If you are reading this and you are a professional hairstylist, you understand the title. Professional hairstylists are comprised of a special breed of people, and we can spot a comrade a mile away.
I had the privilege of meeting a lovely professional hairstylist/sales rep/educator at Runway 2014; a Long Island tradeshow for hairstylists, nail technicians, estheticians, students and salon owners, presented by Paramount Beauty and Royal Beauty Supply. She was part of a fairly unheard of brand, Eufora, and while we chatted, my burning pet peeve about beauty writers reared its ugly head again.
I was reporting on Runway 2014 for my freelance writing gig with Examiner.com, but I was also a kid in the candy store since I am a licensed, professional and working hairstylist, as readers of Ask the Pro Stylist are aware.
As we chatted about Eufora’s Beautifying Elixirs, the rep realized I was a hairstylist, simply by the questions I asked. I am not just a beauty product junkie, when I report on product, it is because I am answering a client’s need or concern or I am interested in a new hair trend or learning about a new hairstyle, and simply not a master of words.
Recently I ragged on another Examiner for a nail health report, and her article fell flat because she isn’t a working professional who is immersed in the beauty field.
I am not tooting my own horn here. The latest craze among professional brands is to have an attached blog with insight from hairstylists, colorists, technicians, etc., who not only can provide the best advice, but understand exactly what it is they are writing about.
So, reader beware and check the beauty writer’s or vlogger’s credentials before taking their advice to heart. A beauty diploma is nothing more than a piece of paper, but a licensed pro (hairstylist, nail technician, esthetician) has had to take an exam to be such, and those who are practicing and continually educate are the best at what they preach.
A professional hairstylist certainly knows another prof.
Oh, and what are Beautifying Elixirs? They are a hairstylist’s answer to the client who complains of rapid color fade. Beauty Elixirs are hair color additives, which are mixed with conditioner that the client can use at home to refresh washed out color between hair color services.
Happy Styling!
©Deirdre Haggerty, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this article may be reproduced without prior written permission and consent from the author.
A writer, author, NY State licensed cosmetologist, beauty educator and Executive Director, Deirdre Haggerty has been actively involved in the hair and beauty industry in New York for over 30 years. Feel free to ask any question relating to hair care, beauty and skincare! Send Deirdre an email 
