Queer hairdressers | Barbers | Tattoo Studios
Riot Hearts Collective
An alternative, gender neutral, LGBTQIA+ inclusive collective; offering hair and nail services.
Riot Hearts Collective
A trailblazing, LGBTQIA+ inclusive hair and beauty studio in the heart of Manchester city centre, Riot Hearts Collective offers a fresh, affirming experience unlike any traditional salon
What Riot Hearts Offers
- Hair & Nail Services: A full suite of gender-neutral offerings including cuts, colours, styling, and nail art—all under one roof .
- Fixed Pricing, Service-Only Focus: Prices are based on the service itself—not the client’s gender. This ensures fairness and clarity
- A Safe & Sociable Studio: Private, one-on-one appointments in a relaxed, non-judgmental space—designed to feel like catching up with friends
🏳️ Inclusive & Community-Driven
Riot Hearts was born from the founders’ own experiences of feeling out of place in traditional salons—as queer individuals seeking creative and affirming spaces They created Riot Hearts to be a refuge for creative expression and queer identity—welcoming trans and non-binary clients with open arms
🎵 The Vibe & Culture
Styled as a duo of “aging emos,” the creative team brings alternative energy to Portland Street. During appointments, expect playlists featuring My Chemical Romance, Paramore, and Panic! at the Disco—set against a backdrop of mismatched vintage décor, velvet couches, and a welcoming studio dog named Mo
📍 Location & Accessibility
- Address: 74 Portland St, 1st & 2nd Floor, Manchester, M1 4GU
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday (times vary); check online before visiting .
- Access Note: Situated on upper floors with stair-only entry—unfortunately not wheelchair accessible .
📣 Community Praise
Celebrated widely in the press, Riot Hearts is credited with redefining Manchester’s hair scene—bringing queer-affirming services to the mainstream. It’s also recommended within queer forums as a reasonably priced, friendly alternative for trans clients
Shallows Studio
Tattoo & Alt‑Beauty Speakeasy.
Creative Collection with over 20 independent freelance artists
Shallows Studio – Tattoo & Alt‑Beauty Speakeasy
Where: 74 Princess Street, beneath Whitworth Locke aparthotel, Manchester M1 6BD
What is Shallows Studio?
Shallows is a boundary-pushing alternative beauty & tattoo studio tucked into a renovated underground swimming pool turned speakeasy-style space . It’s not just a salon — it’s a creative collective with over 20 independent freelance artists specializing in:
- Tattoo (walk-in, flash, custom, and even transient “ephemeral” ink designs meant to fade in 3–4 years)
- Piercing, hair/barber, nails, lashes, brows, facials, aesthetics, massage — all in one inclusive venue
🕰️ Style & Atmosphere
- Think upside-down swimming pool meets classy speakeasy — complete with waiter service for coffee, cocktails, and snacks served via QR code while you’re getting beautified
- The founders describe Shallows as “build-a-bear for humans”: a joyful, open-ended place of transformation
- Expect a friendly crew, alternative decor, and creative playlists — all curated to make you feel seen and inspired .
💡 Why McQ Loves It
- It’s visibly queer-friendly and inclusive, providing a space that defies normative beauty standards.
- Featuring ephemeral tattoos (“fading ink”) and non-gendered pricing reflects innovation, accessibility, and choice — values central to McQ’s mission.
- As a creative hub with freelance artists, Shallows amplifies queer artistry and community over corporate glam.
📅 Need-to-Know Info
- Walk-in tattoos: Mon–Sat, 12–7 pm; also offers “bottomless tattoo” sessions for extended ink projects
- Opening hours: Typically open daily from early morning until late evening (8 am–11 pm)
- Booking: Visit their website to see artists, flash menus, and make bookings for tattoos, piercing, nails, hair, etc.
📣 Join the Scene
A go-to space for those craving creativity, autonomy, and a queer-affirming space in the citypriced, friendly alternative for trans clients
Follow @shallows.studio for artist spotlights, flash days, and community events
Book a bold tattoo, get a haircut that’s truly you, or enjoy a mid-session latte — all in one unforgettable environment
RCNQ
Vibrant, queer- and neurodivergent-owned hair salon and Barbers located in the Northern Quarter.
RCNQ
Queer & Neurodivergent-Friendly Salon
What is RCNQ?
