Photography: Courtesy of Lici Quintero (@lici_ladybarber)
Felicia “Lici” Quintero, also known as "Lici Lady Barber" (@ lici_ladybarber), is a barrier-breaking barber who has made it her personal mission to disrupt the beauty industry one service at a time. Her story is one of incredible resilience, patience, and discipline—overcoming hurdle after hurdle to transform personal adversity into artistic triumph.
Ahead, learn more about Lici Lady Barber’s incredible journey to success as one of the most sought-after barbers in the industry, and discover her thoughts about overcoming challenges like gender stereotypes and bias.
About Lici Quintero
For years, Quintero has been recognized for the intricacy of her detailed freestyle designs and line work. After winning the TV competition “Cedric’s Barber Battle,” she has become a nationally acclaimed barber, educator, and motivational speaker.
Photography: Courtesy of Lici Quintero (@lici_ladybarber)
Q&A With Lici Quintero
SalonCentric: Are there any specific barbers that have inspired you throughout your career?
Lici Quintero: Two visionaries shaped my journey in barbering. Christina Goree was my first inspiration; she dominated the industry when female barbers were still a rarity. As founder of Lady Barbers United, she showed me that breaking barriers wasn't just about skill; it was about creating lasting change for women in our field.
Then, there's Kenny Duncan, whose elegant approach to education transformed my perspective on teaching. It wasn't just his technical excellence that moved me, it was the artistry in his delivery. He taught me that true education in barbering is a perfect blend of skill and storytelling.
SC: What are some of the big challenges you’ve faced as a female barber, and how have they impacted you?
LQ: As a female barber, I've navigated an industry that has historically viewed women as outsiders. My journey hasn't just been about cutting hair—it's been about cutting through deeply rooted stereotypes. From the moment I picked up my clippers, I knew I'd have to be exceptional to be taken seriously.
My skills were constantly under scrutiny, with many assuming a woman couldn't master the intricate art of barbering. I quickly learned that my work would have to speak louder than any skepticism. Professional spaces often felt like minefields. Hair shows, networking events, and even daily shop interactions became arenas where I had to continuously prove my worth.
Unsolicited comments, patronizing attitudes, and inappropriate advances were constant reminders of the barriers facing women in this field. But I refused to be defined by these challenges. Instead, I transformed them into opportunities for growth. I entered competitions, showcased with pride, and developed a professional approach that was undeniably skilled and uniquely my own.
My goal was never just to compete with my male counterparts, but to redefine the very expectations of what a barber could be. This journey has been about more than just surviving in a male dominated industry, it’s been about thriving, breaking barriers, and paving the way for future generations of female barbers. Each challenge became a stepping stone and each obstacle an opportunity to demonstrate that talent knows no gender.
Photography: Courtesy of Lici Quintero (@lici_ladybarber)
SC: Have you encountered people who are skeptical about trusting a female barber? If so, what’s your response?
LQ: Trust me, I've heard it all. "Can a woman really cut my hair?" The doubt. The hesitation. But in this industry, skepticism is just an invitation to showcase excellence. My response? A confident smile and a bold challenge. "Come sit in my chair," I tell them. "I'll prove everything you think you know about female barbers wrong." It's not just a promise—it's a guarantee. And if the cut doesn't blow your mind? It's on the house. What starts as doubt quickly transforms into genuine respect.
I'm not just cutting hair, I’m cutting through the noise, one client at a time. This isn't just about proving a point. It's about elevating the craft, challenging assumptions, and showing that excellence has no gender. My confidence isn't about proving that I'm as good as the guys, it’s about showcasing that I'm in a league of my own. So, when someone asks if they can trust a female barber, I have just one response: Watch me work.
SC: True or false: You’ve had to work twice as hard to be perceived as half as good as your male counterparts.
LQ: Absolutely true. In the barbering world, being a woman means constantly proving your worth in a space that wasn't designed for you. From the moment a client walks through the door, I'm acutely aware that I'm not just cutting hair, I’m challenging an entire industry's perception.
Credibility isn't given; it's earned. Every single cut is a performance, every interaction is a chance to dismantle preconceived notions. My confidence is my armor and it radiates through my posture, my presentation and the way I carry myself. Respect isn't a courtesy, it's something I command. Not through aggression, but through unquestionable skill and unwavering self-assurance.
My approach is authentic, creating an environment where initial doubts quickly dissolve into pure admiration. The truth is brutal but simple: As a female barber, I don't just have to be good. I have to be exceptional. When a client sits in my chair or I step onto any platform, skepticism dies and reputation is born.
Photography: Courtesy of Lici Quintero (@lici_ladybarber)
SC: How are you working to help eliminate gender stereotypes within the barbering industry?
LQ: My mission to eliminate gender stereotypes in barbering goes beyond words, it’s embedded in every aspect of my craft. I believe in dismantling these barriers through undeniable excellence and consistent innovation. When artistry speaks at this level, gender becomes irrelevant.
Leading by example means transforming every client interaction, every class, and every platform appearance into a powerful statement. It's about proving that mastery knows no gender. Through education, mentorship, and raw talent, I demonstrate that excellence in barbering is about skill, dedication, and vision; not chromosomes.
My work stands as living proof that stereotypes are not just outdated, they’re obstacles to the evolution of our craft. Every cut, every design, and every successful student I mentor reinforces this truth. In an industry that's rapidly evolving, there's no room for juvenile assumptions about who can excel.
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?
