A few decades ago, there was no relation between barbering as a career and women working in it. Think of a man going into a barbershop and getting a haircut. Are you picturing a male or a female doing the job? Almost 99% of us will conditionally think of a male barber.
Until the 20th century, barbering was condemned as a man’s profession. Men went to barbershops – a predominantly male-dominated space – where they conversed and bonded while getting a shave or haircut. For women, salons became a female-dominated space, where women offered services to women.
Like any other profession, barbering embraces diversity and creates an inclusive environment for all genders to work together. Women are taking professional courses to establish themselves in this industry and break traditional stereotypes. This blog post explores the history of the barbering industry, lists the challenges of women barbers, and discusses how they overcome them to mark their individuality in a male-dominated industry.
The History of Gender Gap in Barbering
Historically, barbering carried a whiff of masculinity. It dates back to ancient Egypt and Greece, where barbers were confidants to warriors and noblemen. Since the early 20th century, barbering schools and apprenticeships were mostly for men; this emphasized that barbering was a “man’s job.” Salons became the spaces for women’s hair care and styling. The social and professional divide made women feel unheard and excluded from a career such as barbering.
But in recent years, more women have disrupted those traditional roles. They have taken formal barbership training, got their licenses, and opened their own barbershops. Today’s female barbers prove that barbering is a skill for all and that the business is diverse and creative.
Why Women Are Entering the Barbering Industry
The decision to become a barber is personal, but for many women, it’s not about learning how to cut hair—it’s about erasing stereotypes and redefining the industry.
1. Passion for Barbering
Many women have always been drawn to exploring their potential in mastering men’s grooming techniques. Driven by the passion to master men’s classic haircuts, they work on their skills to maximize their creativity. Their passion for becoming skilled barbers earns them a loyal client base.
2. Making the Industry Diverse
Every profession is increasingly valuing diversity, and barbering is no exception. Barbering becomes appealing with women bringing their own perspectives and techniques, which helps push and grow the industry. Despite that, in some cases, a female barber often creates a different atmosphere in her shop, making the atmosphere welcoming for visitors regardless of gender or background. It’s not just a representation; it adds to the client experience.
3. Breaking Gender Norms
For many women, being a barber is a statement of empowerment. They are also breaking down gender stereotypes and opening up this traditionally male profession to future generations of women in barbering. Females entering the industry prove that skill, talent, and passion rule the space, not gender. They are helping other women follow the same path, diversify the field, and strengthen it.
Challenges Women Face in Barber Training
While more women are entering barbering, there are still obstacles to overcome. Due to the job’s physical demands and social stereotypes, women may face certain challenges during their training.
1. Stereotypes and Gender Bias
Overcoming stereotypes and gender bias is one of the biggest challenges women who seek to enter barber training face. Even though some clients may initially doubt the ability of a female barber to get ‘the right‘ haircut, it is assumed that men are naturally more suitable for such work. This can be disheartening for a woman just starting, but many women master it by building a strong reputation and proving their skills.
2. Physical Demands of the Job
Barbering is a physically demanding job, and barbers have to stand for many hours, work with heavy tools and keep their hands and movements steady and precise. Many women have difficulty dealing with clippers and razors that may not be ergonomically designed for them to handle, making it difficult sometimes. However, as the industry grows more inclusive, more and more companies are creating tools everyone can use and is comfortable using.
3. Limited Female Mentorship
It’s also hard to find female mentors when women have traditionally been in the minority compared to men in an industry like this. Any trade thrives off mentorship; without it, women may find negotiating the business even more difficult. However, networks of female barbers are starting to come together—supporting each other and fostering collaboration and mentorship—as more women enter the field.
How Female Barbers Are Breaking Stereotypes
Women in barbering are confronting these challenges and finding success while inspiring others. Here are some ways female barbers are breaking stereotypes and redefining the industry:
1. Mastering Male Grooming Techniques
Barber training includes different stages. From basic styles and techniques to learning newer styles and trends, women gradually master men’s grooming techniques. By perfecting their skills, female barbers ensure the skills of their male counterparts are met or exceeded. Many female barbers have found that their clients like their special touch and attention to detail, thus forming a loyal client base.
2. Creating Inclusive Barbershops
Some female barbers are breaking traditional barbershops’ “old boys’ club” atmosphere and creating their own spaces. They are making the industry more inclusive and offering services to welcome all kinds of genders. They are building a diverse clientele, including women with short haircuts, men who can be around a mixed-gender space, and clients from LGBTQ+ communities.
3. Building Social Media and Strong Brands
Female barbers use various social media platforms to demonstrate their skills and advertise new services to attract customers and build personal brands. They share work experiences, engage with followers, break stereotypes, and reach bigger audiences. Despite traditional biases, social media is a powerful tool for female barbers, allowing them to build trust and credibility in their industry.
Women Barber Training Programs and Certification
Becoming a successful barber starts with enrolling in a professional barber school. Contemporary training institutes realize the importance of diversity and ensure an inclusive and supportive environment. These courses teach clients the basics, including cutting techniques, facial grooming, sanitation practices, consultation, and business skills.
After the barber training, the female barber must pass the state licensing exams (usually written and practical). After getting the license, female barbers are ready to start their careers by joining an established barbershop, becoming freelancers, or opening their own barbershop.
The Future of Women in Barbering
As more women enter the industry, it is revolutionizing excitingly. Because of gender diversity, it is becoming more innovative, inclusive, and client-centred. Barbering is a career for anyone passionate about the art and craft of hair, and women are proving it. In the years to come, we will see more women enter into leadership roles within barbering, steer the direction of trade, and, as such, be mentors to future generations.
Conclusion
The barbering profession is no longer limited to one gender. Women are pursuing their dreams, working for their passion, and establishing themselves in the hairstyling industry. They bring a new perspective and explore new dimensions in the industry. Their presence in any barbershop instantly makes the atmosphere fun, welcoming and comfortable.
Although barbering was historically not a woman’s profession, contemporary norms have broken existing stereotypes and allowed women to share the space. More than a profession, barbering has become a platform for women to showcase their talent.
Like any other profession, professional training is essential to pursuing a career as a barber. Barbers must go through several stages of learning to establish themselves as experts. For women looking to join the industry and build impressive careers as barbers, MZ Academy offers professional training programs to groom young, aspiring learners.
