By Abdullahi Ajibade
A Nigerian female barber, Olanihun Abosede Grace Kanyinsola, has defied gender-based biases to pursue her passion for barbering, inspiring others to break stereotypes and follow their dreams.
Two young boys had been her regular customers for a while. Their father always brought them in, and there was never an issue. But one day, their mother came instead, and everything changed.
As soon as she saw the female barber, she refused her service and declared in Yoruba, “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 woman cut their hair!”)
For Kanyinsola, those words hit hard. They weren’t just a rejection of her service but a painful reminder of the deeply rooted beliefs that often stand in the way of women pursuing unconventional careers. That day, she went home in tears. But rather than let it break her, she turned it into motivation—pushing herself to grow, excel, and prove that skill and passion know no gender.
A Passion for Barbering
Barbering wasn’t just a random choice for Kanyinsola. When she’s not hitting the books, she’s behind the barber’s chair, giving clients fresh cuts and fades.
Her passion for it began in secondary school, an all-girls institution where traditional female-focused skills like hairdressing and makeup held little appeal.
Instead, she gravitated towards male-dominated fields like men’s fashion design, shoemaking, and barbering.
Now in her final year as a Linguistics student at Obafemi Awolowo University, Kanyinsola—widely known as Kanyindbarbergirl—formally began her barbering journey 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 the university, she had already become a professional.
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent industrial strikes gave her even more time to refine her skills. She worked in male hostels on campus and at various barbershops, steadily building her clientele and reputation.
Contrary to common assumptions, Kanyinsola dispels the idea that she can’t work well with women, emphasizing that growth and continuous learning have enhanced her orientations.
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 adopted unique strategies, such as leveraging her knowledge of football. This approach has helped her bridge the gender gap and establish strong professional relationships. “The zeal, passion, and love I have for what I do keep me moving,” she shared, even as she acknowledged the challenges of balancing her career with her studies and personal life.
Overcoming Challenges
Kanyinsola’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Rejection, especially in her early years, was a recurring challenge.
“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.”
Looking Ahead
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 aspires to establish a top-notch barbershop that will set a new standard in the industry. Simultaneously, she intends to pursue a career as a linguist out of love for linguistics and the intricacies of languages.
For other girls who share her ambition, Kanyinsola encourages them to pursue their interests within morality and legality, urging them not to allow stereotypes to stand in the way of their dream.
