Growing tribe

Despite their growing presence, women hairdressers still face challenges and even bias in a male-dominated industry. From overcoming skepticism to proving their worth, women in the hair trade must often go the extra mile.

Yan Yan recalls how she faced resistance when she first entered the industry. Some even doubted her professionalism and questioned her skills, simply assuming that the profession was reserved for men.

"At first, some clients would be unsure when they were assigned to me. They'd see me, a woman with a razor, and wonder if I could handle it. But I didn't let that discourage me. I kept working on my craft, and now, my clients trust me for both my skills and the environment I create," she says.

The trend is expanding beyond Beijing. In 2024, a female hairdresser from Huaihua, Hunan province, named "Hairstylist Xiaohua", went viral for her exceptional skills and humble, attentive approach. Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to perfectly fulfill client requests have made her a favorite among netizens. During her livestreams, Xiaohua regularly attracts over 100,000 viewers, including professional barbers eager to learn from her technique.

What makes her stand out? It's not just her technique but her deep understanding of client needs, her ability to listen attentively, and her remarkable attention to detail.