ATH Investigates: The Important Rise Of Gender-Neutral Hair Inclusivity

In recent years, society has witnessed a profound shift towards greater inclusivity and acceptance of diverse gender identities. As part of individuals’ self-expression, a significant aspect of this movement is the increasing popularity of gender-neutral hair. Breaking away from traditional binary norms, gender-neutral hairstyles offer individuals the freedom to express their authentic selves. All Things Hair has gathered all you need to know for an inclusive gender-neutral experience at the salon, including gender-affirming venues and hairstyle inspiration to try.

Why Genderless Hair Matters

Going to the salon isn’t as smooth of an experience as it might seem, especially for queer customers. 93% of the LGBTQ2S+ community members declare to have been misgendered at the salon or barber shop. Since these are very gendered environments, getting a haircut and finding a gender-affirming space can be quite a precarious experience for trans and non-binary clients. Due to the very gendered language of the hair and beauty industry, it’s also really easy to ask inappropriate questions or assume the wrong identity of a person.

However, many members of the LBGTQ2S+ community working in the industry have taken their negative experiences and turned them into gold. Magda Ryczko, a queer Polish immigrant, was among the first to challenge the norm and open the gender-neutral salon Hairrari in Williamsburg in 2011. Today the salon has grown to have many locations across New York and aims to inspire and educate the hair industry to become less gendered and more inclusive.

The Dresscode Project

Standing by the mission “Hair Has No Gender,” The Dresscode Project is a global alliance of salons and barber shops aimed to provide positive, gender-affirming services for LGBTQ2S+ clients. Asking for a haircut that isn’t associated with the sex given at birth is often a challenging experience for queer clients; that’s why founder Kristin Rankin (who is a hairstylist themselves) has worked since 2017 to build Gender Affirming hair spaces in North America.

By educating and empowering hairstylists and barbers to give their clients haircuts that help them look how they feel, Dresscode Project is building a world where hair salons and shops are safer spaces for the LGBTQ2S+ community.

They have also created an ever-growing directory of gender-affirming salons and shops to find the nearest venue to you.

Gender-Neutral Pricing, Where Are We At?

The price difference in salons for different genders is not news. However, the air is changing, and more and more venues are adopting gender-neutral pricing. Some states, including California, New York, and Massachusetts, mandate that salon service menus can’t be structured by gender, and the price shouldn’t change unless there is a gender-neutral reason (for instance, materials and difficulty in offering the service).

Gender-neutral pricing is part of the journey toward creating safer spaces and inclusivity for all clients. Misgendering at the salon can cause discomfort, stress, and gender dysphoria; removing price differences can reduce these feelings and give clients an outstanding experience.

The Top 10 Gender Neutral Haircuts

Here is some inspiration for your next trip to your closest gender-affirming salon:

1. Buzz Cut

The buzz cut is a stylish, bold, low-maintenance, and versatile haircut. The short length works with most hair types and is super flattering. Plus, you can experiment and make it edgier by pairing it with a fade, hair design, or a colorful dye.

2. Baby Pompadour

The pompadour has always been considered a male haircut until recent times. The pompadour is elegant and voluminous, featuring long hair that is swept up and back at the top.

3. Mullet

Make a statement with a mullet cut. Despite its unusual cut, the mullet is easy to pull off and versatile. You can experiment with different lengths and update it with a bold dye.

4. The Shag

The shag haircut has made a huge comeback in recent years, and it’s a fantastic gender-neutral option. This layered and tousled style adds volume and texture to your hair, making it perfect for those who want a carefree, effortlessly stylish look.

5. Pixie Cut

The pixie cut is a short and edgy haircut that suits all genders. It’s cropped length and textured layers exude confidence and showcase your facial features. Play around with different styling options to personalize this classic cut.

6. Blunt Bangs

Blunt bangs are one of the most versatile fringe hairstyles and can suit various face types. They’re also quite a bold choice, so go for them when you want to turn your haircut into a statement.

7. The Long Bob (Lob):

How to look stylish and have a low-maintenance haircut at the same time? The answer is simple, get a lob! The long bob is a great gender-neutral option. This cut falls somewhere between a bob and shoulder-length hair, offering a chic and versatile look.

8. Bleached Undercut

The undercut is a versatile style that involves shaving or trimming the sides and back of the head while leaving the top longer. This haircut allows for endless creativity, allowing you to experiment with different lengths and textures on top.

9. Curly Curtain Bangs

Calling all curly-heads, this is the perfect gender-neutral hair inspo for your hair type. Long, curly curtain bangs give a sense of softness to your hairstyle, framing your face and highlighting your eyes. You can also keep your bangs long and cut the back of your hair short for an even more impactful style.

10. Faux Hawk

If you love the edginess of a Mohawk but want a less drastic look, the faux hawk is an excellent alternative. This gender-neutral hairstyle keeps your hair in the center to create the illusion of a Mohawk while leaving the sides longer. The perfect balance between a bold statement and everyday wearability.