Ever the innovators, Chaps & Co originally brought the concept of contemporary barbershops to the Middle East. Pushing the boundaries even further, we introduced the first female barber back in 2017. Ever since we have been proud to grow the team with now four extremely talented female barbers on the books.
The long and the Short
We’re leading the way for female barbers in the Middle East. By squashing the stigma and the stereotypes associated with male dominated barbershops and the ‘male banter’, we can capitalise on this fantastic opportunity.
What we’ve found is a new atmosphere in our shops. A new energy in the team and new ways of looking at challenges we face. This of course takes nothing away from our existing team of male barbers, but a female approach to some aspects of our business has revealed new ways of working.
We caught up with four of our girls, Ksenia, Mihaela, Bethany and Issy, to get their views on what working for Chaps & Co has been like so far.
1. What does a female barber bring to the barbershop environment/ atmosphere?
Ksenia - Women can bring the magic of creation, contemplation, love, care, forgiveness and beauty. In a male dominated environment, a woman’s presence makes the space a little sweeter.
Mihaela - I believe that having females as part of the team in a barbershop creates an atmosphere that is more chilled. There are a wider range of perspectives and therefore more topics to talk about. This is not only between team members, but also for the clients.
When referring to the services provided like colour, long hair, or especially skin care when provided by a female, I would think customers feel more confident in achieving the desired results.
Bethany - Definitely! Brining some femineity to the shop helps. I think we bring a livelier environment to the shop floor; my customers comment on my welcoming personality. That’s not going to change!
2. What do your customers talk to you about? Does it differ from how they speak with your male colleagues?
Issy - I can only speak for myself when I say I bring a high energy to the barbershop, I’m constantly chatting, joking, and laughing with customers and my colleagues. I often make a note alongside a repeat booking about the customer, so we have something to talk about for their next appointment. It really builds trust for the relationship!
Bethany - Clients like to have conversations about their relationships, family and their journey so far in life. They may go into more detail with us girls, as the conversation flows. I think my male colleagues would probably agree.
Issy - Barbershop conversations can vary from small talk to in depth personal experiences and feelings, depending on the relationship and trust. It’s no secret that hair stylists are seen as therapists, and yes, we know all the secrets. I think men have more trust in talking to female barbers, they ask for relationship advice a lot, which is always interesting! I think it differs from how they speak to male barbers, I consider them to be softer in their conversation whereas with a male barber they’ll be more ‘laddish’.
Ksenia - I don’t have the habit of eavesdropping on other people’s conversations so I cannot really comment on whether the conversations differ. What I can say, is your conversations with clients differ not dependent on the gender of the barber, but the level contact between client and barber.
With some clients we can discuss very sensitive topics, with others, it’s more business communication but often it’s just a friendly conversation. Actually, now I think about it, I have been asked on a date before now, so this is probably a difference. (laughs)
Mihaela - Once the customer feels comfortable enough in the chair, the topics are of a very wide range: pets, cars, work, hobbies... it honestly could be anything. One important thing is having a sense of humour. It helps breaking the ice, especially when someone is feeling shy, intimidated or worried having a female to groom his beard. Generally, I believe men like to have a good chat, most of the time it could even feel that they’re coming in to speak out to someone who is outside their own circle; a bit like seeing a therapist who can also take care of your look.
3. - To your knowledge, do customers behave differently because you’re a female?
Mihaela - Each customer is individual and being in this industry for several years has taught me how to approach each one of them. At first, the client might feel sceptical, however once the work is in progress and thanks to the small talks, the gender difference completely vanishes.
Bethany - Some guys may behave differently because it may be a new experience to them. They may feel more comfortable with me than with male staff, or it may just be intriguing to see what females can do as barbers. This of course is only for the first appointment, when we see them the next time, everything is perfectly normal.
Issy - Do customers behave differently because you’re female? Occasionally, I think at the beginning of the relationship men are attracted to the idea of a woman cutting their hair. Once they realise how good of a barber I am though, they’re won over by the professionalism and dedication to my trade.
Ksenia - I work in a legendary barbershop, which brings together professionals from all over the world and clients are here for that reason. Coming to our shop, they are already confident that they will receive a high-quality haircut. Therefore, clients come relaxed and simply surrender to the hands of the masters. If it’s the gentle hands and charming smile of a female they are after, then they book in with me.
