Is It Classism? Let’s Talk About Hairdressers, Degrees, and Pricing.

Every so often, someone implies that because most hairdressers don’t have a traditional four-year college degree, we shouldn’t charge what we charge.

Let’s name that.

It’s credentialism. It’s classism.

It’s the belief that formal education is the only valid measure of intelligence, skill, or worth.

Meanwhile, licensed hairdressers complete state-required education, pass board exams, invest in ongoing training, study color chemistry, master precision cutting, and often run full businesses behind the chair.

At Sunny Bunny in Newton, MA, we operate on an hourly, gratuity-free pricing model. Our pricing allows stylists to have a sustainable income while having unlimited time off, making their own schedule (that they may adjust anytime) and setting their hourly rate (that they may increase anytime).

No one asks a plumber or electrician for their college transcript before approving an invoice.

If someone believes a degree determines value, that’s a larger cultural conversation.

Hairdressing is an art. And it deserves to be respected as such.