Fellow beauty pros, let's talk. No matter your beliefs, we should all be creating an inclusive space for all to feel welcome. So why is it that people who are transgender, non binary, plus size and of a different race being turned away? It's sadly more common than a lot of people think, I've heard stories from my clients of the LGTBQ+ community and how they've been treated and turned away in my own hometown. The beauty industry has been changing for a long time, now if you haven't been changing with it, why?
I created our Waxing menu to include "Brazilian +" meaning a male anatomy wax, now if you aren't comfortable waxing male anatomy since we don't get taught in schools, that's 100% okay. I understand that, it is a more unique technique. I personally named them with a "+" so that someone who is transgender or non binary doesn't come in and have to ask for a "manzilian". There is a price difference and it boils down to the fact that it does take more wax to do male anatomy. At the end of the day we are a business and supply cost is on the rise. Another initiative we took as a Salon is we are apart of Strands for Trans.
"Strands For Trans is bringing gays, straights, women, men, anyone, together to create more trans-friendly barbershops and hair salons. Join in, and let’s help this community feel welcome" - https://strandsfortrans.org/new-page-4
I fully support everyone having their own beliefs but what I don't support is treating people like s*** for who they chose to love. How you treat other people is a reflection of who you are. Why be anything else other than kind, caring and a genuinely good person?
I used to walk into a Salon as a plus size woman and immediately feel the looks, feeling judged and like I didn't belong because I didn't look like everyone else. I still get emotional thinking about a phone call I received of a woman asking if my wax table would hold her because another Salon told her theirs wouldn't.
I'm sorry but are you f****** kidding me? Wax tables with 1000 lb weight limit are affordable and take 2 seconds of your time to research and make sure you aren't buying one with a 250 lb limit.
As a Waxer if you show the slightest bit of insecurity waxing a larger person it will make them uncomfortable, so how can you avoid this? BE CONFIDENT IN YOUR WAXING ABILITIES. Ask your client to hold their stomach back if you're struggling holding it and applying wax without it being stuck everywhere. Have them throw a leg off the side of the bed, reposition them to make sure you are still getting every hair and making them more comfortable. It's not that hard.
To be the best you need to be able to adapt. Some people can't hold their knees to their chest or lay on their back very long, you have to adjust to their comfort and still give a damn good waxing service.
And for our last topic, if you can't make any person of color feel welcome in your space you need to reevaluate your entire life and priorities. My town has a very small population of African Americans but you best believe I ask for their permission to post before and after photos, and use photos of all different skin shades on our socials. I know we don't necessarily have control over who our clients are, it's whoever books an appointment. If you notice your clients are mostly white, cis women. Do a model call and seek out different fitzpatrick types, because when it comes to Facials, you have to treat their skin differently. What products you can use on a Fitz 1 is completely different than products for a Fitz 5.
Educate yourself. It's sooo important to be inclusive. I based my Salon off of my own and shared experiences of minorities in my area. The beauty industry was long overdue for change and it starts with us.
The Salina Esthetician,
Kat Jeske
xoxo
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