Need a fresh fade or razor sharp line-up? Licensed master barber Kyra Hornung of New York’s Barber Haus will get you summertime fresh in a matter of minutes. Get to know this rising star today.
Women barbers are far more common these days, what inspired you to join their ranks?
I never liked to think because I was a girl I couldn’t do something that “only men do”. I love the art of barbering and I see hair as a canvas. To me it’s not a job, it’s a creative experience for myself and my clients. I love the barbershop atmosphere, the conversations and messing around with each other like family.
As one of the best I have seen, how long did it take you to perfect your craft?
Thank you, and to be completely honest I’m still working on it! I’ve picked so many barbers brains and don’t plan on stopping and experimenting, there’s always more to learn. My man Eric has such a unique, delicate finish to his cuts I’ve been taking notes for the last 2 years. I think my girl April really finished teaching me how to be a barber though. Female to female, she showed me how to navigate the career, deal with hard customers and coworkers, and how to skin fade all the way.
You feature a wide range of styles of haircuts you’ve done on your social media, do you have a favorite?
I’d have to say I love cutting tapers the most for the contrast it gives. I also love doing beards…a clean razor line is the most satisfying part of the cut.
Name some of the famous people you have styled.
I worked with my barber instructor Storm and movie producer Alcee Walker for the music video last summer “What’s Going On (Remake)”. I got a lot of respect for Alcee, he’s a down to earth guy and hard worker. One day, I’d love to give J. Cole an edge up and just chat.
There are so many talented barbers at the Barberhaus location near Vassar College, how does it feel to be surrounded by such a supportive team?
Amazing! These guys are family and like you said, talented with the clippers. As much as we joke around, we got each other’s backs at the end of the day. If I have any questions about anything from haircuts to bicycles to 80’s freestyle club hits, they’ve got answers.
What would you say has been your best and worst experiences as a barber?
The best I’d have to say would be people’s faces when they see the final result. It makes me remember why I love cutting hair so much. However the conversations that come up during cuts can go either way :). I’ve met people from all walks of life and learned so much from people just talking about their passions and careers. The worst experiences are dealing with people who don’t believe women should be in a barbershop, and dealing with the ones that ask you out every time they see you.
You are also an entrepreneur, tell us about your debut product.
I created a beard and scalp oil that is meant to relieve itchiness and dryness, is non pore-clogging, anti bacterial/inflammatory and 100% natural. I have locs and was buying a bunch of products that I noticed advertised it contained these oils; jojoba, black seed oil, tea tree, etc. etc. but only a small fraction. I decided to start making my own so I knew exactly what I was putting on my body. It worked wonders, and brought it with me to the shop to try on some beards. After a number of inquires, l I decided to start bottling and selling it.
Do you have any advice for other women considering entering your field?
Don’t let anyone get in your way. If you want to cut hair, then girl cut some hair. No one starts out at anything a master so don’t get discouraged if you mess up. It grows back! Don’t let funny looks from men shake you up. Be prepared you won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, every barber has a signature. I cut like Kyra, April cuts like April, and you cut like you. Make sure the shop your in is supportive and most importantly be unique and always love what you do.
Be’n Original
