Jamie DiGrazia (@jamiedigrazia; she/they) is a renowned barber, educator, licensed cosmetologist, and Redken Artist. They’re also the owner of Logan Parlor (@loganparlorhair), an award-winning, gender-affirming salon in Chicago, and the founder/Executive Director of the non-profit organization Hair Has No Gender (@hair_has_no_gender).
Ahead, we sat down with this trailblazing artist to get their thoughts on breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and eliminating stereotypes and bias in the beauty industry.
Photography: Courtesy of Jamie DiGrazia (@jamiedigrazia)
About Jamie DiGrazia
Known for their creative shapes, alternative looks, and textured hair expertise, DiGrazia’s artistic mastery has been celebrated with several distinctions—including a 2025 NAHA Barber of the Year nomination and 2018 NAHA Men’s Hairstylist of the Year award. In 2023 and 2024, their salon was also nominated for “Inspiring Salon of the Year” by the Pro Beauty Association (PBA).
DiGrazia has helped transform the beauty industry with one of the country’s first gender-neutral salons and, today, they travel extensively to share their expertise and advocate for gender-neutral pricing and inclusive practices.
Photography: Courtesy of Jamie DiGrazia (@jamiedigrazia)
10 Questions With Jamie DiGrazia
SalonCentric: True or false: You’ve had to work twice as hard to be perceived half as good as your male-identifying counterparts.
Jamie DiGrazia: I do not see the truth in this statement. I've worked as hard as I felt necessary to get my skill set and business to where I wanted it to be.
SC: In what ways are you trying to eliminate gender stereotypes within the barbering industry?
JD: The salon and barbering industry has historically been segregated by both race and gender. I opened Logan Parlor with that in mind. We want to fuse the two industries, both in skillset and community. We encourage everybody to have any hair they wish. We offer gender-free pricing and do not separate our environment. Someone will be getting a beard groom in the first chair and a hot pink balayage in the second. The third chair could be a trans child getting a gender-affirming haircut. We want to meet every guest wherever they are on the gender spectrum and celebrate them and their hair.
It is essential that we serve all people and all hair types, ensuring everyone feels safe, seen, and celebrated in our chairs. As professionals in the self-care and service industry, we have a responsibility to develop a well-rounded skill set that enables us to work with all hair lengths and textures.
To drive meaningful change, we must advocate for updates to industry standards, such as implementing gender-free pricing and ensuring that all hair types and techniques are taught and tested in beauty schools. No one should graduate and become licensed without the skills needed to work with all hair types. Unfortunately, many states continue to operate under outdated standards, and this must change.
I know we have a lot of work to do to open people's eyes to the way things can be since sometimes we see things as they have always been. Through advocacy, social media, news outlets, magazine articles, etc., we can start to see and be the change we want to see in the industry. Use our collaborative hashtag #hairhasnogender to join the movement!
Photography: Courtesy of Jamie DiGrazia (@jamiedigrazia)
SC: What is your response to people who question whether they can trust a non-male barber?
JD: Honestly, my immediate response to this is that it’s a ridiculous question and the person asking probably wouldn't be a great fit for me as a client or guest inside of our space. We have a few simple rules inside our space and being kind and inclusive is number one. We foster an environment where hate speech is not allowed or welcomed. We do not tolerate sexism, racism, ageism, homophobia, or transphobia, and we are a body-positive safe space.
SC: What can barbers, business owners, and stylists do to be allies, help break down gender barriers, and help create a more level playing field?
JD: Stay ahead of the curve by participating in a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) team training that addresses outdated business practices that no longer meet the needs of today's clients. HairHasNoGender.org offers inclusive education tailored to the beauty industry. Our customized courses help you and your team stay current, socially conscious, and aware of the evolving needs of diverse clients.
We guide you in unlearning old habits that may exclude, limit, or no longer serve your entire clientele. As you embrace the Pledge to Inclusivity, we require businesses to implement essential practices, such as gender-neutral bathrooms and gender-free pricing, among others.
Once your business has adopted these inclusive standards, we invite you to list your salon on the Gender-Affirming Service Finder, a platform that highlights your commitment to inclusive practices. Joining our network of allied salons will keep you informed on the latest industry news, and we will share opportunities to volunteer, advocate for human rights, and drive meaningful change within the beauty industry.
SC: Are there any up-and-coming barbers that we should know about?
JD: Check out Taylor Leven (@by.taylorleven), owner and barber stylist at Headspace Barbershop (@headspacebarbershop). She's talented, inclusive, and a shop owner that has education and professional development at the top of her list.
Photography: Courtesy of Jamie DiGrazia (@jamiedigrazia)
SC: How are you going to change the industry for up-and-coming non-male barbers?
JD: I hope to inspire through art, business practices, advocacy, and education in our industry. I am a PBA member and try to stay relevant and involved with our industry through associations and education. The more companies like Redken and SalonCentric that support our ideas and equality, the more momentum this movement will have and we’ll hopefully see less pink tax, hate, and discrimination. It's time to level the playing field in this industry. Everyone needs a good haircut and anyone can give one.
SC: What has been your proudest moment as a barber?
JD: I think it's important to note that everyone thinks I am a barber, but technically I am a licensed cosmetologist. That said, it would probably be winning a NAHA! Not just winning and being recognized for my art, but being able to advocate for our industry.
More specifically, being recognized as “Men's Hairstylist of the Year” and sharing with the associations that I am more than just a “men's hairstylist” and I don't identify as such. I was able to use my voice to help sow change, and the NAHA award is now titled “Barber of the Year” from 2022 onward.
SC: What are you most proud of about yourself outside of your profession?
JD: My connection to spirit. Staying connected to my inner knowing, intuition, and self-awareness are of great importance to me. I thrive to be balanced and in alignment with my soul's purpose and highest good.
SC: What’s your signature barbering technique?
JD: Mixing different elements like short and long, shaved and wavy, dark and light—always keep it visually interesting.
SC: What are some of your favorite tools?
JD: I’m a huge fan of Sam Villa tools—they are an essential part of my toolkit. One of my favorites is the reversible blending shear, which I use for everything from scissor-over-comb work to removing length, blending, and texturizing. It’s incredibly versatile and a must-have for all my haircuts, especially shorter styles. I also love Sam Villa’s wide-tooth combs and dry-cutting clips, which make styling and sectioning effortless.
To learn more about Jamie DiGrazia and other trailblazing barbers, head to this article next: The Future of Barbering Has No Gender.
