Meaningful change often comes from those who are daring enough to challenge the norm and rewrite the rules. And female barbers are doing just that in 2025—shattering the stereotypes of a male-dominated industry, carving out new spaces for themselves, and transforming barbering into a more inclusive and creative field.
Here, meet four trailblazing artists who are reshaping the industry and cutting through the noise one snip at a time—paving the way for future generations of barbers to prove that the future of barbering is open to all.
Credit: Instagram/@staygold31
Sofie Pok
Sofie “StayGold” Pok (@staygold31) is an LA-based artist and BaBylissPRO International Educator who has become a pioneer in modern barbering. Her signature clipper cutting techniques and highly sought-after artistry have made her the go-to barber for celebrities like Usher, Post Malone, Nas, and James Charles.
Pok’s unique ability to blend craftsmanship with innovation and visual media has earned her a loyal following of almost 500K followers on Instagram as well as distinguished awards such as “Barber of the Year” at the American Influencer Awards, Barbercon’s “Female Barber of the Year,” and Behind the Chair’s “Fade Shot of the Year” and “Men’s Shot of the Year.”
She’s also the co-founder of STMNT (@stmntgrooming), a professional grooming brand designed by three innovators in modern barbering. Today, you can find Pok creating viral educational content, traveling the country teaching her signature techniques, and inspiring fellow artists to push the boundaries of what barbering can be.
Credit: Courtesy of Sofie Pok
Overcoming Bias in the Industry
“Early in my career, the challenge wasn’t just about respect, it was about building belief in myself,” Pok recalls. She says that being a woman in a male-dominated industry meant constantly having to prove herself, with comments like “she’s pretty good for a girl” fueling her to work even harder to stand out.
Today, Pok believes that the rise of social media has changed the game, giving everyone the chance to showcase their work and grow their presence in ways that weren’t possible before. “Social media has done a lot to challenge outdated mindsets by showcasing the incredible work of female barbers,” she says. “Representation matters, and now, when you walk into shops or scroll online, you’re seeing women dominate the craft. The idea of ‘trust’ is being replaced by respect for skill, and that’s progress.”
Credit: Courtesy of Sofie Pok
Shaping the Future of Barbering
Pok believes in the power of leading by example—she’s continually evolving and showcasing to others what’s possible. “If I can reflect who I strive to be at the highest level, it might inspire others to do the same,” she says. According to Pok, barbering isn’t just about picking up a tool and doing the best fade.
“It’s about becoming the best version of yourself and using your skills, personality, and character to make a lasting impact on the industry and the world.” Among her proudest accomplishments is being awarded “Barber of the Year” at the American Influencer Awards—a recognition of skill and craftmanship without the gender qualifier.
Looking ahead, Pok is focused on sharing her story and amplifying uplifting, solution-based narratives to shift the industry narrative. “Changing the story is the first step to changing the mindset—and it’s what will ultimately inspire and empower the next generation of creators.” She advocates for environments that build both skill and confidence, stating that, “Often, the root of feeling out of place comes from a lack of confidence in one’s abilities.”
Read Sofie Pok's Full Interview Here
Credit: Courtesy of Whitney VerMeer
Whitney VerMeer
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.
A pioneer in her field, VerMeer was the first woman to design a line of haircutting scissors that are 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 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.
Credit: Courtesy of Whitney VerMeer
Challenging the Norm
Whitney’s approach to overcoming stereotypes in barbering is simple: "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.” This philosophy extends to all of her work, where every haircut becomes a form of individual expression, unbound by gender or societal norms. “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.”
Credit: Courtesy of Whitney VerMeer
Paving the Way Forward
For Whitney, her goal is to continue innovating and paving the way for others—whether that’s through tools, representation, or education. “My goal is to make history and inspire future generations,” she says. Beyond the chair, Whitney is deeply moved by creatives who challenge the norm and think outside the box—people like Rick Rubin, James Turrell, and Yayoi Kusama. Her vision for the future? A world where artistry and inclusivity go hand in hand. “Progress is about inclusivity and ensuring everyone feels represented and empowered,” she says.