4. - Are men more loyal to female barbers?
Issy - I believe that men are loyal to their barber regardless of gender. Once you’ve built that rapport over the first few haircuts, learnt how they like their hair cut and styled, they’ll be loyal indefinitely.
Bethany - Personally, I don’t feel that clients are more loyal due to me being a female. And why should they be? Every barber has their own style and way of cutting hair, as well as their service skills, this is what brings loyalty.
Ksenia - Are male clients loyal to me? I think, yes! But of course, I do offer the highest quality service and any other loyalties I acquire as a female barber will always be secondary to my service.
Mihaela - Being a female barber definitely has its advantages (not to sound sexist). Men don’t go to a barbershop just for a good cut, although it is the most important aspect. They also visit for the vibe, the experience, the talks, but perhaps the uniqueness of having a female to groom your beard or using a straight razor on you. I have personally seen it among my male friends who had their haircut or beard done by me. They are surprised to announce that they have been groomed by a female.
In conclusion, on one hand I’d say yes, they are more loyal to a female barber because it is still seen as so innovative. On the other hand, it is all about the confidence and atmosphere that the barber makes them feel. This comes regardless of whether it is a male or female. In the end, a barber is an artist, and each have their own way of talking, their own style and create their own unique vibe. I think it is exactly that which makes a customer loyal.
Finally, a word from Founder Jordan Davies on the role female barbers play at Chaps over the years.
“We’re in the Middle East so our business is expected to be done a little differently. It’s refreshing to know that even in a space as masculine and sacred as the barbershop, women are not just a welcome contributor to the environment but in many cases, a preferred option. They cut men’s hair, they’re very good at it and to most Chaps, that’s all that matters. Female barbers have been a part of our business for years and the interest is hot right now. I’d imagine the team of 4 will expand in the next phase of our business growth. That would be fantastic!”
To book into one of our barbershops for a world-class barbershop experience, you can choose a location by clicking here. For our list of services, it’s here.
And as always, remember to #KeepItHandsome
Ever the innovators, Chaps & Co originally brought the concept of contemporary barbershops to the Middle East. Pushing the boundaries even further, we introduced the first female barber back in 2017. Ever since we have been proud to grow the team with now four extremely talented female barbers on the books.
The long and the Short
We’re leading the way for female barbers in the Middle East. By squashing the stigma and the stereotypes associated with male dominated barbershops and the ‘male banter’, we can capitalise on this fantastic opportunity.
What we’ve found is a new atmosphere in our shops. A new energy in the team and new ways of looking at challenges we face. This of course takes nothing away from our existing team of male barbers, but a female approach to some aspects of our business has revealed new ways of working.
We caught up with four of our girls, Ksenia, Mihaela, Bethany and Issy, to get their views on what working for Chaps & Co has been like so far.
1. What does a female barber bring to the barbershop environment/ atmosphere?
Ksenia - Women can bring the magic of creation, contemplation, love, care, forgiveness and beauty. In a male dominated environment, a woman’s presence makes the space a little sweeter.
Mihaela - I believe that having females as part of the team in a barbershop creates an atmosphere that is more chilled. There are a wider range of perspectives and therefore more topics to talk about. This is not only between team members, but also for the clients.
When referring to the services provided like colour, long hair, or especially skin care when provided by a female, I would think customers feel more confident in achieving the desired results.
Bethany - Definitely! Brining some femineity to the shop helps. I think we bring a livelier environment to the shop floor; my customers comment on my welcoming personality. That’s not going to change!
2. What do your customers talk to you about? Does it differ from how they speak with your male colleagues?
Issy - I can only speak for myself when I say I bring a high energy to the barbershop, I’m constantly chatting, joking, and laughing with customers and my colleagues. I often make a note alongside a repeat booking about the customer, so we have something to talk about for their next appointment. It really builds trust for the relationship!
Bethany - Clients like to have conversations about their relationships, family and their journey so far in life. They may go into more detail with us girls, as the conversation flows. I think my male colleagues would probably agree.
