What do hairdressers wish they’d known before the coronavirus pandemic

There is no doubt about it – the past year is one the hairdressing industry will never forget. We asked your fellow hairdressers to share the things they wish they’d known before the Coronavirus pandemic but have now learned about themselves and their teams. Or in other words before any of us had even heard of the term ‘Coronavirus' or 'lockdown'... Do you agree with these hairdressers viewpoints or would you add anything else to this list?

Here are the things hairdressers wish they'd known before the Coronavirus pandemic

 

1. Before the Coronavirus pandemic I wish I’d known how to slow down properly

“I don’t think anyone could have predicted what we have all experienced during the last year. It has been tough for everyone, but we have to find the positive. I have learned about the importance of community and kindness. What I wished I had known prior to the pandemic was how to slowdown, and even switch off from time to time. We’re all busy people but I feel that sometimes we’re busy for the sake of it. The importance of making time to slow down and rest is good for your mind and body, and business. Life is about living in the present, not racing to the finish line.” Colin McAndrew, Owner, Medusa 

2. I wish I’d known the true value of YOLO – you only live once!

“I wish I’d known that you should never hold back and put things off for another day, or another time. If there is something you want, just go for it. The pandemic has been such a lesson that life and the things we get to do are precious and if you can (excuse this cliché)  ‘LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE’ because anything less is a waste. I also wish I’d known the winning numbers for any of the Euro-Millions lottery draws.” Phil Smith, Owner, Smith England

3. I wish I’d known how resilient and strong our teams and industry would be

“It's been a strain, but it has forced us to reconnect with what’s personally important. At Bad Apple we just take it as it comes. We've been very fortunate that none of our staff have become ill, we as a company have just dealt with it. The PPE, long days and serving our customer to the best of our abilities due to these circumstances is not a problem – we adapt and overcome. I am glad we've pushed through this hard time and with hard work, I see no reason why we can’t continue. I think as an industry we have grown, especially with the way we're encouraged these days to live in the world of social media. It just gets us so consumed by success so maybe slowing down shows us there's more to life than just the hustle and the constant need for more. I think it's put us on the back foot and sometimes that's the best place to be. Reflection can make a better version of us. A problem shared is a problem halved and I think one of the best things we have learned from the pandemic is the fact you don’t have to go it alone. We’ve pulled together as an industry and I think we’ve also gained more respect for our services – didn’t the UK miss us when we were gone?! AID TAMS, Group Creative Manager, BAD APPLE HAIR (@badapplehair www.badapplehair.com)

4. I wish I’d known that everything was going to be ok

“I wish this time last year I knew what Zoom was and that I should invest in it! Kidding aside, I wish I’d known that everything was going to work out ok. It’s been a turbulent year for everyone and we are not out of the woods yet but it’s so easy to spend time worrying about things you can’t control. The pandemic will always be remembered, but I have so many happy memories of things I got to do with my little family that focussing more on that, would have been a better way to stifle any worries I had.” Jonathan Andrew, Fudge Global Ambassador