A Nigerian female barber, Olanihun Abosede Grace Kanyinsola, overcomes gender-based biases to pursue her passion for barbering while inspiring others to break stereotypes and follow their dreams.

Two young boys, regular customers at a local barbershop, were always accompanied by their father, who had no objections to their haircuts. However, one day, their mother arrived instead and refused the service outright. Speaking in Yoruba, she declared: “Okunrin lawon omo mi, Ade ori ni won, bawo ni obinrin a se e ma gerun ade ori!” (“My sons are crowns. How dare a female cut their hair!”).

This moment highlighted the clash between deeply entrenched traditional beliefs and evolving gender roles, encapsulating both the high regard in which the boys were held and the restrictive limitations placed on women—in this case, the female barber. For Olanihun Abosede Grace Kanyinsola, known professionally as Kanyindbarbergirl, this incident was a painful reminder of the challenges she faced in pursuing her unconventional career. Yet, she turned the experience into a source of strength and growth, allowing it to shape her perspective and perseverance.

Barbering was not a random choice for Kanyinsola. When not engrossed in her studies, she can be found wielding clippers and crafting precise fades and styles for her clients. Her passion for the trade began during her time at an all-girls secondary school. While traditional female-focused skills like hairdressing and makeup held little appeal for her, Kanyinsola found herself gravitating toward male-dominated fields such as men’s fashion design, shoemaking, and barbering.

Now a linguistics student at Obafemi Awolowo University, Kanyinsola’s formal journey into barbering began in 2019. Balancing multiple roles, she started learning the craft on weekends while working as a secretary at a law firm in Ibadan, Oyo State. By the time she gained admission to university, she had already become a professional. The pandemic and subsequent industrial strikes gave her additional time to hone her skills, enabling her to work in male hostels on campus and in various barbershops to build her clientele and reputation.

Despite societal biases, Kanyinsola has defied expectations and broken stereotypes that suggest women can’t excel in barbering. Contrary to assumptions that she struggles to work with women, she emphasizes that growth and continuous learning have reshaped her outlook, enabling her to embrace collaborative opportunities. She hopes to partner with other talented women, building a network of support and shared expertise in the future.

To connect with male clients and foster trust, Kanyinsola devised unique strategies, such as leveraging her knowledge of football. This approach has been instrumental in bridging the gender divide and fostering professional relationships. “The zeal, passion, and love I have for what I do keeps me moving,” she shared, even as she acknowledged the challenges of balancing her career with her studies and personal life.

Kanyinsola’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. Rejection, especially during her early years, was a recurring obstacle. “The major challenge I faced was rejection, particularly from women,” she recalled. “Many mothers and aunties would bring their children to the shop only to refuse my services because I was female. It was tough, but I’m grateful for the customers who stood by me and appreciated my work.”

She doesn’t shy away from the realities of these biases but has chosen to rise above them with resilience and determination. “I didn’t let the voices of opposition stop me,” she explained. “I’ve learned to embrace the strength and potential of working with diverse individuals, regardless of gender.”

Kanyinsola is among a growing number of Nigerian women entering non-traditional fields like barbering. As more women challenge societal norms, there is hope that the stigma surrounding their choices will gradually diminish.

Looking ahead, she dreams of establishing a “top-notch barbershop” that will set a new standard in the industry, blending professionalism and innovation. Simultaneously, she intends to pursue a career in linguistics, driven by her fascination with languages and communication.

To young women who share her ambitions, Kanyinsola offers this advice: “Pursue your interests within moral and legal boundaries. Don’t let stereotypes hold you back. Your dreams are valid, and your potential is limitless. Believe in yourself and take every opportunity to grow.”