking to them. Some of them I've known for years. But until now there's never really been anywhere any of us could turn for help if we needed it - when somebody needed more than we have been able to give," Ms Werner said.

"Through this study, we now have professional literature we can offer our clients, and there are experts we can turn to if we need help ourselves. It's like having a governing body out there to watch over and help us through hard times."

News.com reports

Who talks more: hairdressers or those having their hair cut?

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