Exploring Sheffield's best trans-friendly barbers and hairdressers

Some people love being pampered at the hairdressers, while others hate everything about the experience. But for some LGBT+ people, the experience of going to a barber or hairdresser can be particularly stressful.

Trans people face discrimination in many areas of life and accessing the haircut they want can be one of them. Many report being misgendered, told they can’t have the haircut they want, and even turned away from the hairdresser or barber they want to see.

We wanted to provide a list of salons and barbers in Sheffield that have been recommended as being welcoming to trans people of all genders. Nobody should be treated badly because of their gender or turned away because they are queer. We have the assurance of all of the businesses featured below that they are keen to welcome trans folk to their premises.

Laundry for Hair

Laundry is a gender-neutral, forward-thinking, award-winning salon for all. They just love people – both staff and customers – and they love hair! Those who work at Laundry “challenge and push ourselves to be the stylists our clients deserve.”

Are you an LGBTQI-friendly business?

We most definitely are, we do plenty of trans / non-binary clients’ hair and they all feel so comfortable. We’ve even cried when trans / non-binary clients have expressed their emotions about how good they’ve been made to feel here compared to how awful it’s been elsewhere - that’s why we do our job, to make people happy!

What would you say to a trans person who was anxious about getting their hair done?

We’d ask them what their concerns were, if they’re comfortable sharing how they’d been made to feel in other experiences and then just listen and consult with them as we would a cis man / cis woman. We would advise them on shapes to suit their face and cuts that would be easy for them to style - basically treat them as they ought to be, person to person.

Mr Snipsnipp’s Barbershop

Mr Snipsnipp’s Barbershop is proud to call itself Sheffield’s first actively queer-friendly and gender-inclusive barbershop. They provide a safe space for people of any and all gender identities and sexualities, free from the judgement and pressures that are often found in other salons and barbershops, to get their hair cut exactly how they want it; whether it’s their first masculine style, or trying something new, all the way to crazy mullet variations!

Mr Snipsnipp’s has a small and friendly team: Charlie (he/they), Gabriel (he/him), and Luke (any pronouns), and anyone who comes to the shop is welcomed like an old friend.

Are you an LGBTQI-friendly business?

We absolutely are an LGBTQIA+ friendly business, as it was the reason we started!

What would you say to a trans person who was anxious about getting their hair done?

We would tell them it doesn’t have to be as hard as it has been in the past and that there are more and more people like us out there, and finding them is getting easier. A bit of advice we would give would be to include their pronouns when making a booking, so that “wall” has already been broken, and the rest of the appointment can be focused on their hair.

Funky Divas

Funky Divas Salons, situated in both Crystal Peaks and inside Morrisons at Hillsborough is one of Sheffield leading LGBTQ-friendly salons and is your hub to feel safe and be you. They pride themselves on being well trained, up to date and welcoming.

Are you an LGBTQI-friendly business?

Owned and operated by local transgender icon and DJ Brooke Rodgers, Funky Divas staff are constantly educated that people are free to be who they want to be, with a policy of being non-judgemental, whether about gender, race, age or sex.

What would you say to a trans person who was anxious about getting their hair done?

As a trans or LGBTQ person, you can be totally reassured that you will receive a professional service in an environment you will feel totally comfortable in.

Zak’s Turkish Barbers

Zak’s Barbers aims to first be polite, friendly and welcoming to all walks of life. They are a Turkish barbers with a range of special and upmarket treatments on offer. This traditional Turkish barbers offers a range of treatments and Turkish tea and coffee.

Are you an LGBTQI-friendly business?

Definitely… it doesn't matter to us what gender, age or race our customers are.

What would you say to a trans person who was anxious about getting their hair done?

At Zak’s Barbers, we would never judge a person for who they are. We focus on equality and treat all people with respect. Our business takes pride in this.

Taylor Taylor

Taylor Taylor is a hairdressing and barbering institution that has been part of the Sheffield community since 1907. They have three barbershops and a salon and are continuously growing and adapting to suit the needs of their customers. They are passionate, artistic, and friendly.

Are you an LGBTQI-friendly business?

Of course! We would never turn someone away because of their sexual or gender identity. Our aim is to make sure everyone who walks out of our salons and barbershops feels great in who they are. A great haircut is an extension of you!

What would you say to a trans person who was anxious about getting their hair done?

We understand it can be an anxiety-inducing experience, but we want you to know that in our salon and barbershops we just see you as our customer. If you are particularly nervous, we’d encourage you to let our staff know your chosen pronouns and we’d be more than happy to use them!

Suebyz Hair Studio

At Suebyz, haircuts know no gender. There, you can find an experienced hair stylist who is excited about every interesting and different style. In the windows, trans and LGBT flags are proudly displayed and this has meant clients have come in off the street knowing the shop is safe for them.

Are you an LGBTQI-friendly business?

Yes, absolutely, we are LGBTQI+ friendly.

What would you say to a trans person who was anxious about getting their hair done?

We're never going to judge you for your hair choice, you are safe here and we promise by the end we will be having a laugh!

Seagraves Gentleman’s Barbers

Seagraves Gentleman’s Barbers is a friendly shop with very chatty staff who provide a great service. It is full of history, having been in business since 1906.

Are you an LGBTQI-friendly business?

We already have several trans guys who come to our shop and seem to be happy with our service. Seagraves Barbers is definitely LGBTQI friendly. Some staff are actually part of the alphabet mafia ourselves.

What would you say to a trans person who was anxious about getting their hair done?

Come on in, don't be shy, come as you are. Let us help you take the next step to becoming the person you want to be.

Lewis Adam Hair

Lewis Adam Hair is an at-home private hair salon based in the heart of Sheffield. All products used are vegan and cruelty free.

Are you an LGBTQI-friendly business?

As I am also part of the LGBTQ+ community, a queer man like myself knows how important it is for us to feel safe in any environment and all are welcomed here.

What would you say to a trans person who was anxious about getting their hair done?

This private salon boasts a one-on-one personal experience that takes you away from the loud hustle and bustle of the normal salon environment, making anxious people feel at ease and more relaxed. I have always believed hair had no gender and should look as fabulous as you feel.