RCNQ is a vibrant, queer- and neurodivergent-owned hair salon nestled in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Operating as both a hair studio and a barbershop (Barber Below), it offers a welcoming space for all gender expressions and hair types.
🎈 Inclusive by Design
- Trans-affirming environment: Gender-neutral pricing and a booking system that actively includes pronoun sharing to affirm clients across their journeys.
- Welcoming to all neurotypes: The salon is autistic- and ADHD-owned, providing sensory awareness and adaptable interactions for a comfortable experience.
- All textures celebrated: Experts in Afro, curly, straight, and mixed textures—with stylists skilled in braids, wigs, silk presses, and protective styles
💬 Community Voice
According to local users on Reddit, “RCNQ are super queer friendly and lovely! … they were super duper great with pronouns and making you feel calm and relaxed”. One shared they were even confident enough to get a bi-flag hairstyle for Pride—emphasising creativity and trust.
💡 Style, Vibe & Owner
The salon’s aesthetic is playful and bold—anime- and K‑pop–inspired décor, rainbow mirrors, fluffy cloud accents, nostalgic 90s & 00s playlists, and even a friendly reception dog
Rob Czlapka, salon owner and stylist, brings a creative, sensory-informed approach—focusing on lived-in fringes, blended colours, razor cuts, and natural textures.
Holier Than Thou
Manchester’s premier destination for body piercing, tattooing, and beauty modifications.
Holier Than Thou
Piercing & Tattoo Specialists
what is holier than thou?
Located in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, Holier Than Thou is the city’s premier destination for body piercing, tattooing, and beauty modifications, serving clients from across the North West and beyond
🛠️ Services & Expertise
- Piercing: From ear cartilage to intimate piercings (ages 8+ for lobes, 16+ for others), using mirror-polished, internally threaded, implant-grade titanium and a wide range of high-end jewellery (e.g. Maria Tash, BVLA) — pricing starts at around £25 plus jewellery costs.
- Tattooing: Custom and walk-in tattoos with transparent, service-based pricing — larger pieces quoted per day .
- Modifications: Things like laser tattoo reduction and other procedures, backed by stringent hygiene standards including operating-theatre-level sterilisation, autoclaves, and HEPA filters.
👥 Inclusive & Professional
- Manchester’s only UKAPP-certified studio, with five certified piercers and one apprentice — adhering to the highest pro-piercing standards
- Gender-neutral pricing, pronoun sharing encouraged, and a space that celebrates queer clients — especially trans and neurodivergent peoples.
- Accessibility improvements include a new ground-floor space for clients with mobility needs.
- The friendly, knowledgeable team is praised across platforms like Reddit for professionalism, fix-it care (e.g. realigning botched piercings), and being welcoming to nervous clients
🏠 Location & Practical Info
Booking: Online for piercings and tattoos, walk-ins accepted for piercings if slots remain — appointments required for beauty services like “Lashes of Lilith”
Address: 97 Oldham Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1LW
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun (typically 10 am–6:30 pm, later on weekends)
TINY’s Barbershop
A welcoming, community-focused barbershop in Sale (Greater Manchester)
TINY’S Barbers
Sale’s Queer-Friendly & Trans-Affirming Salon
what is tiny’s?
A welcoming, community-focused barbershop in Sale (Greater Manchester), TINY’s Barbershop is explicitly LGBTQ+ inclusive, with mental-health-trained staff committed to creating a safe and affirming environment.
🌈 Why TINY’s Stands Out
- Trans- and non-binary-affirming by design: Introduces gender-neutral pricing, pronoun inclusion during bookings, and offers half-price haircuts for trans and non-binary teens as part of grants (e.g., funded by Manchester Pride’s Superbia Queer Arts Fund).
- Community & mental-health focus: Staff are trained in mental health first aid and often provide information packs or support resources, particularly aimed at trans youth and their families.
- Positive and inclusive atmosphere: Frequently praised online for their friendly, understanding service—particularly for queer and trans clients. One Reddit user noted: “Cut, Wash and Finish … First time trying this barber’s being LGBT+ I instantly felt comfortable …”
✂️ Services & Booking Info
- Barber services include cuts, wash & finish (£26 for 45 mins), clipper cuts, beard trims, and ‘Tiny & Talls’ sessions (£44 for 75 mins). They also cater for under-16s and seniors.
