9 minute read
Gender Inclusivity: Keri Blue, Founder of HAIR HAS NO GENDER, talks to us about the importance of gender inclusivity.
Gender inclusivity
Is your business promoting an inclusive environment? We caught inclusive environment? We caught up with Keri Blue, founder of HAIR up with Keri Blue, founder of HAIR HAS NO GENDER, to fi nd out HAS NO GENDER, to fi nd out some of the issues the LGBTQIA+ some of the issues the LGBTQIA+ community face within our industry, community face within our industry, and what we can all do to help. and what we can all do to help. Photo by hairhasnogender.co.uk Photo by hairhasnogender.co.uk
Human first
We got in touch with the mind behind HAIR HAS NO GENDER to discuss gender inclusivity and the importance of bringing this into your everyday lives as barbers.
Now, more than ever, people are realising that there is such an importance to gender inclusivity within not just your business, but the world as a whole. You never know the weight that can be carried by the use of the wrong pronouns, ignorance of the everchanging world or simply refusing to be a part of it.
HAIR HAS NO GENDER exists because there are a large number of people from the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more), female and non-binary communities who are intimidated to approach a barbershop.
Short Hair Specialist and Founder of HAIR HAS NO GENDER, Keri Blue (@ keribluebarber), explained that, a few years ago, they were refused a haircut in a barbershop because the shop “only cut men’s hair” - something that, we here at the Barber Magazine, have no tolerance for whatsoever.
“The experience stuck with me,” Keri said, “I quickly learned that this is something that happens to people every day because even in 2022, there’s a lot of prejudice and inequality in the hair industry.” This was just another spark which helped fuel the amazing HHNG, a UK-based consultancy service to help business owners bring gender awareness to their spaces.
Keri doesn’t believe that all of the negativity comes from a bad place, however, there is a major lack of the correct education within the industry for making your businesses open to everyone.
“I launched HAIR HAS NO GENDER during lockdown as a way to find out some truths about the industry from other LGBTQIA+ people who had their own stories to tell,” Keri explains.
The Barber Magazine is hoping to spread the word about inclusivity, not just this month, but as an ongoing practice to our readers. The fact that people are getting turned away from barbershops speaks volumes, and we’re on a mission to ensure that all barbering businesses are accessible to all.
“I’ve lost count of how many news stories I’ve read about people being turned away from barbershops because of who they are. It’s a scary thought that transphobia and homophobia still exist in the barbering industry today.
“Often these attitudes will be covered up by excuses like ‘we’re only insured
to cut men’s hair’ - a statement which we know is completely irrelevant, as confirmed by some of the industry’s top insurance brokers. We believe that hair is hair, and we are on a mission for the barbering industry to see people as human first.” Keri continues.
Many barbershop owners tend to overlook the fact that not including every person with an interest in your premises could have some major effects on revenue and footfall. That being said, how can being gender-inclusive impact your business?
Ultimately, it comes down to the fact that denying potential clients entry won’t bring in any added revenue, so there’s no need to even consider it in the first place.
“Turning customers away based on their gender or their identity is not only illegal, it’s bad for business too,” Keri said, “Barbers should be educated enough to be able to cut the hair of any client who walks through their door, providing it’s within their skillset. We’re not asking anyone to drop their clippers and go learn how to do a bouncy blowdry.”
Keri has rebranded themself as a “short hair specialist”, which means that if you have short hair then they can cut it without judgement or bias in any way, shape or form.
“In the hairdressing industry, we’re working hard to encourage all salons to have gender-neutral pricing based on short or long hair, moving away from that outdated and irrelevant model of ‘men’s’ and ‘women’s’ hair, based on the assumption that all men have short hair and all women have long hair,” Keri explains.
Keri has observed that, in recent years, more and more salons are adhering to gender-neutral pricing which is a fantastic step in the right direction, however, believes that there is still much to be done.