LQ: A future where gender doesn't dominate industry conversations is inevitable. But transforming our industry requires more than passive hope; it demands active participation from every professional in our field. For those ready to be allies and changemakers, the blueprint is clear: establish standards that recognize talent as the only true measure of excellence. This means creating environments where bias is addressed immediately and professionally, where merit speaks louder than misconceptions.
Real change starts with education. Train your teams to recognize and challenge their own biases. Foster spaces where honest conversations about industry culture can flourish. Celebrate achievements based on skill, innovation, and impact. Build teams wherein professional excellence is the only currency that matters. Mentor emerging talent. Offer genuine support. Create opportunities for growth. When we commit to lifting each other up, we elevate the entire profession. The endgame isn't just equality, it’s excellence without asterisks.
SC: How is your personal success story helping to change the narrative for up-and-coming female barbers?
LQ: I have always been dedicated to being a beacon for the next generation of female barbers. This isn't just about representing what's possible; it's about transforming what’s expected. When I speak to rising female talent, my message is clear: your light isn't just meant to shine, it’s meant to illuminate paths for others. The barriers you perceive are often shadows cast by fear, not real walls. Rising female talent also needs to understand a crucial truth: your artistry deserves to speak louder than any stereotype.
In today's digital age, I emphasize the critical importance of mindful self-presentation. While embracing your femininity is empowering, remember that your expertise should always take center stage. Be strategic about your social media presence and understand that certain brands may try to capitalize on sensationalized images rather than celebrate your professional achievements.
It's about finding that sweet spot between personal expression and professional presence. Your social media presence should reflect your journey as a master of your craft, not as a product to be marketed. I've seen too many talented artists get caught up in cultivating an image that serves others' agendas rather than their own professional growth.
Remember: your talent is your superpower, your skills are your statement, and your professionalism is your brand. Stand firmly in your expertise first and let that be the foundation of your influence. Through unwavering persistence and dedication to excellence, you'll not only succeed but inspire others to follow their authentic path in this industry. The door to success in this industry was built with patience, and persistence is the key that unlocks it.
Photography: Courtesy of Lici Quintero (@lici_ladybarber)
SC: Are there any accomplishments in your career that stand out as your proudest moment?
LQ: When people ask about my proudest moment, they often expect me to point to winning the championship belt on episode four of Cedric's Barber Battle. Being the only woman to claim victory in that televised competition was groundbreaking. It was a moment that opened doors for countless women in our industry and revolutionized my own career trajectory.
But true pride isn't always found in the spotlight. My deepest sense of achievement came when I became a licensed educator. While winning competitions can change careers, education transforms lives. Every day, I have the privilege of shaping future professionals, nurturing raw talent into mastery, and watching passion evolve into purpose.
This role as an educator isn't just about teaching techniques, it’s about inspiring confidence, fostering innovation, and creating lasting change in our industry. When I see my students succeed, when I witness their transformations from uncertain beginners to confident professionals, I know I've found my true calling.
SC: What are you most proud of outside of your profession?
LQ: My journey began at rock bottom; homeless, with clippers in hand, searching for a way to survive. These weren't just tools; they became my lifeline, a bridge between desperation and possibility. What started as pure survival transformed into something profound when I discovered that these simple clippers could create art, liberating not just my creativity but my entire future.
But my proudest achievement exists far beyond any haircut or competition win. It lives in the eyes of my children when they tell me they're proud of me. That recognition from the ones who witnessed every struggle, every late night, every moment of uncertainty means more than any industry accolade ever could.
Today, I watch my children chase their own dreams with the same fire and determination that pulled me through my darkest days. They've inherited more than just my drive; they've absorbed the living proof that circumstances don't define destiny. Their ambition and dedication reflect back every lesson I fought to teach them: that passion, paired with perseverance, can transform any story. Success is a generational legacy. Every obstacle I faced and every barrier I broke through was all an investment in their future. Seeing them soar makes every challenge worth it.
SC: What’s one of your signature barbering techniques?
LQ: My signature is the art of freestyle line work where my emotions guide the blade and creativity knows no boundaries. Each design flows organically, like a visual symphony carved into hair, never replicated and always unique.
In these moments, my clippers become an extension of my creative spirit. I don't confine myself to predetermined patterns or sketches. Instead, I let intuition lead, allowing each cut to reveal itself in real time. It's a raw, authentic process where technique meets pure artistic expression. When I step back from a finished design, even I'm sometimes surprised by where the journey has taken us.
SC: What’s are some tools you can't live without?
LQ: In my grooming toolkit, I always have my Andis Master clippers ready to go. With the Phaze blade, they deliver an impressively close cut, 0000 when closed and an 0A when open. This saves me at least 10 minutes during each session, eliminating the need for a second pair of clippers to achieve a close cut, which is often necessary with traditional taper blades.
I also rely on the Andis GTX Exo trimmer for everything from sharp edge-ups to intricate designs, dry shaving, and texturizing. These powerhouse tools have been enhanced with M Force technology, the industry’s first and only magnetic blade tension system for Andis blades. The maintenance is simple, tools run quieter and cooler, and they operate smoothly, which is a game changer in a busy barbershop.
For my scissor work, I depend on Tondeo scissors. The Earl is my go-to pick for precision cutting, detailing, texturing, and shaping. Its offset handle is designed for comfort while the CONBLADE technology ensures stability, longevity, and exceptional sharpness. Plus, it features a Fade Blade—a nano-serrated edge at the tip—which prevents hair from pushing forward during cutting. Lastly, I use Tondeo's Supra Fasson Thinning Shear with a double tang, which offers duality for cutting on and off the scalp, another time savor.
To learn more about Lici Quintero and other trailblazing barbers, head to this article next: The Future of Barbering Has No Gender.
