Women raise the hairdressing bar

Ren Mingwei, the owner of My Hair — a chain of about 100 hair salons nationwide — says the hair industry has long been dominated by men, but a quiet revolution is taking place behind the barber's chair. The number of female hairdressers is on the rise, not just for their skill with clippers, but for their refreshing, communicative approach to the art of grooming.

"No longer confined to beauty or salon industries, women are stepping into the male-dominated world of barbering, transforming it along the way," Ren explains. "They are redefining what it means to sit in the barber's chair. They offer more than just a haircut. They create an environment where customers not only leave looking good but also feeling heard and understood."

Ren, 37, moved to Beijing in 2006 from his hometown in Shanxi province and started as a barber's assistant. After gaining hands-on experience, he opened his own outlet in 2010.

"Since 2018, the number of female hairdressers has been growing. As much as 85 percent of our customers are women. The unique approach of female hairdressers — often based on empathy and effective communication — has allowed them to make a significant impact in the industry," Ren says. "Today, 40 percent of the hairdressers working under my label are women."

He also notes that barbershops are evolving. "They're no longer just places for a quick trim. They're becoming spaces where men can relax, open up, and engage in meaningful conversations with their barbers."

The rise of female hairdressers highlights an often-overlooked aspect of the trade: the power of communication.

"Women tend to possess high emotional intelligence, which allows them to connect with clients on a deeper level, making the experience more personal and fulfilling," says Ren. "At the same time, their skills are just as good as male barbers'. Their ability to create a space where clients feel seen and heard provides an extra benefit.

"The rise of women hairdressers has raised the bar in the industry, making the competition fiercer, and that's a good thing."