Is YouTube Making a Stylist’s Job Unnecessary?

L.A. Hair Clip of Woman with Bad Weave

Woman Ruins Hair Learning from YouTube

Recently I was catching up on the latest episodes of L.A. Hair featuring Celebrity Stylist Kim Kimble and one interesting clip made me put my DVR to good use. In the scene, a woman comes into the Salon to get her nails done and the Nail Technician refers her to China to get her hair done. However, on further examination of her hair the Stylist realizes its a horribly done weave AND that she did it herself following instructions from a YouTube video. You can check out the full clip below for the full dramatic reaction and dissecting of the weave:

Is YouTube Making a Stylist’s Job Unnecessary?

This leads me to wonder whether YouTube is making a Stylist’s job harder or replacing a Stylist all together?! As an upcoming Stylist and YouTuber, I feel conflicted. On one hand I strive to provide knowledgable hair care advice and tutorials to my supporters but on the other hand I wonder if by sharing techniques am I losing potential clients or by not explaining a technique thoroughly enough can someone cause damage to their hair?!

Youtube Salon vs. Real Salon

As a YouTuber, I understand the desire to save money and the accomplishment that comes with the success of a DIY but as a trained Cosmetologist, I understand the complexities of each hair texture and the science and art that goes into PROPER hair care. And like he says in the video, so many people are trying to do their hair off YouTube videos and then have to go to a Stylist to correct their mistake. So why not just go to a Licensed Stylist in the first place? The response most people give is that they “can’t find a trustworthy Hair Stylist”. Then the follow up question normally leaves them baffled, “if you don’t trust just any Hair Stylist with your hair, how can you trust just anyone with a YouTube channel to tell you how to maintain it”?

What do you think? Is YouTube making a Stylist’s Job Unnecessary? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Jocelyn Reneé

Jocelyn Reneé is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Loctician and Textured Hair Educator. She was born and raised in the Washington DC area and is a graduate of the Aveda Institute Cosmetology Science program. With over 14 years in the Hair Care Industry, from Salon Assistant to Natural Hair Blogger to Professional; Jocelyn is passionate about cultivating healthy hair.

Blog Comments

I think the main reason people skip stylists is money. Why spend $80+ for a retwist when I can pull up a video and do it myself?

And I don’t think it’s fair to put all the blame on YouTube. Some men/women just can’t do hair no matter how good the video is.

Although I’m a DIYer I’m not anti-stylists. As a matter of fact, when I get some money I’ll probably be visiting one. (There’s that money issue again.) But I think it’s wonderful that YouTube and hair sites like this one empower women and offer more options.

Yes, her hair was a mess. But truth be told I’ve seen professional stylist work that looked just as bad. I’m sleep though…

You bring up a very good point! I have heard people say time and time again that they just “can’t get it” even with step-by-step instructions for doing hair. I do agree with you that finances has a lot to do with skipping the salon appointment but saving up, maybe skipping eating out a few times a week to put into a “Hair Fund” would allow people to get professional help to protect the health of their hair.

Reply

Salon Nails and Mobile Beauty Service

As a beauty provider myself and a YOUTUBER myself, I get where you are coming from. I to watch youtube videos on how to style my natural hair. I can only assume that people go to youtube due to a bad experience at a shop or to save money.

At the end of the day, most people prefer to go to a shop for a professional job well done. If I want something that I know I just cant offer myself, I will inherently go to the PROS to get it done right.

I love DIY projects, but even I know when it’s time to give in and let an experienced hand do the job.

That is the best way to handle services when you’re not the expert but can do most of it yourself. However, there is also (and probably always will be) a group of people that won’t seek professional help no matter how bad the situtation is and will even bash professionals.

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