Confessions of a deaf hairdresser

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Claire-Ann Scott does not let her deafness hold her back from living life to the full. As a hairstylist her vision and skillful hands do the talking.

Just five minutes in her company and it’s not hard to see why Claire-Ann’s loyal client base admire and appreciate her. She’s infectious, she’s attentive, she hates gossip and she loves proving that her disability is not an obstacle to success. Her speech is incredibly fluid and clear, given her disability, and her lip reading skills are so sharp she barely misses a word.

‘I’ve never let being deaf get in my way of achieving what I’ve wanted in life. It hasn’t stopped me from travelling the world and it certainly hasn’t deterred me from working in an environment where communication is so relevant.’

The youngest of three, Claire-Ann was the only child born deaf to parents Terry (yes, the hairstylist!) and Sandra Scott, who were determined for her to lead as normal a life as possible.

‘My mom became my pillar of strength… my hero. She gave up work, travelled to America to learn the latest methods of teaching deaf children. When she came home she took my hand to her cheek and throat, and taught me how to speak. She also taught me how to drive, cook and gave me the confidence to travel solo.’

At 17 Claire-Ann joined the hairdressing industry as a fast and enthusiastic learner who thrived on every task and challenge put to her. Three years later she walked off with the Twincare South African (Hairdresser) Apprentice of the Year Trophy and has since grown to become a successful, respected and in-demand hairdresser in KZN.

‘I worked in London for a few years, gained the necessary experience and then came back and joined my dad’s business. I’ve never allowed people to judge me for my deafness, perhaps because my mom was never ashamed of me. We are just as capable as anybody else, aside from living in a more silent world.’

Highlights of her career include a trip to Morroco where Claire-Ann (the only deaf stylist out of 1 000 on tour) had great fun with some of the best hairdressers in the world, including global ambassador for Wella Professional, Romeu Felipe. As for special moments in her life… the day she got engaged to long-time boyfriend, Brandin, who is also deaf. The couple, who are polar opposite in personality, communicate solely through sign language and lip reading and simply adore each other.

Claire-Ann says the things she’s missed out on in life are being able to communicate normally over the phone, especially when people don’t realise she is deaf – although, she adds that this can also be pretty entertaining. As a teenager, she used to wish she could sing to music, but none of this bothers her anymore.

Being the optimist she is, Claire-Ann is quick to point out some of the things she appreciates. ‘Subtitles on YouTube, Netflix and DStv and communication tools like e-mail and Whatsapp; I can tune out background noise from hooters to the neighbour’s loud music or the dog that won’t stop barking; I can stay out of drama, gossip and escape long-winded people; I can find peace and quiet when I choose to – I just turn off my hearing aids; I’m a good listener – hearing people can take listening for granted, deaf people listen with more intent out of necessity.’

‘I’m happy and content in life, and I don’t think I would be any of those things without my parents.’

To those who are deaf and considering a career in something they are passionate about, Claire-Ann has three words…Go for it! ‘Nothing in life was meant to be easy. I’ve always wondered why I was born deaf and I guess I will never know, but I like to think it was a gift from God.’

Details: Terry Scott Hairfashion 031 572 6911.


Claire-Ann’s Summer hair care tips

Conditioning is key

Your hair gets just as thirsty as you do. Switch your shampoo and conditioner to moisturizing formulas and use hair oil or serum on the ends to help restore parched locks. Professional products are a must and a detox treatment every six weeks does wonders.

Avoid excessive heat

Tis the season to embrace your natural texture and ditch the hair appliances – the hair dryer, curling iron and straightener!

Wash less

The more you wash, the more you strip your scalp and hair of natural oils. Use a dry shampoo or powder to help absorb grease and give your hair body and texture at the same time.

Wear it loosely

Fight the frizz of Durban’s summer humidity with loose, care-free hairstyles like messy buns, high ponytails and big braids.

Trim

When your hair dries out your ends split. A regular trim will keep your hair healthier and looking great.

 

Summer styling trends

The blunt cut

Edgy and great for thin and fine hair, blunt or textured bobs are part of the short hair mood.

Silver purple hair

Hybrid hair colour (blending two hues into one) is bold and chic.

Pixies

Short, more manageable dos are so in!

Hair Clips

Sometimes, a hair accessory is all you need to switch things up in the mane department.

Bangs

From a blunt fringe to curtain bangs and wispy, face-framing styles, fringes are back!

Shag haircuts

These add that edge to your look and pay homage to the rock n’ rollers of the 70s.

Messy waves

Laidback-looking beach waves are always popular styles come summer.

Afros

A minimalist style that allows you to play with your natural texture.

 

CREDITS

Photograph: Tilanie Grote Photography, tilaniegrote.co.za, 066 248 1751, [email protected]

Hair by: Terry Scott Hairfashion

Make-up: Kryolan KZN

Dressed & styled by: Karen Monk-Klijnstra (assisted by Margaret Bossy)

Venue: Northstar-Hotel, Umhlanga

 

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