When people think they’re in the comfort of others just like them, they’ll say anything. Everybody has that one like-minded friend with whom they can typically overshare. But that person probably isn’t your hairdresser. And if they are, you should probably still watch what you say. A Missouri hairdresser said that a racist client was forward with her when they started talking about things they experienced in their youth. The conversation quickly took a turn for the worst, and Ashleigh couldn’t believe it.
Ashleigh (@ashleigh.toinette) posted a TikTok video captioned, “Firing a racist client.” In the video, she said that she was working on a new client’s hair when they started talking about Section 8 Housing. Apparently, the client lived in Section 8 when they were a kid. Ashleigh told her, “Oh, I actually did, too. It was a crazy experience depending on the day.” Her client, however, had more to say on the subject. She thought this would be a good opportunity to introduce a racist angle into the conversation.
The client told Ashleigh, “I mean, I can’t even imagine what it’s like these days. When I was a kid, we didn’t have the blacks coming in with their drugs and their violence.” Ashleigh said, at this point, she wondered why the client would even say this to her. She tells her audience, “I know this woman does not think that I am on her side. I don’t know what about me says that I am that kind of white.” Now, you may have heard stories about clients who overshare with their hairdressers, nail artists, tattoo artists, and what have you. But Ashleigh isn’t one of those people.
After Ashleigh gathered herself, she told the client, “I lived in a town filled with mostly white people and there was meth all up and down that town. So, I don’t know what that’s about.” Ashleigh said that her client was quiet for a second and backtracked a little. Then, her appointment soon finished up, and that was the end of the conversation. But Ashleigh was left reeling by the experience. She said it “disgusted” her and that it “struck a nerve.” Due to this, she decided to send the client a text letting her know she wouldn’t let her return as a client.
In the text message, Ashleigh tells the client she was disgusted with the way she talked about Section 8. She also said she won’t “tolerate” the woman’s racist attitude and that she was shocked she would be so upfront about it. After she sent the message, she didn’t wait for a reply. She immediately blocked the client to prevent any more drama from entering her life. Ashleigh hopes that this will get the client to “think twice” about what she says in the future to those around her.
Commenters cheered for Ashleigh and the boss for the way she handled the situation. One person commented, “It doesn’t happen too often, but it’s a shock everytime to get hit with the realization that someone saw you, even momentarily, as a safe space to say/do things like this.” Another said, “This is what people need to do. Do not be a safe place for racism. Call them out and challenge their way of thinking.” Ashleigh’s calm, cool, and collected behavior and response really impressed me. Hopefully, she has an impact on this woman, making her reconsider her feelings toward other races.
