Inclusive stylists shaping hair with skill, care, and identity in mind.
Finding the perfect hairstylist who truly gets you and your hair can be tricky even on a good day. And when you’re looking for a gender-affirming haircut, it can feel even tougher. To help you out, here’s a handy list of queer-friendly barbers and hairstylists on Instagram to spark some inspiration.
Portland-based Jules Heron specializes in gender-affirming and transformation cuts and they are super passionate about what they do. “I want to help you feel like your most authentic self,” says Jules.
They founded Hair For Humans to give their community a space where they feel seen, supported, and cared for – especially when it comes to one of the most personal parts of self-expression.
Jules is famed for their collaborative approach to building a haircut with their guests. Each transformation video starts with a comprehensive consultation where they discuss what the guests want to do with their hair, followed by a thorough breakdown of what is going to happen and a final look.
Attention to detail is their strong suit. And it doesn’t stop with “Where do you want your parting?” or “How do you feel about bangs?”. They take into account sensory experiences, insecurities, past experiences with haircuts, and the vision of the perfect hair the guests have. Jules doesn’t hesitate to give exact explanations on how the haircut is going to be executed to make sure they are on the same page with their guests.
Must watch if you never know how to explain to your hairstylist how you want your hair cut.
M Arida is a licensed professional barber from Providence, Rhode Island, who creates a welcoming and supportive space for the queer community. “I got into it because I had been going to barbershops for a long time and the experience was fine. But I just felt it could be better,” they explain.
For many people in transition, getting a gender-affirming haircut is often the first big move to embrace their masculinity. “For people who present more masculine, I felt like there wasn’t a space for that,” reminisces M Arida.
When they first started out, their clients were split roughly 50/50 between queer and non-queer people. But as their videos on social media gained more traction, their queer clientele shot up to 90%.
Many transformation video thumbnails feature a cut-out of an inspirational style their guests are aiming for, so it’s easy to sift through the reels searching for something that has your vibe. They also discuss gender and transition-related issues with their guests, like stereotypes, fear, and expectations.
Each consultation feels like a therapy session and seeing people’s eyes light up when they get a new look is heartwarming. Follow to witness the transformative power of a haircut in action.
Haircutting specialist Monica Cox describes themself as “a dedicated non-binary hairstylist who is passionate about creating a safe and inclusive space for all clients.” Their salon, TheMx Salon, in Orlando, Florida, is LQBTQIA+-friendly and offers gender-free pricing. What’s more, they use vegan, cruelty-free, and sulfate-free hair products.
“I enjoy doing everything from mullets and shags to pixies and fades,” shares Monica. They pride themselves on their continuous professional development and staying updated with the latest industry trends so that they can give their clients plenty of options that fit their personal style.
Their Instagram page is a perfect example of a client-oriented profile. It has everything from pricing and cancelation policies to directions on how to get to the salon. The feed is packed with examples of haircuts of all styles, lengths, and textures. They really live up to their motto “All people and all hair types welcome.”
These amazing professionals make every day feel like a Transgender Day of Visibility. To learn more about feminizing haircuts for trans women, read Hair Tips for Transgender Women to Consolidate Your Look.
Featured images via @hairforhumans, @m_will_cut_you, @themx.hair.
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