The beauty industry has always been an expressive space. However, in recent years, the beauty industry has become more gender-neutral, looking for ways to become more inclusive and welcoming and ensure that people of all gender identities are able to express their unique style.
Keep reading to learn more about gender neutrality, how it shows up in the beauty industry, and why it is an inclusive workplace.
Gender neutrality is an approach to gender that views gender as an irrelevant social construct. Gender neutrality aims to promote inclusivity by avoiding categorizing based on gender. This approach focuses on eliminating gender norms and making everyone feel welcome, including transgender and nonbinary people. Gender neutrality is becoming more and more popular in the beauty industry, with salon professionals working to show that beauty is for everyone.
More people are starting to recognize that everyone can enjoy beauty treatments. Traditionally, treatments like waxing, facials, and skin treatments have been labeled as feminine. When men have taken advantage of beauty treatments, their masculinity has been questioned, deterring many men from fully enjoying this aspect of self-care. Ultimately, these gendered labels should have no place in a beauty salon.
Gender is irrelevant when it comes to beauty treatments, which is why many salons are embracing a gender-neutral approach to beauty. This makes the beauty industry a great place for careers for people who want to specialize in serving the gender-neutral community and for those who identify as gender-neutral and are looking for a gender-neutral safe career path.
Taking care of your skin, body, and mental health is not a feminine act. Many beauty treatments are a fundamental part of self-care and benefit people of all genders. Salons should be safe spaces for everyone; a gender-neutral approach will help make that a reality.
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of men entering the beauty industry. Men are no longer just consumers of beauty products and services but are also becoming key players as professionals in the field. This shift is part of the broader movement towards gender inclusivity and reflects the changing perceptions of beauty and self-care.
Men are pursuing careers as hairstylists, makeup artists, and estheticians, bringing their unique perspectives and skills to the industry. This influx of male professionals is helping to break down traditional gender stereotypes and broaden the definition of beauty. Their presence in the industry also encourages other men to explore and enjoy beauty treatments without fear of judgment.
Barbering: A Booming Sector for Men
Barbering, in particular, has seen significant growth as more men seek specialized grooming services. Modern barbershops offer a range of services that go beyond haircuts, including beard grooming, facial treatments, and even scalp care. This has transformed the barbering sector into a dynamic and creative part of the beauty industry.
The Salon Professional Academy Buffalo recognizes the importance of barbering and offers comprehensive barber training programs to equip students with the skills needed to excel in this field. Our barbering courses focus on both traditional techniques and contemporary trends, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of their clients.
Salons are already taking steps to implement gender neutrality in the beauty industry. One example of this is in altering the names of treatments. Sometimes, treatments like haircuts are categorized based on whether a man or woman is receiving it. This is problematic because it excludes people who don’t identify as men or women. Further, categorization based on gender relies on stereotypes, assuming that gender will reveal information about the client to help determine an accurate price for the service. Ultimately, services should be categorized and priced based on the work involved without making assumptions based on gender.
It’s also important to see diverse spokespeople and clients in the beauty industry. From salon displays to beauty influencers, representation matters, and people should be able to visibly see that beauty is for everyone.
Many salons are making strides to become fully gender-neutral. There is a more widespread understanding that gender isn’t a factor when it comes to beauty treatments and that services shouldn’t be categorized based on gender.
The beauty industry is an inclusive place to work. The Salon Professional Academy Buffalo provides resources and training to help you start your beauty career. If you’re interested in working in beauty, contact us today!