In this podcast John Jakeman talks about his career as a hairdresser - in Wellington, London and Europe, from the 1960s onwards.
Summary
In this comprehensive summary of the podcast "John Jakeman - hairdressing," the interview covers Jakeman's extensive career as a hairdresser, starting in Wellington, New Zealand, and spanning across Europe and London from the 1960s. The conversation touches upon personal experiences from Jakeman's school years, including struggles with academic performance, coping with bullying, and facing corporal punishment. Ultimately, being discouraged from returning to school, Jakeman's mother encouraged them to pursue hairdressing—a decision that would shape their entire life.
Jakeman's journey into hairdressing began at the Continental Hairdressing Academy, managed by European Jews with a history marked by the war. Despite initial apprehensions, it led to an empowering career that allowed Jakeman to work creatively with hair and to enjoy the social aspects of the job. They recollected experiences within different constituencies, including interactions with aristocracy and learning aspects of their personal lives as clients.
Jakeman discussed the changing trends of the 1960s and how hairdressing adapted to the dynamic fashion environment, serving as a lucrative profession back then. They noted the transition from traditional women's hairstyles to unisex salons in the 1970s and how hairstyles evolved over the decades, including the popularity of perms among men until an unfortunate television appearance reduced its trendiness.
Reflecting on cultural differences, the interview delves into Jakeman's time working in Spain during Franco's dictatorship, where the environment contrasted sharply with the freedom experienced in New Zealand. Returning to New Zealand in the 1970s, Jakeman observed significant social changes and the increasing acceptance and freedom for the gay community in Wellington, which had become a vibrant and diverse city.
With a career that spanned over many years, Jakeman eventually worked on cruise ships, catering to an elite clientele. Throughout this period, they managed to establish strong relationships with clients, some of whom were openly gay and affluent, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the gay community and its dynamics within society.
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