Gender Neutral Haircuts : What They Are + Where to Get One in SF
Walk into most salons and you're immediately asked to choose: men's cut or women's cut?
The assumption is that your hair, and how it should be cut, and can be neatly categorized based on your gender.
But what if your gender doesn't fit into those boxes?
What if the cut you want doesn't align with what the salon thinks your gender "should" look like? What if you're just tired of being gendered based on your hair?
Gender neutral haircuts challenge the outdated idea that hairstyles belong to specific genders. They're about getting a cut that feels like you, regardless of where you fall on the gender spectrum. But finding a salon in San Francisco that actually understands gender-neutral and gender-affirming cuts — and doesn't just slap a rainbow flag on their website and call it a day — requires knowing what to look for.
Let's talk about what gender-neutral haircuts really are, why they matter, how to ask for what you want, and where to find stylists in SF who actually get it.
What Are Gender-Neutral Haircuts, Actually?
A gender-neutral haircut is exactly what it sounds like: a haircut that isn't tied to traditional gender expectations. It's not a "men's cut" or a "women's cut" — it's just a cut. The style you want, executed well, without anyone making assumptions about your gender or forcing you into a binary box.
Here's the thing: technically, all haircuts can be gender-neutral. A pixie cut isn't inherently feminine. A fade isn't inherently masculine. These are just styles, and anyone of any gender can wear them. But the language and culture around haircuts has been so deeply gendered for so long that even asking for a "short cut" can lead to assumptions, misgendering, and stylists who don't understand what you're actually asking for.
Gender-neutral haircuts are also closely related to gender-affirming haircuts — cuts that help people feel more aligned with their gender identity, whether that's transitioning, exploring, or simply existing outside the binary. The goal is the same: hair that makes you feel like yourself, without judgment or limitation.
Why Terminology (and Respect) Matters
Let's be clear: the problem isn't just outdated hairstyle names. The problem is the entire system of gendered salon services that assumes everyone fits neatly into "male" or "female" categories — and prices, markets, and delivers services accordingly.
Gendered pricing is garbage. Charging different rates for "men's cuts" versus "women's cuts" is discriminatory, outdated, and frankly ridiculous. A short pixie cut on a woman shouldn't cost more than a short fade on a man just because of assumptions about gender. At Headprint Studio, we don't do gendered pricing. We charge by the hour based on the time, talent, and care your hair actually requires — not outdated assumptions about your gender identity.
Pronouns matter. If a salon doesn't ask for your pronouns, doesn't respect the ones you provide, or misgenders you throughout your appointment, that's not a safe space. A truly inclusive salon makes pronoun usage standard practice, trains staff on respectful communication, and doesn't treat trans and nonbinary clients like they're asking for special treatment.
Language shapes experience. The way a salon talks about hair matters. Do they use gendered language to describe cuts and styles? Do they assume you want something "feminine" or "masculine" based on how you look? Or do they ask open-ended questions about the vibe you're going for and let you define what that means?
If you're looking for gender-neutral haircuts in San Francisco, these are the green flags to watch for. And if a salon fails on any of these points, keep looking. You deserve better.
Common Gender-Neutral Haircut Requests (and What They Actually Mean)
While any haircut can technically be gender-neutral, there are certain styles that people frequently request when they're looking for something that feels less traditionally gendered or more affirming of their identity.
The Undercut: Shaved or very short sides with longer hair on top. This cut works across all gender presentations and can be styled sleek, textured, pushed back, or worn messy. It's versatile, low-maintenance, and reads as intentionally styled without being overly "masculine" or "feminine."
Textured Pixie/Crop: Short all around with texture and movement on top. This is a go-to for people who want short hair that still has personality and doesn't feel too severe. It grows out well and can be styled multiple ways depending on your mood.
The Shag: Layers, texture, and a slightly undone vibe. Shags work on all lengths and hair types, and they have a cool, effortless quality that doesn't lean heavily into any specific gender presentation.
Buzz Cut or Crew Cut: Short, clean, and low-maintenance. Some people find these cuts deeply gender-affirming because they remove length and traditionally "feminine" styling. Others just like the simplicity. Either way, a good buzz cut is all about the shape and proportions — not as simple as it looks.
Mullet (Modern or Classic): Short in the front, longer in the back. The mullet has been reclaimed by queer and nonbinary communities as a statement cut that refuses to be gendered. It's bold, it's intentional, and it very much says "I'm doing my own thing."
