Photography: Courtesy of Laura Rice (@hellolaurarice) and Gunnar Cook (@gunnarcookphoto)
Whitney VerMeer (@whitneyvermeer) is a Minneapolis-based barber, educator, entrepreneur, and award-winning hairstylist. She’s globally recognized for her architecturally-inspired designs and her outspoken advocacy for gender and LGBTQ+ inclusivity within the beauty industry.
Read on to learn more about how this inspiring artist is breaking barriers and redefining the industry for future generations of non-male barbers.
About Whitney VerMeer
A pioneer in her field, VerMeer was the first woman to design a line of haircutting scissors ergonomically designed with biological female hand anatomy in mind. The sought-after line, which was created in collaboration with Mizutani, allows for more precise cutting and creative freedom.
Her groundbreaking accomplishments include being the first woman to win “Men’s Hairstylist of the Year” at the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA), being the first artist to put a transgender model in a barbering magazine, and putting the first female in a “men’s grooming” campaign.
Photography: Courtesy of Laura Rice (@hellolaurarice) and Gunnar Cook (@gunnarcookphoto)
Q&A With Whitney VerMeer
SalonCentric: Where do you find the creative inspiration for your craft?
Whitney VerMeer: Throughout my career, I’ve admired so many talented barbers and hairdressers, but I’ve always found myself looking outside the hair industry for inspiration. I’m deeply moved by creatives who challenge the norm—people like Rick Rubin, James Turrell, and Yayoi Kusama. Their work reminds me to think bigger, embrace different perspectives, and stay curious. It’s that willingness to step outside the box that pushes me to grow, not just as a barber, but as an artist.
SC: What are some of the big challenges you’ve faced in your career so far?
WVM: Early on in my career, I did face challenges as a female barber, but it rarely came from other artists. The real obstacles often stemmed from corporations trying to fit me into a specific box or narrative. It felt like they wanted to define my work by my gender rather than my skills, which was frustrating. I’ve always believed in focusing on being the best artist I can be—not the best female artist. That mindset helped me break out of those limitations and redefine how I saw myself in the industry.
I also made it a priority to align myself with male barbers and peers who treated me as an equal, because I refuse to accept anything less. Choosing that path wasn’t always easy, but it’s been worth it. I believe that mutual respect has helped pave the way for more inclusivity in barbering, and I’m proud to be part of that shift. At the end of the day, my goal has never been about proving myself as a woman in barbering. It’s about creating work that speaks for itself and inspires others—regardless of who they are.
SC: What is your response to people who question whether they can trust a female barber?
WVM: Honestly, I don’t feel the need to dignify that criticism with a response. My work speaks for itself. If someone questions my ability based on my gender, they’re not the client for me—and I’m okay with that.
SC: True or false: You’ve had to work twice as hard as your male counterparts. If so, in what ways?
WVM: True. As a queer person in the barbering and hairdressing space, I’ve definitely felt the pressure to prove myself—not just professionally, but personally. That said, I’ve always been more focused on carving my own path and holding myself to my own high standards. It’s never been about seeking validation but about creating work that stands out and speaks for itself.
Photography: Courtesy of Laura Rice (@hellolaurarice) and Gunnar Cook (@gunnarcookphoto)
SC: How can we help eliminate gender stereotypes within the barbering industry?
WVM: Eliminate gender. Period. Haircuts don’t belong to a specific gender, so I don’t use terms like men’s or women’s haircut, and I don’t do gender-based pricing. It’s not a conversation I bring up unless the client wants to. I also avoid labels like “female barber” or “lady barber.” We don’t call doctors “lady doctors” out of respect, and our industry should hold itself to the same standard. It’s about the craft, not the labels.
SC: What can barbers, business owners, and stylists do to be allies, help break down gender barriers, and create a more level playing field?
WVM: Be inclusive—plain and simple. Create a gender-neutral space, eliminate gendered pricing, and rethink the language you use in and out of the chair. At the end of the day, gender has nothing to do with hair. The more we let go of outdated ideas, the more welcoming and creative our industry becomes.
SC: How are you changing the industry for other non-male barbers?
WVM: By leading by example. I’ve made history by creating the first-ever scissors ergonomically designed with biological female hand anatomy in mind, becoming the first woman to have her own scissor line. I also put the first female in a “men’s grooming” campaign and featured the first transgender model in a barbering magazine.
My goal is to keep innovating—whether that’s through tools, representation, or education—and to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our industry. Progress is about inclusivity and ensuring everyone feels represented and empowered.
Photography: Courtesy of Laura Rice (@hellolaurarice) and Gunnar Cook (@gunnarcookphoto)
SC: What has been your proudest moment as a barber so far?
WVM: It’s hard to pick just one because I’ve been fortunate to have so many empowering moments in my career. But one of my favorites was taking the stage in Tokyo with two incredible artists I deeply admire and am lucky enough to call friends—Sofie Pok and Hayden Cassidy.
Sharing that stage as queer women in the barbering space, in a country that hasn’t seen a lot of that representation, was profoundly empowering. We knew in that moment we were creating history, not just for ourselves but for others who see themselves in us. It was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we can go together.
SC: Are there any proud moments outside of your profession that stand out to you?
WVM: I’m most proud of my resilience and my ability to stay true to myself no matter the circumstances. Whether it’s navigating personal challenges or finding ways to grow and learn outside of work, I’ve always been intentional about creating a life that aligns with my values. That mindset has shaped who I am—not just as a professional, but as a person.
SC: Do you have a signature barbering technique?
WVM: Blades only. I prefer sculpting hair freehand without clipper guards because it allows for a level of precision and artistry that’s completely custom to the individual.
SC: Do you have any go-tools that you can share with us?
My go-to tool is my WHITNEY VERMEER X MIZUTANI SCISSORS GANYMEDE SCISSOR. It’s the result of yet another collaboration I’ve done with Mizutani Scissors. I was inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi during the pandemic—a philosophy that celebrates strength and rebirth, reminding us that what’s broken can become even more beautiful.
With this scissor, I wanted to create something so stunning that the tool itself could serve as the muse, inspiring creativity every time it’s picked up. It’s lightweight, durable with a hard titanium coating, and designed for precision and fluidity. It truly feels like an extension of my hand and has become my favorite for just about everything I do.
Next, learn more about Whitney VerMeer and other trailblazing barbers in this article: The Future of Barbering Has No Gender.
