According to Bryan Barber, one of the biggest struggles in his profession is dealing with celebrities who expect free hairstyling and grooming services. Many of them, he says, walk into his salon without making deposits, get top-tier hair treatments, and leave without paying. This behavior, he believes, undermines his profession and devalues the effort he and his team put into their craft.
“Most of them don’t pay for our services. Some even lie to us that they’re going to post our work on their social accounts for exposure, but they don’t,” Barber lamented.
While exposure on social media can be beneficial for business, he insists that it does not replace actual payment for services rendered. He stressed that professionals like him invest time, skills, and resources to deliver high-quality work and should be compensated fairly.
A Legal Battle Over Unpaid Services
Bryan Barber went on to share an incident where he had to take legal action against a celebrity who failed to pay for his services. Though he chose to withhold the name of the celebrity, he revealed that the matter escalated to court before the client finally settled his debt.
“I took one of them to court, and he paid my money when he realized the matter was serious. However, considering his status, the amount he paid was very little,” Barber revealed.
The hairstylist believes that many celebrities take advantage of their fame to evade payments, which is unfair to hardworking professionals in the beauty and fashion industry. He pointed out the irony that artists often complain about not being paid for performances yet do the same to service providers.
The Plight of Ugandan Beauty Professionals
Barber’s concerns highlight a broader issue within Uganda’s creative and service industries, where professionals are expected to work for free or for “exposure.” Many stylists, makeup artists, and fashion designers have echoed similar grievances about celebrities who refuse to pay, promising publicity instead.
Despite these challenges, Bryan Barber remains passionate about his work and continues to style some of Uganda’s biggest names. He calls on celebrities to respect and support local talent by paying for services just as they expect to be paid for their work.
A Call for Change in the Industry
The hairstylist urges fellow professionals in the beauty and grooming industry to stand firm against exploitation and demand fair treatment. He encourages service providers to set clear policies regarding deposits and payments to avoid such disputes in the future.
“As artists, they feel the same pain when they are not paid after a show. They should understand that we also have families to take care of and bills to pay,” Barber emphasized.
With more professionals speaking out against such exploitation, there is hope for better industry practices that ensure fairness and mutual respect between service providers and celebrities.
Final Thoughts
The entertainment and beauty industries thrive on mutual support and professionalism. As the Ugandan creative scene continues to grow, ensuring that all players—including stylists, designers, and makeup artists—are fairly compensated will contribute to a more sustainable and respectful industry.
Do you think celebrities should be held accountable for unpaid services? Share your thoughts in the comments!
