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You make some excellent points. It's true that in an industry that must be approximately 80% female and 20% male, if you look at the ones that have made a name for themselves and work the stage then it's probably 80%male vs 20% female. The numbers don't add up.

I agree also that the industry has become more about timing, but that goes back to my earlier post where I said there is a general lack of respect for the hairdresser, and anyone in the UK, who is not a graduate. We are working with such tight profit margins that salons are just about making through, and in many parts of the country most people struggle to get off minimum wage, and comission targets can be almost impossible to achieve. I can see the industry going the same way it has in America where approximately 50% of stylists are now self employed (it used to be just 10%), as soon as I can afford to set myself up with a space it's what I'm going to do, it feels like the only way im ever going to make enough to live comfortably. It's no wonder about 80% of those that qualify in hairdressing actually end up leaving the industry, it really is a labour of love. I even have a business degree so I could just go and get myself a great paying job, but I would never be as happy as I am behind the chair, and have no intention of giving it up. I'm going to work hard and keep investing in my education so I can charge more. I just wish the setup was a bit better for self employed people in the uk. In the US they have salon suites and booths, and some amazing rent a chair salons. All the rent a chair salons I've looked at over here are so.... Hideous! Lol.