I’m a new barber and I’m trans, but I pass pretty well. What I’m building is a space where everyone feels safe getting their hair cut, without losing what makes the barbershop special: community, laughter, debates, and real convo. Salons can feel like a 1-on-1 service, but the shop? It’s a shared rhythm. I want women and the LGBTQ community to feel that same joy and belonging men have had for generations.
I think that is amazing! Congratulations! There cannot be too many spaces when humans can just be humans - and show up as they are and feel safe. And I agree with you on the salon vibe! It is a 1:1 situation. Whereas barbershops are all about the community and the conversation. I think I have officially switched - I'm now barbershop 100%.
Wow, that is something I never thought about either... why women can't/don't go to a barber shop! I love seeing the walls coming down around gender norms for hair cutting! Thank you Kate for sharing!
Your article will free more women up to explore this option!
A new hair place opened up down the street from me. I popped in and asked to make an appointment. The gal looked at me wide eyed and said it was a gentlemen’s salon.
And looking around, I realized that there were a series of rooms with doors….then I became wide eyed! 😂
Oh nooooo! That is a great story. I wonder what the woman would have said if you leaned in and winked and said, "oh... I know. And I want that appointment."
I’m a new barber and I’m trans, but I pass pretty well. What I’m building is a space where everyone feels safe getting their hair cut, without losing what makes the barbershop special: community, laughter, debates, and real convo. Salons can feel like a 1-on-1 service, but the shop? It’s a shared rhythm. I want women and the LGBTQ community to feel that same joy and belonging men have had for generations.
I think that is amazing! Congratulations! There cannot be too many spaces when humans can just be humans - and show up as they are and feel safe. And I agree with you on the salon vibe! It is a 1:1 situation. Whereas barbershops are all about the community and the conversation. I think I have officially switched - I'm now barbershop 100%.
Wow, that is something I never thought about either... why women can't/don't go to a barber shop! I love seeing the walls coming down around gender norms for hair cutting! Thank you Kate for sharing!
Right? 20+ years in gender and it never occurred to me.
Thank you Kate!
Your article will free more women up to explore this option!
A new hair place opened up down the street from me. I popped in and asked to make an appointment. The gal looked at me wide eyed and said it was a gentlemen’s salon.
And looking around, I realized that there were a series of rooms with doors….then I became wide eyed! 😂
Oh nooooo! That is a great story. I wonder what the woman would have said if you leaned in and winked and said, "oh... I know. And I want that appointment."