Hair as Self-Expression: How Queer Barbershops and Salons Empower LGBTQ+ Communities

Hair transcends gender norms; it is a canvas for personal expression, free from societal constraints. For many, changing their hairstyle is a powerful way to align with their gender identity or showcase nonconformity, freedom, and pride in their individuality. This is especially true in LGBTQ+ communities, where hair holds deeper significance and provides a platform for creative self-expression in a world that often seeks to suppress it.

You may have heard the phrase, “The personal is political.” Originating in second-wave feminism, this influential slogan has grown to represent the idea that personal choices—like the ways we present ourselves—can influence political and social structures. For those in the LGBTQ+ community, decisions related to appearance—such as haircuts, styles, and colors—often defy conventional gender norms, making these choices inherently political. In this context, hair becomes more than a physical attribute: it symbolizes resistance, self-determination, and the challenge to binary gender perceptions.

The Significance of Barbershops and Salons in LGBTQ+ Communities

Barbershops and hair salons hold a special place in LGBTQ+ communities, but not all spaces are welcoming. Traditional salons or barber shops can inadvertently reinforce gendered expectations-–some are hyper-masculine, while others are overtly feminine—leaving queer individuals feeling alienated and dissatisfied. These experiences highlight the importance of queer-friendly salons and barbershops that cater specifically to the diverse needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

For many, visiting a queer hairdresser is about more than just getting a haircut; it’s about feeling validated and seen in a space that encourages authenticity. These establishments are often viewed as essential community hubs, especially for transgender and non-binary individuals. In mainstream beauty schools, hairdressing is typically taught with a binary understanding of gender, leaving little room for the non-conforming expressions that so many LGBTQ+ individuals seek. For those navigating gender identity, hair is a deeply personal element—representing self-acceptance, discovery, and empowerment. Queer hairdressers break down stereotypes and offer a space where clients can confidently explore and express their true selves.

Challenges in Finding Inclusive Spaces

Although queer-friendly barbershops and salons are becoming more common in urban areas, they remain scarce in rural or conservative regions. For some, finding an inclusive and judgment-free space means traveling long distances, and even then, not all supposedly queer-friendly salons are truly inclusive. It's essential to find a place that genuinely supports and affirms the identity of each individual, free from assumptions or discrimination.

Another challenge is gender-based pricing, which remains a significant issue in the beauty industry. Women's haircuts and treatments are often priced higher than men's, reflecting an unfair gender hierarchy that extends beyond salons. While queer salons may aim to create more equitable spaces, some still inadvertently perpetuate this pricing structure. A truly inclusive queer salon should adopt gender-neutral pricing, ensuring that their services reflect the non-binary, inclusive ethos they aim to uphold.

Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity in LGBTQ+ Hair Care

Beyond gender inclusivity, it’s crucial that queer salons and barbershops also demonstrate cultural competence. For people of color who are also part of the LGBTQ+ community, finding a queer-friendly hairdresser who is also skilled in working with textured hair can be particularly challenging. While many traditional salons claim expertise in textured hair, this does not always translate into knowledge about different curl patterns, shrinkage, or the specific care needs of textured hair. Therefore, finding a salon that combines cultural sensitivity with technical expertise is essential for clients seeking an affirming, high-quality experience.

Inclusive queer barbershops and salons must not only challenge gender norms but also race-based discrimination, ensuring they serve a diverse clientele with the care, respect, and expertise they deserve. A truly inclusive space is one where individuals, regardless of their gender identity, race, or sexual orientation, can feel seen and understood.

The Power of Safe, Affirming Spaces

For those exploring their identity, creating safe and affirming spaces goes beyond merely offering a service. It involves cultivating environments where people feel truly valued and validated, especially when it comes to how they present themselves. Hair plays a significant role in the LGBTQ+ community’s sense of self and identity, making the right queer barbershops and salons essential.

These spaces offer more than just physical transformations—they empower clients by helping them feel confident, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. In an often discriminatory world, queer-friendly barber shops and salons open the door to a new kind of acceptance, where individuals are not only seen but truly heard.

Written by Madison Everlith

Photographed by Fiona Torres Moino @fionatorresmoino

Directed by Mark Bluemle @markbluemle

Hair, PA: Diamond Durant, @diamondurant

Hair: Natasha Teiman @natasha_teiman

Talent: Sarah Emilia @sarahemiliaharris