Long Hair with an Edge: Not everyone seeking gender-neutral haircuts wants to go short. Some people love long hair but want it styled in a way that feels less traditionally feminine — think blunt cuts, undercuts hidden underneath long layers, or textured, lived-in styles that prioritize movement over polish.
The key is finding a stylist who listens to what you want, understands the feeling you're going for, and has the technical skill to execute it. At Headprint Studio, our stylists specialize in gender-affirming and gender-neutral cuts because we understand that hair is deeply personal and tied to identity. We're not here to make assumptions — we're here to help you look and feel like yourself.
How to Communicate What You Want
One of the biggest challenges when seeking gender-neutral haircuts in San Francisco is figuring out how to explain what you want without relying on gendered language. Here's how to make that easier:
Bring photos. This is the single most effective way to communicate your vision. Show multiple angles and examples of the vibe you're going for. Don't worry about whether the person in the photo has the same gender presentation as you — just focus on the actual haircut.
Use descriptive language instead of gendered terms. Instead of saying "I want a men's cut" or "something more masculine," describe what you actually want: short on the sides, textured on top, clean lines, soft edges, etc. Talk about the feeling you want the cut to convey — edgy, soft, bold, understated.
Be honest about your goals. If you're exploring your gender identity and want a cut that feels affirming, say that. A good stylist will understand and work with you to find a style that helps you feel more like yourself. If you're nonbinary and tired of people assuming your gender based on your hair, communicate that too.
Ask questions. A good stylist will walk you through options, explain what will and won't work with your hair type and face shape, and make sure you're on the same page before they start cutting. If they're not doing that, it's a red flag.
At Headprint Studio, we prioritize open communication and collaboration. We ask questions, we listen, and we make sure you feel heard and respected throughout the entire process. Because getting a gender-neutral or gender-affirming haircut shouldn't feel like a negotiation — it should feel like a partnership.
Why Finding the Right Salon Matters
Not all salons that claim to be inclusive actually are. You need a stylist who has experience with gender-neutral and gender-affirming cuts, who understands that hair is tied to identity, and who won't make you feel like you're asking for something difficult or unusual.
Here's what to look for:
No gendered pricing. If a salon charges different rates based on gender, move on. At Headprint Studio, we charge by the hour based on the work, not your gender identity.
Pronoun usage is standard, not optional. Your pronouns should be asked, respected, and used consistently. If a salon treats this like a hassle or an afterthought, that's a problem.
Portfolio shows diverse gender presentations. Look at the salon's Instagram or website. Do they showcase clients of all gender identities? Do their cuts reflect a range of styles that aren't just traditionally "masculine" or "feminine"?
Staff includes LGBTQ+ people. A salon that employs openly queer and trans stylists is more likely to understand the nuances of gender-affirming haircuts and create a space where you can relax and be yourself.
They're embedded in the community. As we discussed in our post on [queer-friendly hair salons in SF](link to that blog), true inclusivity isn't just about marketing — it's about action. Salons like Headprint Studio that host community events, support LGBTQ+ causes, and actively create space for queer artists and creators are the ones you can trust.
If you're looking for gender-neutral haircuts in San Francisco, Headprint Studio checks every single one of these boxes. Our stylists have extensive experience with gender-affirming cuts, we use gender-neutral pricing, and we've built our entire space around celebrating individuality and self-expression.
The Bottom Line
Gender-neutral haircuts aren't a trend or a niche service. They're a recognition that hair doesn't have a gender, and neither do the people sitting in salon chairs. Everyone deserves to get a haircut that makes them feel confident, authentic, and seen — without being forced into categories that don't fit.
Finding the right stylist makes all the difference. You need someone who listens, who understands that hair is tied to identity, and who has the skill to execute the cut you're envisioning. You need a salon that respects your pronouns, doesn't make assumptions, and treats you like a whole person — not a walking gender stereotype.
If you've been searching for gender-neutral haircuts in San Francisco and haven't found a salon that gets it, it's time to try Headprint Studio. We're not just inclusive in theory — we're inclusive in practice, every single day.
Ready for Your Best Haircut in San Francisco?
If you're ready to try one of these 2025 styles — or figure out something entirely your own — we'd love to see you at Headprint Studio. Book an appointment at our Cow Hollow location (2848 Webster St, San Francisco, CA 94123) or our Castro location (4327 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114).
Come for the style. Stay for the connection. And walk out with hair that feels unapologetically you.
