Coco Chanel famously declared that a woman who cuts her hair is on the verge of a life change. But what about those who don’t fit neatly into traditional definitions of “woman,” or who challenge those very boundaries?
Paul Sumayao and his life partner, Jedi Directo, recognized a gap – a need for a space where everyone could experience a haircut without judgment. This realization led to the founding of Barbierro, a barbershop pioneering a new concept in the Philippines: a “queer” barbershop.
The idea wasn’t born from a belief that all hair spaces *should* be queer, but from a frustration with the subtle, yet pervasive, discomfort experienced by many. Why the rigid separation between salons and barbershops, and what messages did that send?
Sumayao recalls the microaggressions – the suggestions to queer women to grow their hair long, the sports-focused conversations excluding queer men. He remembers feeling out of place as a child, accompanying siblings to barbershops and being labeled a “softie” by the staff. This personal experience sparked a desire for change.
“It’s about claiming safe spaces in traditionally masculine environments,” Sumayao explains. “If no one else is addressing these subtle biases, why shouldn’t we?” Barbierro isn’t simply about haircuts; it’s about dismantling expectations and creating inclusivity.
To ensure a truly welcoming atmosphere, Barbierro staff undergo regular SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression) training. The shop is also a proud member of the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce and recognized by Strands for Trans, a global network of safe spaces for transgender individuals.
Beyond inclusivity, Barbierro challenges conventional pricing structures. Recognizing that women are often charged more for haircuts regardless of length or complexity, they’ve adopted a gender-neutral system based solely on hair length and styling time, ranging from P220 to P330. The goal is simple: eliminate financial barriers to feeling comfortable and confident.
Founded in 2022, Barbierro initially faced challenges finding staff who understood the vision. Some barbers even hesitated, believing cutting women’s hair would compromise their masculinity. But Sumayao emphasizes that Barbierro isn’t about promoting queerness, but about advocating for a safe space for *everyone*.
Today, Barbierro operates company-owned branches in Biñan, Laguna, and Camarines Sur, with a new location planned for Quezon City. They also have a franchise in Sampaloc, Manila, and another on the way in Taft. Sumayao intentionally prioritizes queer-led franchise partners, believing they’re best equipped to navigate the unique nuances of the business.
Interestingly, the branches are deliberately located outside the capital city. Sumayao believes queer spaces shouldn’t be confined to urban centers. “Queer people in towns and provinces deserve a safe space too,” he asserts, recognizing the importance of reaching those often overlooked.
Sumayao sees hair as a powerful form of self-expression. “It’s the easiest part of our body to use to make a statement,” he says. “It’s the most obvious, the first thing people see.” He believes hair truly has no gender, offering endless possibilities for individual style.
But how does Barbierro measure success? Not by exclusivity, but by replication. “We’ll succeed when other barbershops start adopting our model,” Sumayao explains. “The ultimate goal is to create a world where safe spaces are everywhere, and our advocacy is no longer needed.”
