As March is Women’s history month, we have teamed up with Wahl Professional to spotlight some of
the up-and-coming and influential female barbers who have risen up through this male-dominated
industry to make a name for themselves.
This week’s focus: Barber and Wahl Pro Educator, Munny Thapar.
What inspired you to become a barber, and how did your journey in the industry begin?
“At a very young age, I realized I was drawn to art in every form. Being someone who naturally loved teaching and helping others, I combined my artistic and people skills and
discovered that barbering was my true passion. I became obsessed with learning about fades, blade work, styling, and the barbering culture. To further develop my skills, I started cutting hair for friends and family at home. That quickly led to me enrolling in hair school and working in a barbershop, where I built my confidence and honed my craft.”
As a female barber, did you face any unique challenges when starting out? How did you overcome them?
“There were many challenges that came with being a female barber. Being one of the few women in a male-dominated industry, I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. I put in
long hours, but I was often turned down by clients who doubted my ability to perfect their beards or haircuts. It was tough—knowing barbering was my calling but not being trusted to cut hair. Instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as fuel to master every skill that makes barbering special. I focused on perfecting fades, improving my consultation techniques to assure clients they were in the hands of a professional, and refining my craft to the point
where even bystanders would want a cut. Over time, I built both my confidence and skill set to prove that talent has no gender.”
How do you think the industry is evolving, and what more can be done to support aspiring female barbers?
“The industry is definitely moving in the right direction. With social media, we’re able to showcase our skills and build a brand that extends beyond our city—even reaching a
worldwide audience. More brands, like Wahl, are recognizing that barbering isn’t just for men and that there are many incredibly talented women in the industry as well. That said, there’s still more work to do. I believe mentorship programs, creating more spaces for women in barbering events, and ensuring that barbershops foster inclusive environments would make a world of difference in empowering aspiring female barbers.”
What advice would you give to women who want to break into the barbering industry?
“Shoulders back and chin up. That’s something I’ve told myself ever since I started barbering. I would repeat it before stepping on stage for a barber battle, before walking into the shop, and even before starting a cut. Confidence is everything. Knowing that you are brave, strong, and skilled enough to be great at whatever you do will take you far—not just in barbering, but in life. Surround yourself with
barbers who inspire, encourage, and challenge you. Stay connected in the industry, never stop learning, and always push yourself to improve.”
How has your role with Wahl helped shape your experience in the industry? And how has the brand supported you throughout your career?
“Being a Wahl Professional educator has also helped to propel my career. Being associated with
such a respected brand has opened so many doors, from education opportunities to networking with some of the best barbers in the world. Wahl has been incredibly supportive of my journey, providing top-tier tools and platforms to showcase my work. What I love most about Wahl is that they truly value family, innovation, and inclusivity in barbering. Having their support makes me feel like there are no limits to what I can achieve in
this industry.”
Munny’s go-to Tools
“The Wahl tools that are in my day-to-day arsenal are the Cord/Cordless Magic Clip, Vanquish Hairdryer and Hi-Viz Trimmer. These tools have helped me sharpen my skills and perfect my craft.”