Issy - Barbershop conversations can vary from small talk to in depth personal experiences and feelings, depending on the relationship and trust. It’s no secret that hair stylists are seen as therapists, and yes, we know all the secrets. I think men have more trust in talking to female barbers, they ask for relationship advice a lot, which is always interesting! I think it differs from how they speak to male barbers, I consider them to be softer in their conversation whereas with a male barber they’ll be more ‘laddish’.
Ksenia - I don’t have the habit of eavesdropping on other people’s conversations so I cannot really comment on whether the conversations differ. What I can say, is your conversations with clients differ not dependent on the gender of the barber, but the level contact between client and barber.
With some clients we can discuss very sensitive topics, with others, it’s more business communication but often it’s just a friendly conversation. Actually, now I think about it, I have been asked on a date before now, so this is probably a difference. (laughs)
Mihaela - Once the customer feels comfortable enough in the chair, the topics are of a very wide range: pets, cars, work, hobbies... it honestly could be anything. One important thing is having a sense of humour. It helps breaking the ice, especially when someone is feeling shy, intimidated or worried having a female to groom his beard. Generally, I believe men like to have a good chat, most of the time it could even feel that they’re coming in to speak out to someone who is outside their own circle; a bit like seeing a therapist who can also take care of your look.
3. - To your knowledge, do customers behave differently because you’re a female?
Mihaela - Each customer is individual and being in this industry for several years has taught me how to approach each one of them. At first, the client might feel sceptical, however once the work is in progress and thanks to the small talks, the gender difference completely vanishes.
Bethany - Some guys may behave differently because it may be a new experience to them. They may feel more comfortable with me than with male staff, or it may just be intriguing to see what females can do as barbers. This of course is only for the first appointment, when we see them the next time, everything is perfectly normal.
Issy - Do customers behave differently because you’re female? Occasionally, I think at the beginning of the relationship men are attracted to the idea of a woman cutting their hair. Once they realise how good of a barber I am though, they’re won over by the professionalism and dedication to my trade.
Ksenia - I work in a legendary barbershop, which brings together professionals from all over the world and clients are here for that reason. Coming to our shop, they are already confident that they will receive a high-quality haircut. Therefore, clients come relaxed and simply surrender to the hands of the masters. If it’s the gentle hands and charming smile of a female they are after, then they book in with me.
4. - Are men more loyal to female barbers?
Issy - I believe that men are loyal to their barber regardless of gender. Once you’ve built that rapport over the first few haircuts, learnt how they like their hair cut and styled, they’ll be loyal indefinitely.
Bethany - Personally, I don’t feel that clients are more loyal due to me being a female. And why should they be? Every barber has their own style and way of cutting hair, as well as their service skills, this is what brings loyalty.
Ksenia - Are male clients loyal to me? I think, yes! But of course, I do offer the highest quality service and any other loyalties I acquire as a female barber will always be secondary to my service.
Mihaela - Being a female barber definitely has its advantages (not to sound sexist). Men don’t go to a barbershop just for a good cut, although it is the most important aspect. They also visit for the vibe, the experience, the talks, but perhaps the uniqueness of having a female to groom your beard or using a straight razor on you. I have personally seen it among my male friends who had their haircut or beard done by me. They are surprised to announce that they have been groomed by a female.
In conclusion, on one hand I’d say yes, they are more loyal to a female barber because it is still seen as so innovative. On the other hand, it is all about the confidence and atmosphere that the barber makes them feel. This comes regardless of whether it is a male or female. In the end, a barber is an artist, and each have their own way of talking, their own style and create their own unique vibe. I think it is exactly that which makes a customer loyal.
Finally, a word from Founder Jordan Davies on the role female barbers play at Chaps over the years.
“We’re in the Middle East so our business is expected to be done a little differently. It’s refreshing to know that even in a space as masculine and sacred as the barbershop, women are not just a welcome contributor to the environment but in many cases, a preferred option. They cut men’s hair, they’re very good at it and to most Chaps, that’s all that matters. Female barbers have been a part of our business for years and the interest is hot right now. I’d imagine the team of 4 will expand in the next phase of our business growth. That would be fantastic!”
To book into one of our barbershops for a world-class barbershop experience, you can choose a location by clicking here. For our list of services, it’s here.
And as always, remember to #KeepItHandsome