Read Whitney VerMeer's Full Interview Here
Credit: Courtesy of Jamie DiGrazia
Jamie DiGrazia
Jamie DiGrazia (@jamiedigrazia; she/they) is a renowned barber, educator, 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).
Known for their alternative, barber-inspired looks and textured hair expertise, DiGrazia’s artistic mastery has been celebrated with several distinctions—including a 2023 NAHA “Barber of the Year” nomination and a 2018 NAHA “Men’s Hairstylist of the Year” award. Their salon was also nominated for “Inspiring Salon of the Year” by the Pro Beauty Association (PBA) in 2023 and 2024. DiGrazia has helped transform the beauty industry with one of the country’s first gender-neutral salons and, today, they travel across the country to share their expertise and advocate for gender-neutral pricing and inclusive practices.
Credit: Courtesy of Jamie DiGrazia
A Champion for Inclusiveness and Acceptance
DiGrazia says that they opened Logan Parlor with a vision to fuse the barber and salon industries, both in terms of skillset and community. At Logan Parlor, inclusivity is paramount. “We offer gender-free pricing and do not separate our environment.” This pricing model helps ensure that services are based on time and resources rather than traditional gender constructs. “We want to meet every guest wherever they are on the gender spectrum and celebrate them and their hair,” says DiGrazia.
“It’s essential that we serve all people and all hair types, ensuring everyone feels safe, seen, and celebrated in our chairs.” According to DiGrazia, professionals in the self-care and service industry have a responsibility to develop a well-rounded skill set that enables them 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.”
Credit: Courtesy of Jamie DiGrazia
Driving Meaningful Change
In addition to honing their craft, DiGrazia has influenced major changes in the industry, including the renaming of a NAHA category from “Men’s Hairstylist” to “Barber of the Year.” Their collaborative hashtag, #hairhasnogender, continues to inspire salons worldwide to adopt more inclusive practices. “It’s time to level the playing field in this industry. Everyone needs a good haircut and anyone can give one,” they explain.
To create truly welcoming spaces for artists and clients to thrive, DiGrazia believes it’s essential to hire diverse teams, showcase varied styles and services, and celebrate your team’s uniqueness. “The goal is to make everyone feel seen, valued, and respected.” They recommend staying ahead of the curve by participating in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) team trainings and adding your salon to their organization’s Gender-Affirming Service Finder—a platform that highlights your salon’s commitment to inclusive practices.
Read Jamie DiGrazia's Full Interview Here
Credit: Courtesy of Lici Quintero
Lici Quintero
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 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.
Quintero has been recognized for the intricacy of her detailed freestyle designs and line work and, after becoming the only woman to win the televised competition “Cedric’s Barber Battle,” she has become a nationally acclaimed barber, educator, and motivational speaker.
Rising Above Challenges
Quintero is no stranger to overcoming the darkest of days and the toughest of opponents. From skepticism about her skills to inappropriate workplace behavior and a childhood injury that left her with severe burns and limited hand mobility, Quintero has faced relentless challenges to get to where she is today. “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.”
She says that she’s faced many who have assumed that a woman can’t master the intricate art of barbering. “I quickly learned that my work would have to speak louder than any skepticism,” explains Quintero. She views doubt and hesitation as an invitation to showcase excellence. “Come sit in my chair. If the cut doesn’t blow your mind, it’s on the house. Works every time.” She says that once a client sits in her chair, it’s game over—what starts as doubt quickly transforms into genuine respect.
Credit: Courtesy of Lici Quintero
Uplifting the Next Generation
Quintero's mission to eliminate gender stereotypes is embedded in every aspect of her craft. "I believe in dismantling these barriers through undeniable excellence and consistent innovation. When artistry speaks at this level, gender becomes irrelevant," she explains. Quintero leads by example, using her story to uplift young artists and serve as a beacon for the next generation of female barbers. “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,” she explains.
Although Quintero is proud of accolades such as being the only female winner of “Cedric’s Barber Battle,” she says her proudest moment so far has been becoming a licensed educator. She believes that real change begins with top-notch education and genuine mentorship. “Transforming our industry requires more than passive hope; it demands active participation from every professional in our field.”
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