ATTITUDES TOWARDS DIFFERENT TYPES OF HAIRDRESSING ARE CHANGING

GONE ARE THE days when barber shops proudly showed a sign on their door entrance reading ‘men only’. I started out my career in the barbering industry about eight years ago. At that time, it was still a very male dominated industry, fast forward to now and I’m happy to say we have come a long way.

Inclusivity has always been of huge importance to me in anything I do. Coming from the LGBTQ+ community, it has always been in the forefront of my values and beliefs. I’ve seen a huge positive shift in terms of inclusivity in barber shops around the world. Although starting out there were still many shops that stuck to the ‘gentleman’s shop’ idea, now our community is moving forward and dropping segregation. Hair is hair.

As a hair professional and a female barber, I always get asked what is the difference between a barber and a hairdresser. As professionals we are generally able to create a valid differentiation between the two, but why should we have to? Over recent years, although I’m still proud to call myself a barber – I love barbering and I love the craft – I sometimes refer to myself as a ‘short hair specialist’.

What changes should we make to still proudly call ourselves barbers and barber shops while making clear our inclusivity? For me, it comes down to your attitude in the space you cut in. I have a range of clients with whom I work to make feel important and welcome in my chair, regardless of how they identify. This has not only positively impacted my space and brand, it has also allowed me to maintain a constant passion for my craft. Own your environment and open yourself up to a world of inclusivity. Create a sense of belonging for everyone. You don’t have to shout it from the rooftop. The beauty of anything different is that it is unapologetically itself.

Limitations in any form hold you back. Cutting different styles on different individuals has kept me inspired and grateful. A barber’s chair is for everybody.