Even though it has evolved throughout the years, Hayden says that “A lot of barbershops are still quite macho” and that there are stereotypes around them. “It’s this environment of tit talk, football talk… so being a female can be quite intimidating”, she says in the documentary video directed by London-based photographer Conor Clinch. Actually, the photographer also confesses he hasn’t felt comfortable in barbershops growing up, when he tried to avoid places where toxic masculinity prevails. “As a kid, I felt really uncomfortable in any toxic, masculine environments such as football games or pubs. Barbershops were no different”, he tells us.

But it’s 2020 folks, and some things come to an end. Hopefully, macho stereotypes will be gone soon. At least, that’s what Hayden hopes and also sees when working on a day-to-day basis. “This industry can be amazing, inspiring, and I’ve met some incredible people along that way that’s kind of pushed me and supported me”, she says. “I’ve been lucky enough to travel to amazing countries and be able to showcase and be supported doing what I do”. So there’s still hope for everyone. One of her main wishes, as she expresses in the video, is to “one day, when somebody asks me what it’s like to be a female barber, I hope I can say it’s the same as being a male barber.” Today, we speak with the photographer about his relationship with Hayden, their common Irish roots, and avoiding male-dominated spaces.