Those of us who’ve had the fortune of being the key makeup and hairstyliston a hit network show or box-office blockbuster know that opportunities like these don’t come easy. Being a willing assistant on a fast-paced TV or film set demands dedication, hard work, and the ability to withstand long hours at work. We travel countless stepping stones on our road to a successful career and every day we must renew our commitment to our craft.

But for the cast and crew of ABC network’s newly-revamped version of Roseanne, Tuesday was the day their hard work and dedication were replaced with the words no TV-professional wants to hear: Your show is canceled.

The fallout comes after a much-publicized tweet by actress and comedienne Roseanne Barr about former Obama-administration White House senior advisor Valerie Jarret. The tweet, which has since been removed from Twitter, compared Jarret to offspring of the “Muslim brotherhood and planet of the apes.” Moments after the words made it into the Twittersphere, President of ABC Entertainment Channing Dungey issued a statement abruptly canceling the highly-rated sitcom.

“Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant, and inconsistent with our values,” Robert Iger, Chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney company tweeted yesterday on Dungey’s behalf. Many have praised Dungey’s immediate action as proof that ABC placed respect for people before profits—the show, a clear money-maker for the network, was averaging 10 million viewers earlier this month and was inching toward becoming the number-one rated prime-time show among adults 18-49.

But for the crew of set designers, craft specialists, and creative hair and makeup artists who were expecting a paycheck to cover their living expenses, yesterday’s cancellation is a harsh reminder that words have both power and consequence.

How then do we as a people exercise our right to free speech without fear of retribution? Particularly for hairstylists and the incredibly diversified community of people we serve, knowing how and what to communicate with our clientele– whether on set with a full cast and crew or in the privacy of our salons–can be challenging. Here are 3 ways we as hairstylists can dialogue with those around us and keep the conversation flowing in a healthy direction.

Hold to A Higher Standard

I’ve always said that when we come from place of kindness and love we can discuss almost any topic. As hairstylists, our careers are built on the trust we have with our clients and the relationships that develop because of that trust. By fostering an environment that’s free of negativity we set the bar high for how we want to be treated and for how we expect others to be treated in our presence. Everyone benefits—clients are comfortable speaking with us and each other and the whole of us are in better spirits. As members of the film and TV crew, we are often the first people to arrive on set and our attitude can set the tone for the entire day. We are excellent storytellers through image and design—our words should always echo the beauty we create for others.

Speak Your Truth

It’s been said many times that honesty is the best policy. Clearly, offering an honest opinion about each and every issue isn’t necessarily recommended, but when we’re sharing information with another person or speaking to a community of people, speaking from our heart and sharing our truth is often the glue that brings people together. When we talk in a kind and loving way about the things of which we are passionate, we create an opportunity for fellowship, even if the news isn’t particularly pleasant.

In one case, I had a client who shared with me how difficult it was to tell her previous hairstylist about the damage chemicals were doing to her hair. Though my client knew her hair and scalp were suffering from severe over-processing, she was too afraid of upsetting her stylist to speak up. By the time she came to me she had lost over 70 percent of her hair. I felt for both my client and her hairstylist; I can only imagine how different the outcome would have been if my client took a chance on sharing her concerns with a person who has been her confidante for years.

We must be brave enough to address what we fear. Sure, no one wants to tell a person with whom they have a trusted relationship that there’s a problem, but if we can find the courage to connect in an honest and loving way, we can get past the roadblocks and find common ground.

I sometimes recommend that we role play or “rehearse” with a friend or family member; this gives us the chance to say what we need to say in a safe space and receive feedback on our communication style before jumping into a real conversation we find uncomfortable. Examining closely how we come across to others presents an opportunity to be honest about how we feel so we can be an effective participant in any relationship.

Respect Others

Barr’s decision to compare Jarret, an African-American woman, to an ape was for many, the end of the road for an actress who has historically shown no fear in sharing exactly what’s on her mind.

WATCH: Roseanne Barr sings her unique version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

When asked about her response to the Roseanne debacle, Jarret took the high road, suggesting that this situation of racism is a “teaching moment” for us all.

“I’m fine,” Jarret said in an exclusive interview with MSNBC. “I’m worried about all the people out there who don’t have a circle of friends and followers who come right to their defense. The person who is walking down the street minding their own business and they see somebody cling to their purse or run across the street, or every black parent I know who has a boy who has to sit down and have a conversation — the talk — as we call it. As you say, those ordinary examples of racism that happen every single day.”

If only Roseanne had taken a moment to think about the effect her words may have had on others, her show would have likely survived to see another season. Unfortunately, we can’t take back the words we say once we say them, and that’s why it’s so important to have a fundamental, basic respect for the humanity of others.

When we view others through eyes of appreciation and dignity we lose interest in wanting to disempower them. As hairstylists, we are healers and life-changers. We transform people daily into the best versions of themselves and encourage them to be bold and fearless. A client’s hair is an extension of her soul and speaks volumes about who she is. It’s up to us to always ensure her soul is nourished.

Let’s always remember that we hairstylists are a beacon of light and a ray of sunshine for so many. We provide hope for men and women from behind the chair and beyond. To that end, let us always encourage people to speak their mind, but to remember to do it in a mindful way.

About the Author

Helen Owens, is an award-winning, veteran hair replacement and restoration specialist. She has appeared in a host of media outlets as an expert on hair loss and women’s issues and is an advocate for helping women survive the challenges associated with losing their crowning glory. A healer for many, she has also contributed to several books and is the author of Finding Our She-Compass: 15 Life Lessons for Women Voyaging Toward Restoration, Reconstruction, and Renewal.