Gillette Canada Launches ‘My Virtual Barber’ Program With Focus on LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion

With barbershops and hairdressers closed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, men (and women) across Canada have been left to their own devices when it comes to grooming. Until now, that is. This week, Gillette Canada has just announced the launch of a new program called My Virtual Barber which brings the brand’s roster of experts directly to your house.

Through My Virtual Barber, Canadians are able to connect virtually with a local barber in a one-on-one format and be guided through a haircut or face shave – whether you’re doing it yourself, or entrusting someone else in your house with the clippers and scissors. One of the barbers available for appointments is Tyler Lumb, who ran Toronto’s MPL Cuts barbershop which provided clients with “an inclusive barbershop experience that helped people of all genders express their most authentic selves by providing barbering services based on function, not by the customer’s perceived gender,” according to a release.

As part of the new program, Gillette is supporting Dresscode Project (for whom Tyler serves as a board member), a Canada-born initiative whose focus is to provide positive, gender-affirming services for LGBTQ2S+ clients. On its website, founder Kristin Rankin, who uses they/them pronouns, writes, “Simply put, Dresscode Project is about unity, acceptance, equity, safer spaces and teaching our industry that diversity is the future.” In addition to raising awareness of the initiative, Gillette will also contribute an undisclosed monetary donation to Dresscode Project.

If you’re well and truly ready for your next cut, there are 100 appointments available from now until June 26. You can request one here.