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.
