News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media

Bad hair jokes are flying

Bravo's premiering another reality show tonight, Shear Genius, in which "a group of talented hairstylists from around the world will literally go head-to-head in creative challenges" in order to be "crowned a 'Shear Genius.'" Bad puns are already flying: "Some will get 'cut' early and others will 'blow away' the competition." (By the way, the series is hosted by Jaclyn Smith — you know her either as Kelly on the original Charlie's Angels or as a Kmart clothing designer.)

Is it a good show? Well, the New York Times called it "dull," but I'm a bit intrigued. I have a fascination with hair. And besides, the head judge is Sally Hershberger, who, rumor has it, was the inspiration for the character of Shane on The L Word (That's Hershberger in that photo, not Shane!).

She has a long roster of celebrity clients including Sandra Bullock, Gina Gershon and Hillary Clinton (!), and she was the force behind Meg Ryan's signature cut. Check out this New York magazine article about Hershberger and her New York salon, where you too can get a $600 haircut (maybe, if you're important enough).

Oh yeah, and since this is Bravo, there are some openly gay contestants. Look for a profile of stylists Daisy and Tabatha next week. Shear Genius premieres tonight at 11 p.m. ET on Bravo.

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  • jennifer from pittsburgh's picture

    Hair Today, Gone in 60 seconds

    My gf gets a $100 haircut every four weeks, which I think is an insane amount of money to pay. Meanwhile, I'll let any clown with a pair of safety scissors have a go at my hair.
    WILD_CHILDx087's picture

    Holy crap I thought that was

    Holy crap I thought that was Shane/Kate in the pic! Wow...now I have to watch atleast once

    I am what I am. Love me or hate me. Just consider me.

    jix1125's picture

    I don't care if it is dull.

    I'll be watching just for Jaclyn Smith at the very least. Mmmm.
    littlecaesar's picture

    Sally may be hot, but from

    Sally may be hot, but from that article you linked (which, I understand, is just one reporter's point of view) she (and the other hairdressers profiled) seems like a total tool.  I'm all about being honest with people, especially with hair, but it's possible to be amicable (or, at the very least, not a bitch) while still being honest.  People like her are one of my biggest pet peeves.
    jennifer from pittsburgh's picture

    Toolville

    Yeah, there is the fact that Sally's a tool. It's sad, really, because she doesn't have to be a tool, and yet, there we are. Toolville.
    onemorehour's picture

    wow. she seems unpleasant.

    wow. she seems unpleasant. if i ever decide to shell out $600 for a hair cut somebody please punch me in the head.

    i only caught the last minutes of shear genius, but i think i'll tune in next week. i'm always looking for new hair options.
    dejablu's picture

    I'm not sure whether I like

    I'm not sure whether I like this show or not.  It was kind of meh.  There does, however, seem to be the potential for drama because some of these stylists are already legends in their own minds. 

    As much as I was prepared to dislike Sally, suprisingly I didn't.  She may still be a tool, but in that group of starch and egos, she was far from the biggest one. 

    Also, add Jaclyn Smith to the list of those ladies who are totally glam, gorgeous and well past 40.  If she is really, in fact, closing in on her 62nd birthday, all I can say is there must be a portrait tucked away in her attic somewhere.  Still absolutely gorgeous. 

    Zahra's picture

    Is she?

    Is Sally Hershberger gay?

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