PRIDE & JOI:
JOICO MASTER ARTIST, BRANDON CORBITT
“As hairdressers, we touch more hearts than hair.” It’s a mantra of inclusivity that Joico Master Artist, Brandon Corbitt, takes to his own heart – both as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and as an artist and business owner. Today, Brandon’s sharing some very personal thoughts on the joi of working in an industry that’s given him “a safe home in which to be welcomed and celebrated.”
Meet Brandon…
Comfortable both behind the chair and in front of the classroom, Brandon is a multifaceted, Las Vegas-based artist whose background in theater and self-described “intense passion” for the hair industry has propelled him to touch every facet of the business – from platform artist to trainer, corporate digital education manager to product tester. A pro in everything from color correction to cutting and styling for all genders, Brandon proudly holds the Guinness World Record title of Longest Hair Education Stream, and counts hair and wig work for Lady Gaga’s Stupid Love music video among his greatest accomplishments. But industry achievements aside, being a member of the LGBTQ+ community has played a pivotal role in the way Brandon creates his art and runs his successful business.
Joico:
Tell us more about your LGBTQ+ connection and your work as a hair artist…
Brandon:
“It plays a big part in how I run my business, how I create my art, and what inspires me. I run my business with inclusivity the way the LGBTQ+ community wants to be accepted; and make all clients who walk through the salon doors feel comfortable and welcome. I see many clients who ask to either cover up their “flaws” or dim down what they truly want because of the pressures of society, social media, or even their work environment…forces that dictate what they can and cannot have. And I always tell them to get what will make them feel like their authentic selves. I celebrate their textures, as well as the cuts and colors they want, because it’s so important to make everyone feel beautiful -- no matter what society deems “beautiful”. I have clients of all walks of life and backgrounds, including trans kids and adults. When they sit in my chair and we create a trust and relationship, that is the best feeling…they don’t have to fear who they are, but instead, feel safe enough to live out loud in my chair.”
Joico:
Do you specifically work to give back to the community? And if so, how?
Brandon:
“Yes…I do this by working with drag queens, creating wigs, and supporting my trans clients with beauty services and safe place at all times.”
Joico:
Has being a member of the LGBTQ+ community shaped your career?
Brandon:
“Being queer in the beauty world has given my artistry a safe home to be celebrated, welcomed, and received. But the best part of my life in the world of hair is what I get to do – and that is, to meet individuals who touch my heart and vice-versa. So many queer individuals have become some of my best clients, and even part of my family. You never know who you are going to touch in this industry. There are about three-to-four moments a year where someone sits in my chair, and unbeknownst to either of us, we end up changing each other’s lives: I have had clients come out to me, ask me how to come out, tell me they finally feel like themselves authentically, or cry because of how their hair finally matches their soul. It’s a spectacular feeling, a privilege, and an honor that my artistry can change someone’s life; and there isn’t a day that goes by that I am not humbled by the position I’m in. At the end of the day, it’s about much more than hair.”
Joico:
What kinds of changes have you seen in the industry in terms of acceptance or activism?
Brandon:
“I have a seen a big shift in the salon atmosphere, as well as more acceptance in the work place, with many artists offering “safe places” for their clients -- especially those in the trans community. I also love that gender-specific services are fading away: I do “men’s” cuts on women, and “women’s” cuts on men, because don’t think pricing-by-gender is appropriate. In fact, I offer genderless pricing as well as ageless, because what we do as artists isn’t about gender or age; it’s about the hair in front of us. (How you cut a child’s head isn’t easier than cutting that of an adult.) I also love seeing how artists have come together to celebrate each other, versus segregating themselves. And I’m noticing that many artists are becoming more of their authentic selves in the salon --from men wearing nails and makeup, to women being barbers and more. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Joico:
How will you be celebrating Pride Month?
Brandon:
“I’ll be donating to local charities, and getting my clients ready for Pride – in fact, I have one client who is super excited to have his hair done for his first Pride!. I’ll also be celebrating with my friends in Michigan, where we go for vacation; and will continue to live every day like it’s Pride month…and not just highlight or celebrate our community in June.”
Brandon’s parting thoughts…
“Just remember that diversity is not just skin-deep or relegated to our orientation; diversity is accepting EVERYONE who is different than you – whether it’s skin color, sexual orientation, gender identity, deaf or blind, height or weight, mental or brain status, even physical disabilities. Talk to someone who isn’t like you; ask them where they come from, or what has shaped their life. Hate comes from being scared; and everyone has a different story and journey. Learn what true diversity is and accept people for who they are. More love, less hate.”
You can follow Brandon Corbitt on Instagram, @brandoncorbitthair
