after a regrettable foray into a less-than-ideal hairstyle, i embraced a longer cut, settling into a period of leggings, shimmering skirts, and flowing garments.
the prevalence of luscious, dark hair with alluring, winding curls became a signature look within many queer spaces.
similar to a complex mandala, hairstyling and individual expression represent dynamic, evolving journeys that have profoundly shaped queer aesthetics.
the rich, cross-cultural history of hair as a medium, existing both within and separate from mainstream fashion systems as a powerful signifier, makes this a particularly relevant subject to delve into.
to gain a deeper understanding of hair's significance within queer culture, i spoke with a variety of stylists and salons that specifically cater to a queer clientele, gathering their expert perspectives.
my initial exploration led me to tomcats, a popular barber shop located in greenpoint. recommended by numerous individuals, tomcats has earned a reputation for its sharp barber cuts, laid-back atmosphere, and the thoughtful inclusion of a complimentary pbr with every service.
inside the queer salon experience
three years prior, joey covington, a barber and co-owner, established tomcats with the aspiration of fostering a more creatively expressive environment.
badlands, situated in park slope, brooklyn, has emerged as a notable favorite among the LGBTQ+ community. staffed predominantly by queer individuals and with an openly queer ownership, badlands, under the vision of novella, aimed to create a sanctuary where queer patrons could feel secure, supported, and creatively inspired.
innovative styles and barber shop influences
novella has expanded the spectrum of stylistic possibilities by incorporating clipper techniques, a practice commonly found in traditional barbershops.
when questioned about the specific trends and styles resonating with her queer clientele, she highlighted a range of popular choices: sharp buzz cuts, modernized military-inspired cuts reminiscent of the boardwalk empire era, classic bobs, and the distinctive bi-level cut, featuring one side shaved and the other left longer.
expert perspectives on queer hair
in my continued pursuit to understand the multifaceted relationship between hair and queer culture, i had the valuable opportunity to converse with two openly queer stylists: liz wright from muze salon and bronwyn karle.
when asked about their professional insights, i inquired if they believe a distinct "queer haircut" exists and how they would define it.
defining the 'queer haircut'
liz wright shared her perspective: "in my view, this is a somewhat complex question to answer definitively.
however, there are certainly haircuts that appear with greater frequency within the queer community."
bronwyn karle elaborated on her interpretation: "when i consider queer haircuts, i envision a broad spectrum of styles. this ranges from highly adaptable, androgynous, and low-maintenance short to medium-length cuts to the most elaborate, vividly colored, and meticulously styled masterpieces."
the evolution of queer style and identity
on the subject of how queer style, particularly in terms of hairstyling, has evolved over time, liz wright expressed her fascination: "queer style truly captivates me.
i observe that many of my queer clients actively seek out styles that are more edgy, unconventional, and distinctly individualized. the influence of gender identity and societal expectations surrounding appearance frequently comes into play when a client is envisioning a particular style."
she continued, "i often work with clients who are intentionally challenging those norms for various personal reasons."
visual inspirations and creative exploration
the pursuit of understanding queer hairstyling extends beyond theoretical discussions to the visual realm.
the desire to showcase the diversity and creativity inherent in queer hair culture leads to an appreciation for various artistic expressions and trends.
the exploration of different cuts, colors, and styling techniques reflects the broader queer ethos of challenging conventions and celebrating individuality.
popular cuts and styling choices
within the queer community, certain cuts and styling approaches have gained significant traction, reflecting a desire for both self-expression and a departure from traditional gendered norms.
these can include:
- androgynous styles: cuts that blur traditional gender lines, offering a versatile and empowering look.
- bold colors: vibrant and unconventional hair colors that serve as a form of personal declaration and artistic expression.
- asymmetrical cuts: styles that feature distinct differences in length or shape on either side of the head, creating a modern and edgy aesthetic.
- textured styles: embracing natural textures, from curls to waves, and enhancing them through strategic cutting and styling.
- short and sharp cuts: clean, precise haircuts that offer a strong, confident, and often androgynous silhouette.
the role of salons and stylists
salons that actively cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment for the queer community play a crucial role in facilitating this exploration.
stylists who are knowledgeable about queer aesthetics and are open to experimental approaches can help clients achieve their desired looks.
building trust and open communication between stylist and client is paramount in creating a truly personalized and fulfilling hairstyling experience.
beyond the cut: cultural significance
hairstyling within queer culture is more than just a trend; it's a form of communication, identity affirmation, and artistic expression.
the choices made in hairstyling can reflect a sense of belonging, a rejection of societal norms, or simply a celebration of personal taste. the ongoing dialogue between stylists and clients, coupled with the visual exploration of diverse styles, continues to shape and redefine what it means to have a "queer haircut."
trends and future directions
as queer culture continues to evolve and gain visibility, so too will the associated hairstyling trends.
we can anticipate a continued emphasis on:
- gender-fluid styles: haircuts that are not confined by traditional gender binaries, allowing for greater freedom of expression.
- personalization: a move towards highly individualized styles that reflect unique personalities and life experiences.
- sustainable practices: an increasing awareness of environmentally friendly products and techniques within salons.
- collaboration and community: the ongoing sharing of inspiration and ideas within queer communities, fostering a collective approach to style.