“In the last few years, diversity, inclusion and representation have become so integral to the way people run their businesses, and LGBTQIA+ people are finally being given a seat at the table. It’s great to see our industry embrace celebrations and stand with us as allies during Pride, but the problems our community faces happen all year round,” said Keri.
In a study conducted by HHNG,
statistics show that over a quarter of people who responded have experienced direct homophobia or transphobia within a salon or barbershop environment. Not only that, but over a third had straight up been refused service. “We still have an enormous amount of work to do,” Keri adds.
There is a wealth of knowledge out there for people who are looking to learn and spread awareness, and we encourage everyone to take a look for themselves. That being said, Keri sees that some people find it more difficult to understand than others.
“Our advice is to forget what you know about the constructs of gender,” Keri said, “What we are trying to do is rewrite years of traditions and assumptions, and we know it won’t happen overnight. You might mess up and say the wrong thing, but persevere and keep trying.”
So, as readers, what should you take from this article? We want to ensure that you are getting the very best information, so we asked Keri what their top tips are for being more inclusive: “As consumers, our biggest source of information is social media, so make sure you’re following LGBTQIA+ creators and see what they have to say, and learn from them.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out to people if you have questions - nobody is offended by people trying to learn. Take a look at your branding, does it look inclusive to you? How about your pricing structure, do you reference men and women? These are such simple things you can change that will make all the difference.” Keri said.
We encourage any and all barbers to follow Keri on Instagram at @ keribluebarber, as well as HAIR HAS NO GENDER at @hhnguk as both pages regularly share content, tips, thoughts and advice on gender inclusivity within the barbering industry. Keri believes that’s a great starting point for beginning your inclusivity journey, and we couldn’t agree more.
Keri offers digital or in-person training, so we encourage you, or a member of your team, to reach out as this would be nothing but a beneficial step in the right direction for everyone.
“Never forget, we’re all human first.” Keri finishes.
Visit hairhasnogender.co.uk for more information.
fi rst. Never forget, we’re all human
Five reasons to go gender-neutral
Recognising the need for an all-gender approach with fair pricing hairdressing, Maisie, Manager, and James and George, Directors, have now transitioned their studios to HARE – where they welcome everyone. Here are their top reasons for gender neutrality.
1 - Closing the gap
There has historically been a strong divide between barbershops and hairdressing salons. Noticing a gap in the market, we have built a brand that brings the industries closer. We provide high-quality haircuts in a neutral environment, where all genders pay a fair price depending on the time taken. All of our stylists are qualified hairdressers and barbers, meaning we can cut all hair.
2 - A safe space
We provide a safe space for all. Rebranded to ‘HARE – All Hair | All Gender’ everyone is welcome in our studios. The LGBTQ+ community are loving our fair focus studios. We believe a true hairstylist can work with all hair types and lengths, so we train hairdressing and barbering techniques, offering NVQs and advanced precision cutting training. We charge £26 for a standard male haircut, so sure as hell we offer the same for other genders. By making everyone feel welcome, our studios have become truly special places.
3 - Tricks of the trade
‘‘Good haircuts grow in not out” is our mantra. We believe if a haircut loses shape or displays unbalanced weight within two, three or even four weeks, it’s a poor haircut. This approach has been imperative while crossing the gender divide and offering universally appealing haircuts.
4 - Bonding
Since going gender neutral, we have been shocked by how experimental the mature clientele is. Once trust is built, we are seeing our grey brigade bringing loyalty and expression to the studios. Times have changed and our older clientele is now more aware and open to these modifications.
5 - No bookings
We offer a walk-in service, which everyone enjoys. In salons where washes are required and blow dries encourage mandatory bookings, this discourages impulsivity and hairstyle changes. Hairdressers sometimes hide behind their fancy finish and don’t have the precision skills to risk going short on clients. Not everyone wants a round brush blow-dry. We feel everyone should be encouraged to have a funky, low-maintenance cut that works with their face shape in an environment that welcomes all. Visit www.harestudio.co.uk and follow @hareeynsham, @haremarston and @woodstockbarbers on Instagram.
