For Women’s History Month, we are featuring the stories of some of Wahl Professionals top female barbers who have risen through the industry and made a name for themselves.
Brittany Calzada, Barber and Wahl Pro Educator
My journey into barbering started with a passion for sculpting and manipulating hair. I always appreciated the art of personal grooming and how a haircut could transform someone’s confidence. I love that barbering goes beyond just cutting hair, it allows you to connect with people you probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.
As a woman operating a male-dominated industry, I’ve faced challenges. There were moments when clients were surprised to see a female barber and doubted my ability. I’ve been overlooked in the shop just because I was a woman, and I had to work harder to earn a guest’s trust and respect. At the end of the day, the challenges were fuel to my fire and desire to become one of the best professionals in the industry. I focused on honing my skills and letting my talent speak for itself, and it’s led me to become the accomplished barber that I am today and my partnership with Wahl.
Working with Wahl has been a game changer for my career. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a brand that is recognized and trusted for its high-quality tools, dedication to the craft, and commitment to accessible education for professionals at any level in the industry. Throughout the partnership, the brand helped me elevate my skills with the right tools and continuous training. Some of my favorite Wahl Pro products to work with are the Wahl Pro Magic Clip, the Wahl Pro Vanish Shaver, and the new Wahl Pro Vapor™. And being part of the team has opened doors to opportunities and growth.
As the industry is becoming more diverse and women in barbering are being recognized more and more, there’s more space for female barbers to make their mark, and more opportunities for brands and leaders in the industry to support aspiring female barbers. Today’s industry is becoming a more supportive community where women feel encouraged to thrive, and I’m truly excited to be a part of it and be a role model for the next generation.
My advice to aspiring barbers would be never to underestimate your worth and your abilities. If a client chooses not to get a haircut from you because you’re a woman, respect their decision and know that the client isn’t the right fit for you. This is the first step in building up your confidence and allowing yourself to focus on clientele that want your expertise behind the chair. The next step to making your confidence unshakeable is by practicing your craft as much as possible and surrounding yourself with supportive peers of all genders who believe in you. With these steps – a Wahl tool in hand! – any aspiring women barber will be unstoppable.