ayeesha coleman

Megs Vickers
Jun 4
5 min read

Hey Ayeesha, how's things?

Hi Megan, I’m good thank you and business is booked and busy so I cannot complain.

For those that don't know tell us about yourself

I’m a multi-award winning female Barber and Creative Colourist based in Manchester,

Ancoats. I hold winning titles in Modern Barbers, Raw-Talent Competition and the Peoples Choice Advanced Category Award, and I recently placed in the Top 3 for Barber of the Year at this year’s UK Hair & Beauty Awards.

You are the first barber to feature on this platform, do you think the creativity in this

industry is often under-represented?

I’m honoured to be the first, and incredibly proud to have the opportunity to represent the industry. I do think barbering is getting a lot more attention today. Hair now goes hand in hand with fashion, and being a barber is seen as much more ‘cool’ in today’s society. After lockdown, people realised how much they took getting their hair cut for granted, and how hard it really is to do well. That experience brought a new level of appreciation for our craft and for the industry as a whole.

How important is creativity for you?

Creativity is at the heart of everything I do, it’s what keeps me passionate about cutting hair. Hair cutting is an art, and without creativity you can’t do it, well. I’m constantly inspired by other creatives and by my own ideas, which keeps me on trend, present, and always improving my skill.

Have you always been creative?

Yes, I’ve always been creative, it runs in my family. My mum is incredibly creative, and

growing up she was always colouring, drawing, or making things. I actually won every fancy dress day from reception through to year six in primary school with outfits she handmade for me. I was always drawing too, and that’s definitely why I love doing creative hair designs now. Without that foundation from childhood, I think hair design would be much harder for me today.

You mention that you 'take pride in crafting unique looks that suit each client's

individuality' how important is this for you?

Very. These factors play a vital role in creating a final look that not only suits the individual but leaves them more confident than when they sat in my chair. No haircut is “one size fits all”, every person is unique, whether in appearance or personality. Some like to boldly stand out, while others prefer a more professional, understated look. I always say, “A haircut can suit a person, but a person can’t suit every haircut."

In a world where politicians and society are reverting back to old social norms, how

impactful is it to be bold and unapologetic in your style?

In a moment when politics and society are reverting to old social norms, being bold and

unapologetic in your style becomes more than a personal choice, it becomes a statement of authenticity. It shows that you’re confident in who you are, even when the environment pushes for conformity. Style is often the first way people communicate their identity, so embracing it boldly can challenge limiting expectations and create space for others to do the same.

At the same time, it demonstrates resilience. You’re signaling that you’re willing to stand out, take risks, and hold your values visibly. In a regressive climate, that kind of presence can be empowering not just for you, but for the people watching, too.

What are the best bits about your job?

The best parts of my job are definitely the people I meet and the opportunities that come from everyone who sits in my chair. I also love the freedom it gives me, you can be booked and busy in the shop one day, working on a set with a brand the next, and then flying abroad to cut hair the day after. You really can make the career as exciting and dynamic as you want it to be

Are there any misconceptions that you would like to stamp out? (almost pet peeves)

Haha, yes! Girls make great barbers too! I talk about female barbers whenever I get the

chance. Not just as a Black female barber, but as a woman paving the way in a

male-dominated industry, it’s about standing out, leading, and inspiring. We’re breaking

barriers, raising standards, and inspiring the next generation!

You are an award winner, congratulations! How does this feel for you?

I’m proud and very grateful for everything I’ve been able to accomplish so far. Honestly, it’s only recently that I’ve allowed myself time to reflect and really take in these moments, because I’m usually very tunnel visioned and always in a ‘ok, next’ mindset. Now that this year’s competitions are finished, I can fully digest and appreciate my achievements before setting goals for the year ahead.

You mentioned that 'Not just as a Black female barber, but as a woman paving the way

in a male dominated industry to stand out, lead, and inspire' means so much to you.

How important is this representation?

Representation is incredibly important to me. As a Black woman in a male dominated

industry, simply showing up and excelling sends a message that the space isn’t limited to one type of person. It shows other women and especially young Black girls that they can lead, create, and thrive here too. For me, it’s not just about cutting hair, it’s about opening doors, challenging expectations and making sure the next generation sees someone who looks like them succeeding in spaces where they’ve only ever seen people who don’t.

You're a keen speaker on panels, is this something you would like to do more of?

It’s definitely something I enjoy and would love to do more of in the future. I like having the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences on trending topics or unspoken issues within the industry. But I also value hearing other people’s perspectives, their ideas, opinions, and experiences that differ from mine. Those conversations are what push the industry forward.

Is social media important for gaining clients and showing the world what you can do?

Absolutely. In today’s society, social media is the best marketing tool we have. With just a single click, you can reach a huge audience. It exposes you to new clients as well as the brands you use, creating far more opportunities than the days of leaflets and local posters ever could. It’s become essential for showcasing your work and growing your career.

Is this something you invest your time in?

Yes, of course. Instagram and Facebook are the world’s most-used social platforms, and they’re both owned by the same company. I always have a paid ad running on Instagram with a targeted radius around my shop’s location, and it automatically runs on Facebook too.

It brings in loads of new local clients every month who discover my work through those ads and then visit my page, @AyeeshaBarber.

Aside from being a barber, how else do you get your creative kicks?

I love fashion! I’m a 90s baby and it definitely shows in my style. I’m a sucker for shopping, or cutting up and revamping clothes I already own. And I love getting my nails done, it’s rare you’ll ever catch me without some kind of gel nail art. Those things really give me my creative kick outside of barbering.