I fell in love last night: or, gay male hairdressers

In My Humble Opinion
1

Last night I had 7 and a half inches of my hair cut off by the most gifted hairdresser I have ever seen in my life. He is a GENIUS. If he ever leaves this city I will follow him to wherever he moves. I have never in my life liked the haircut I just got before I even left the salon, till last night. My hair is impossible in most stylists’ hands, but last night it did exactly what he wanted it to do, and now I look fabulous. Best $65 I have ever spent in a long time.

And yeah, he’s gay.

I know that not all gay men can do hair, of course. People vary no matter what sexual orientation they are. I have gay guy friends who are screaming for a makeover by the Fab 5.

Why is it, though, that the gay men who do hair are SO DAMN GOOD at it? There’s gotta be a reason there’s a “gay male hairstylist” stereotype. Is it because gay men who are hairdressers are coincidentally some of the best in their field, thus they’re very visible, and so it makes everyone think that all gay guys can do hair? Is there some kind of artistic streak that comes with being a gay male? And how come lesbians aren’t known for their hairdressing talent?

Or is it just coincidence?

2

Hairdressing is a “female” craft, so men who were unable or unwilling to live in a traditionally “masculine” manner could turn to it as a profession. Same as with interior design, or the armed forces (heh). In these more enlightened times, I have a feeling a lot of it is about the money. If there was something I was good at and could get someone to pay me $100 for (and was legal…damn prostitution laws) I’d do it. Alas, I have zero artistic talent and no one in her right mind would let me anywhere near their hair with a pair of scissors unless perhaps she had a wad of gum stuck in it.

3

Because we’re the best at everything we do. Period.