Barber ICons

WE SPOKE TO THREE OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN BARBERING TO FIND OUT WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AT THE TOP OF YOUR GAME IN 2023. PLEASE WELCOME OUR BARBER ICONS, HAYDEN CASSIDY, BRANDI LASHAY, AND TAYLOR LEVEN.

We’ve had hundreds of talented barbers grace the pages of EVO, and every month we are blown away by the talent of the pros who form the beating heart of this industry, whether they’re working behind the chair, styling on photoshoots, or presenting onstage.

Between them, Brandi, Hayden, and Taylor have traveled across multiple continents educating and cutting as major faces in the barber revolution. These three huge names each boast an iconic style and innovative approach to modern barbering that sets them apart from the rest. Hayden, Brandi and Taylor prove that together we are stronger, and how powerful having a strong support network is in this industry.

Irish-born and London-based Hayden is a multiaward-winning barber with many accolades under her belt, including Barbercon’s Female Barber of the Year. She’s owner of UNIT8 by Hayden Cassidy in East London, an Ambassador for Andis and works closely with SQUIRE, the barbershop management platform.

Brandi is a multi-talented force to be reckoned with, not only an expert in barbering and educating, but also as a writer and artist. She makes magic with BaByliss PRO and Booksy, and is owner of The Barber Doll House in Atlanta, GA.

BarberEVO columnist, Taylor is a master platform educator with a passion for color. She’s owner of

Headspace Barbershop in Chicago and works with Cocco Hair Pro to transform the way barbers use hairstyling tools, helping to bring the best tools in the business to every pro out there.

It has been a while since this power trio has been in the same room together. But at CT Barber Expo, the trio made time (at long last) to star in their own photoshoot. And we’re glad they did, because we got one hell of feature out of it!

The trio orchestrated a badass shoot amongst the pool tables and slot machines in Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Casino. The building itself is a sight to behold, glamorized by bright lights, high stakes, and the opportunity to win big – much like the world of barbering… It was a no-brainer to stage their shoot in this iconic spot.

Hayden said: “I met Brandi and Taylor while working for a clipper company in the very early days and since then, we’ve all made sure we stay in constant contact. Our amazing photographer, Kat Fernandez, who co-owns Mobo in Boston, captured us like boss bitches (she’s a force to be reckoned with as well) in a male dominated atmosphere – really a reflection of how hard we have worked to pave our ways.”

From Brandi’s POV: “The inspiration came from the night itself! We were at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut dressed for an evening to remember and to celebrate barber culture. My colleaguesturned-best-friends (who happen to be two badass barbers, with crazy drive and passion for our craft) are some of my very favorite people. Kat captured each of our personalities on steroids,” she laughed.

Taylor told us: “We wanted it to be an empowering photoshoot where we defy gender roles and break boundaries. We’re saying that we don’t care if this is a man’s industry or even a man’s world. We know what we’re capable of – and we’re taking over!”

Hayden agreed. She said: “We wanted this shoot to represent female empowerment. A lot of the time – in this industry in particular – you see women pinned against each other. But instead, we need to come together and build each other up! Since we met, we have stayed connected and supported one-another. It is so important to have high profile mentors within this industry and to find your tribe. And we certainly have found ours.” When we spoke to the trio, they had some things to say about the journey toward eradicating gender-based stigma in barbering. Hayden began: “This is something that often comes up in conversation between us. I’ve pushed myself to be OK with the term ‘female barber’ and these two girls have helped me massively with that. I always felt like it was a negative term starting out. Both Brandi and Taylor have shown me the empowerment behind it. Every event, battle, and showcase I go to, I see more and more of a female presence. It’s incredible. Personally, I feel the whole industry should stop focusing on gender. We really should be past that as a society.”

Taylor: “When I started doing hair, I couldn’t find a single barbershop in Chicago that would hire me. Today, I think that everyone is so much more respectful and accepting. We’re definitely moving in the right direction!”

Brandi: “Change is in motion – as it should be. Barbers are not only therapists, image consultants, and groomers; we are trend setters and have to know when it’s time to shift. I remember when there used to be a man’s haircut price and a woman’s haircut price. Can you imagine?! I’m glad we shifted our thinking because now I’m doing fades and designs on women and I’m helping men with length and color. Art isn’t a gender…it’s a vibe and freedom of expression. Let’s keep the innovation going.”

What’s next for these legendary barbers? Hayden: “I have Las Vegas in September and my big one this year is Tokyo with Mizutani in November for their 100th anniversary. It’s my first time in Japan so I’m super excited. I have some incredibly exciting things in the near future, but I’m bound to a contract so I can’t speak much.. what I will say, is it’s game changing!” We asked Hayden how she manages her studio with traveling so much. “SQUIRE has given me the ultimate flexibility and freedom when traveling. I’m in complete control of my scheduling and communication with clients, even when I’m not in the shop. This lets me free up time for shows and push education and other avenues that I’m passionate about.”

What’s in store for Taylor? “I’ll be on stage at the Behind the Chair event with Victory Brand. Educating is my passion, whether it be training my apprentices, hosting education courses at my barbershop, or private one-on-one education.”

Brandi: “I’ll be in Dallas TX for BarberCon’s 20th anniversary. LV Barber Expo is in September, The BarberCon retreat in Palm Springs, and my own project will be the first look at my new book titled Milk & Steak, created for women who are fed up with the BS and are ready to take accountability over their lives.” We’re so stoked to write about what these three get up to. Until next time!

Follow the trio on Instagram @hayden_cassidy @theoriginalbarberdoll and @badgirltaytay_

“I’ve completely stripped my tool kit down – and it feels good. The release of the new Andis reVite, has made everything so much easier. Mine is black and grey! I have one with the taper blade and one with my fade blade too. I also love my GTX EXO and my reSURGE Foil Shaver. It’s been nice traveling lighter whilst knowing I have every tool to create a perfect trim. I cannot recommend the reVITE enough. To anybody who already tried it: I pair it with my Purple Magnetic Attachment Combs – this combo really makes changers your game!”

“The new FXONE Clipper and Trimmer by BaByliss is on its way and to say I’m excited is an understatement! This baby is going to be a game changer and I can’t wait to get my hands on this sexy duo. I’ve currently got my hands on my Gold Snap FX Clipper and Trimmer Combo as my everyday go-tos. My Snaps are insane. They are zero gapped to perfection and give me the absolute cleanest line work for my designs. I love symmetry and BaByliss has me spoiled because your girl doesn’t

“The Cocco Pro BLDC Clippers are genuinely the best clippers I’ve ever used! They are as powerful as detachables and fade so softly. They have sped up my fade times tremendously and are the only clippers I use, from debulking to fading, wet to dry hair, and all different hair textures, these clippers do it all!

“The Cocco Pro BLDC Trimmers are amazing for detailing work too. They are powerful and sharp, but what sets them apart is their longevity. I’ve had them for months and they still cut like they’re fresh out of the box.”