As March is Women’s History Month, BarberEVO decided to team up with Wahl Professional to show our appreciation of some of the top female barbers in the industry, and how they have overcome adversity in a male-dominated industry.
Featuring: Kristi Faulkner, Wahl Education Team, International Platform Artist & Educator
From a very early age, I loved everything about cutting hair – I always cut all my Barbie dolls’ hair and did all my friends’ hair in school. After high school, I went to college and cosmetology school at the same time and got my cosmetology license. Shortly after, I got married and moved to a military town – that’s really where my passion for barbering started. Even though I had just graduated from cosmetology school, I had never picked up a pair of clippers ever. I found a barbershop to work at, and the owner gave me a Wahl Professional Designer clipper and a Wahl Professional Peanut. The rest is history.
At the beginning, it was extremely hard to even have anyone sit in my chair. Not many female barbers cut hair for those of all different races and with all textures, but I was young and eager to learn, so I learned learning to cut men’s hair and all different textures. The owner, Miss Ann, was a Korean female barber who taught me everything I know. I’m so grateful for the opportunity she gave me. At that time, it was $4.00 a haircut and I made 40% of that. I definitely had to learn fast and cut fast. That is where my love of barbering came from and my speed.
After time and A LOT of practice I began to really start a great clientele on the military. Unfortunately, I ended up moving home and that’s when I really had a reality check. I was a white woman that cut all different textured hair, but mainly ethnic hair because it was my favorite to cut. When I looked for a job, I got turned away over and over again. I finally found a barbershop that gave me a chance, but still, no one wanted me to cut their hair. They thought I was an undercover cop or something like that. It took a lot of time and patience, but once I had a few people sit in my chair, I proved my skill.
Eventually I had to leave the barbershop, and I saved all the money I earned to open the first multi-cultural shop in my area. I have been licensed for 32 years now and with Wahl Professional clippers going on 17 years.
I’ve always found joy in continuing my barber education, so I went to all the hair shows I could. I was very fortunate that when I was at the Bronner Bros. Beauty Show, the largest ethnic show in the country, the head of education for Wahl clippers at the time, Isadore Adams, was there working the booth. He gave me the chance of a lifetime – I went on stage at the show and cut a head as a demonstration. I was so nervous to be up there, but when I turned on my Wahl Pro clippers, I instantly relaxed and showed off my skills that I had worked so on for over the years. I would never have thought a pair of Wahl Pro clippers would take me all over the world. I have done international shows and classes, all throughout the U.S. as well. Even working for the most trusted barbering tools company in the world, I still faced doubters who challenged my skillset. I worked even harder to know my Wahl tool knowledge better than anyone else, and I never gave up, which only made me better.
I’ve been so blessed to be a part of the Wahl family. They have supported me and encouraged me throughout my career. Now, I’m a part of the product and development team as well. I absolutely love anything and everything that has to do with Wahl – from the actual products, like my current favorites the 5-Star Vapor™ and the 5 Star A•LIGN Trimmer, to learning how to use them to create new looks and cuts.
This industry is ready for new upcoming female barbers. We have a few new female barbers on our Wahl Education team that are phenomenal. I love to share my story with other aspiring women in the industry, and I always encourage all female barbers to be fearless. Don’t give up! We have an incomparable skillset and presence. I always tell other female barbers the road might not be easy, but it’s so worth it. Every single disappointment will make you stronger and better. The future is bright for female barbers, and I’m so blessed I was able to help pave a little of the way.