Kristin Rankin

Kristin Rankin (they/them) is a queer, non-binary hairstylist and educator who has quietly turned a simple question — “Why are we still cutting hair by gender?” — into a global movement. Born and raised in Toronto and now based in New York City, they’re the founder of The Dresscode Project, an organization that helps salons and barbershops become gender-affirming spaces where LGBTQ2S+ clients can get hair that reflects who they really are.

With 15+ years behind the chair and as a partner in Fox & Jane, Kristin saw firsthand how traditional “men’s” and “women’s” menus were failing queer and trans clients. One pivotal moment — a trans woman sharing that it was the first time a haircut made her feel like herself —sparked what would become The Dresscode Project and later Gender Free Haircut Club, pop-up events offering free gender-affirming cuts to marginalized queer folks.

Today, Kristin coaches and trains salon teams around the world on gender-neutral pricing, inclusive consultation language, and the nuts-and-bolts of creating safer spaces. Their work has been featured by outlets like The Today Show, Teen Vogue, Vanity Fair, and more, and they serve as a Global Ambassador for Pantene.

For salons and stylists who are ready to back up their rainbow sticker with real, lived practice, Kristin offers the roadmap — and the receipts— to make it happen.