[dominic7]

Hmmm O.K. It's not a big deal. My wife (who is black) has been told by numerous hairdressers that they can't do her hair not because she's black but because they do not have enough experience to do it correctly.

At first we got all our hackles raised but one hairdresser calmly expalained that we'd be alot more angry if he screwed up her hair than if he just refused and refered us to someone who could do a better job.

So I can see why someone would charge more, nothing to do with racism at all.

Nothing to see here.

[DTogo]

I was thinking the same thing, it might have to do with the service offered and time it takes to get "black hair" done right vs. easier to handle (perhaps) "white hair."

Any hairdressers in the crowd here?

[river rat]

My first thoughts were that perhaps it took longer, or required different shampoos or processes that typically are not used on caucasian's hair...

Your mentioning that it may even require TECHNIQUES that are unfamiliar to most caucasion shops, was overlooked.

[Paul Atreides]

Your take on the situation is how I always thought things were. Also, it explains why a man is charged less than a woman. I've seen how long it takes for a woman's hair to be done. However, a guy can get in and out in just a few minutes, unless he is having something really complicated done. I guarantee you that if a lot of people had to stand up and work on a woman's hair for an hour or so, they'd be getting paid what they think the time is worth.

In addition, I have heard that a black person's hair has to be treated differently, hence the special section of hair care products for black people.

[foolscap]

My wife (who is black) has been told by numerous hairdressers that they can't do her hair not because she's black but because they do not have enough experience to do it correctly

When I attended Beauty School working with black hair was not even part of the course of study. Black hair is very different from other ethnic groups. Most hair dresser have to get advanced training in order to work within that market. Those that do make more money because the work is usually more labor intensive and takes longer.