Ep 1. You Got a Hole in Your Head

To Catch a Beautician is a reality show that takes a unique and thrilling approach to correcting bad haircuts and hair treatments. Salons can be intimidating, and sometimes stylists can take creative control in ways that are not always in line with their clients’ preferences. To Catch a Beautician addresses this problem by providing a platform for clients to confront their stylists and hopefully set things right. The show is hosted by Tamar Braxton and Johnny Wright, who are both experts in the field of hair care and styling. Together, they help clients confront the stylists who have given them bad haircuts, or used techniques that have damaged their hair. In the first episode of season one, "You Got a Hole in Your Head," a young woman named Ryann confronts her stylist for giving her a haircut that is far too short for her liking.

Ryann is a 27-year-old woman from Kansas City who has always been very particular about her hair. So, when she decided to get a haircut, she went to a stylist recommended by a friend. She was hopeful about the appointment, but things began to go wrong from the moment she sat down in the chair. Initially, the stylist cut more of her hair than Ryann had wanted, and then proceeded to “fix” the situation by giving her a bowl cut. After the initial shock, Ryann was mortified and devastated by the new look. She felt as though she looked like a boy and had lost her femininity. The experience left her in tears and feeling very vulnerable.

After the incident, Ryann adopted a habit of wearing hats and other headpieces to cover up her hair. She had to cancel several important meetings and events due to feeling so self-conscious. It wasn’t until she saw an advertisement for To Catch a Beautician that she realized she could do something about it. She applied to be on the show, and soon Johnny and Tamar were on their way to help her resolve the issue with her hairdresser.

The show starts with Ryann sharing her story with Johnny and Tamar. They listen sympathetically and reassure her that they can help. They then move onto Ryann’s hair to evaluate the damage. Ryann removes her hat to reveal a severe bowl cut that had plenty of inconsistencies and unevenness. Tamar and Johnny reassure her that it’s fixable and uplift her spirit, telling her that there is no shame in wanting to look your best. They promptly set off to the hair salon, where they sit down with Ryann's stylist, Bridgette.

Bridgette who is a veteran hairstylist of 10 years is initially defensive, but as the episode goes on, she begins to understand where Ryann is coming from. As a mother of two, she can sympathize with Ryann's feelings of vulnerability about her femininity. However, she also attempts to defend herself and explain how hard it is to please everyone, stating that Ryann had come in with a lot of mixed signals and that it was hard to understand what she wanted. She also tells Tamar and Johnny that she believed Ryann was going for an edgy and youthful look.

The solution to repair Ryann's hair is not a quick one. Tamar and Johnny decide that it is essential to take baby steps. They help Bridgette to learn more about Ryann’s personal style and preferences to avoid future misunderstandings. They teach Bridgette finer cuts that will allow for more precision in her hairstyling, while Johnny helps to create a natural-looking wig for Ryann to use in the meantime as her hair slowly grows out. The show ends on a positive note, with Ryann gaining back her confidence and feeling more herself.

To Catch a Beautician is a show that expertly tackles the insecurities and anxieties many people feel about their hair. It's entertaining, educational, and heartwarming to watch people restore their confidence and learn from their mistakes. The first episode is a great opener that sets the tone for the rest of the season, showcasing how even the best hairstylists can sometimes get things wrong, and how that doesn't have to mean the end of a client's confidence. It’s a show I highly recommend to anyone who has ever had a bad haircut or a disastrous experience in a salon.