I’m 100% pro edgy advertising. I love it when ads show some guts – especially ads for beauty products, professionals and salons. I like to be surprised in this world of advertising clutter where millions of advertisers are competing for our attention every second of every day.
But there’s a line. And Fluid Hair Salon’s most recent advertising crossed it.
It’s one thing to show a hard-working blue collar babe with impeccable hair, or a chic biker chick burning out with high-fashion locks perfectly in place.
It’s entirely another to glorify domestic violence against women. The same could be argued for their homicide-themed or homelessness and drug-use themed ads, but for some reason the domestic violence one just strikes a particularly uncomfortable chord. I’m also 100% pro free speech, and support their right to produce such advertising. But just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. These three ads aren’t edgy. They’re tasteless.
What’s the difference between the blue collar ad and the domestic violence ad, you ask? The hard-working blue collar woman and the gutsy, adventurous biker babe make you feel empowered. But the domestic violence victim? That’s just it – she’s a victim. No one wants to be a victim. What message does this ad send to young women? It’s ok that he beats you, as long as you get jewelry at the end – and you’d better look hot while it happens.
Unfortunately, the advertising is probably working in a way. Their reach is probably incredible because of the number of people (just like us) who are talking about the tasteless ads. There are better ways to be creative and to get people to talk about you.
Want to help put a stop to domestic violence instead of glorifying it? Consider making a contribution to or persuading your salon to support organizations like Cut It Out, which mobilizes salon professionals to fight domestic abuse. It trains salon professionals to recognize warning signs of domestic abuse in their clients and safely refer them to local resources that can help.
What do you think about the Fluid Hair ads? Worth making a stink about, or no big deal? Tell us what you really think in the comments below!
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- Fluid Hair Ads – Domestic Violence Against Women
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- Fluid Hair Ads – Homelessness & Drug Use
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- Fluid Hair Ads – Homicide
These ads are the property of Fluid Hair Studio + Salon in Toronto, Ontario. The images were collected from their Facebook page. These ads are displayed here for the purpose of critical commentary.
