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Challenges

What challenges as a female have you faced in this industry?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dina Rossiter on February 11, 2011 at 2:15pm

As a female in this industry I have to say my biggest challenge was proving myself to the fellas! Even tho I am a female doesn't mean I do have skills! :)

Permalink Reply by Danielle DaBarberGirl Thomas on February 15, 2011 at 9:16am

I still have that problem, it was hard getting a man to sit in my chair in the beginning, but after they have seen my results they don't hesitate. I still have those that are apprehensive, but once I cut them up they are happy and come back.

Permalink Reply by Dina Rossiter on February 15, 2011 at 2:01pm

Danielle... It is a great feeling to know we are gaining the respect we deserve! Keep doing your thing girl! :)

Permalink Reply by Shantell Monee on April 4, 2011 at 11:21pm

My experience has been both positive and negative. Positive, men tip females better for ok cuts and negative male barbers may get intimidated by female barbers WHEN WE step up THE game with technique and equipment. Now, I'm the only barber and stylist @ my shop and I miss having a male BARBER around :D.... But soon, i'LL BE DOING THE EMPLOYING!!!!

Permalink Reply by Dina Rossiter on April 5, 2011 at 4:20pm

LOL Shantell.... I hear ya on that one! Good luck on your new journey with the employing!! Whoo hoo!!!! :)

Permalink Reply by Michelle DaSheBarber Pyatt on April 14, 2011 at 12:15am

At first it was hard but like everyone said, Once that male client see your work, then they are ok with sitting in your chair. I even had male clients that left their male barbers for me. Yes, we as women are hitting this male dominant barber world hard and we have to keep hitting to gain that respect we deserve.

Permalink Reply by Dina Rossiter on April 21, 2011 at 2:14pm

Michelle it sure is hard and yes once they see for themselves it is game on! lol

Permalink Reply by Lia Rose Rodriguez on May 18, 2011 at 10:02pm

Hey there I'm greatful to know I'm not alone in my desire to 'be the change I wish to see in the world' -ghandi said it best. Im here to prove myself, and its been a ride so far two and a half months as an apprentice barber in an all male barbershop, I'm the kid, 22 years old. I love what I do, I teach men how to treat a lady, yet still make them feel comfortable in the process. Any suggestions on questions to ask clients? I lose my words when I get nervous.

Permalink Reply by Kristina Gibson on September 8, 2011 at 9:51am

I've learned to keep it simple until you know them. Try to find something they are interested in and let them do most of the talking. Men don't like it when women ramble. I have to catch myself sometimes. If you are asking about the consultation basically "when was your last cut" and "were you satisfied with that length?" Hope this helps!

Permalink Reply by KINDRA KIBLER on July 13, 2011 at 3:22pm

Hey ladies, I'm new to the site and new to the industry. I've always wanted to own my own shop since the first time I visited the barbershop with my husband but I wasn't able to persue this venture until recently ( I just started barber school in May). I'm the only female cutting at the school right now but it's great. I am focused on perfecting my craft so my cutz can speak for themselves. The guys at the school are cool (although very surprised that I pick up the techniques and information so quickly)... :) I haven't faced any challenges as of yet but I'm sure I will as time goes on and I get closer to owning my own. Does anyone have any advise about being a female in this industry in general. Do you always get treated as the cool female or can you become "one of the guys".

Permalink Reply by J.Fiondra on July 28, 2011 at 11:33pm

Hello..jus graduated cosmetology school back in March 2011. While in school, i picked up alot of barbering techniques online and used them in my practical works during school. it was a joy to be noticed for the skills i inquired on my own. and i was also able to teach some of my fellows students some of the techniques. two days after i graduated, i started working in a salon/barbershop. one side is the salon. the other side is the barbershop. ironically, i work on the barbershop side with all the fellows. my client base is 60% men. at first, it was a struggle for me also. i was questioned "if i knew how to use my equipment?". so i sarcastically replied to that question wit, "do u mean if i know how to make a man look good?" oh course, my response was flittering and they quickly took a seat. the end result was always surprising to them. so in essence, i have fun with the doubts that a man may have about a female barber. it makes what i love to do, alot more enjoyable. and it brings about alot of laughter as well. Continue on my sistas!!!..(**in my beyonce voice** Who run the world?!..GIRLS) LOVE, LIVE, AND LAUGH... Pe@<e

Permalink Reply by Ginnette Dawson on November 29, 2011 at 3:48pm

you go girl! Ive been a barber now 20 years and my clients are loyal its how you make them feel in the chair and when they get home I always ask how did the Misse's like your hair!! They say alright and know that im making them look and feel right. Good Luck!

Ginnie