- Book online via Booksy or their website; walk-ins may be accepted depending on availability.
- Location: 124 Northenden Rd, Sale M33 3HD (Parking, Wi‑Fi, pet‑friendly, child‑friendly, disability-access).
📣 Highlight: Manchester Pride Funding
TINY’s received a £400 grant from Manchester Pride’s Superbia Queer Arts Fund (March 2023) to offer half-price haircuts and goodie bags for trans and non-binary teens, alongside information and mental-health resources.
Charlotte ‘Chip’ Matthews, founder, describes the shop as a safe, confidence-building space — especially for families supporting trans youth.
Purple Rinse
Central Manchester Queer
and Trans‑friendly Hair & Colour Haven
Purple Rinse
Central Manchester Queer and Trans‑friendly Hair & Colour Haven
What is purple rinse?
Purple Rinse is a queer- and trans‑friendly one-on-one hair salon located in Suite 128 of Phenix Salon Suites on Deansgate, steps from Manchester Victoria Station. Run by Luke, a Goldwell master colourist, the studio offers a safe, personalised salon experience for everyone, regardless of identity or background
✂️ Services & Vibe
- Haircuts & styling from £45 for a Cut & Finish (1 hr), with Clipper Cuts (£20) and add-ons like tone refreshes from £30
- Colour treatments, balancing technical excellence with personal flair—from highlights to toning services .
- Mirrorless appointments for those who prefer a quiet, de‑sensitised environment—just £0. A conscious choice to ease sensory or gender dysphoria
- Comfort-focused extras: refreshments (coffee, alcohol), wheelchair access, pet-friendly vibes, free Wi‑Fi, and a welcoming, non-judgmental space .
🧠 Inclusive & Community-Driven
- Luke, as an LGBTQ+ stylist, created Purple Rinse to be “a safe space… where, however you identify… you can have your hair done without any judgment”
- The salon is consistently rated 5 stars with over 400 glowing reviews on Treatwell, praising Luke’s attentiveness, warmth, and transformative cuts “Luke is so good at understanding what you want……I’ve had SOOO many compliments since… 10/10 recommend”
📍 Location & Booking
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible, and suitable for folks seeking quieter, judgment-free appointments
Where: Suite 128, Phenix Salon Suites, 1 Deansgate, M3 1AZ — a short stroll from Victoria Station
How to Book: Online via Treatwell with 24/7 availability; select “mirrorless appointment” if desired.
Hex Hairdressing
Inclusive, Bold & Queer-Friendly Salon.
No Bullshit.
Hex Hairdressing
Inclusive, Bold & Queer-Friendly Salon
What hex hairdressing is
Located at 14 Tib Lane, Manchester city centre, Hex Hairdressing describes itself as welcoming “Good Eggs” to a “bullshit-free” experience with a stylised twist: “science, magic and sass”
🌈 Services & Style
- Gender-Neutral & Neruo-Spicy Focus: All clients charged fairly by time or service—no gendered pricing—great for trans, non-binary, and queer folks.
- Expert Stylists Covering Every Hair Niche: From edgy mullets and bold colours to barbering, keratin, curls, and texture—creative cuts without limits. “Rainbow-hued, spiky mullet dreams”—they’ve got it handled.
- Playful Culture: Led by “Head Witch” Kayleigh Johnson with a rotating crew of stylists—all branded as “Good Eggs” for every human: stylists such as Mark, Bex Heart, Brent, Kate, Becky, Lily, and Keri.
💬 Community Reviews
Reddit feedback reflects real appreciation:
“Hex Hair Dressing on Tib Lane are fantastic folks. All very capable and lovely humans.”
✅ Why McQ Features Hex
- Queer-identifying environment: Bold, creative, and inclusive.
- Service not gender-based: Charging for expertise, not body.
- High-skill artistry: Bold cuts and colours executed with care.
- Warm & witty staff: A vibe that puts you at ease—and inspires creativity.
📍 Practical Info
- Location: 14 Tib Lane, Manchester, M2 4JB
- Booking: Online and by email (hexhairdressing@gmail.com)
- Hours: Open weekdays—check their site for current times.
Riot Hair Studio
Alternative, Inclusive & Creative Studio
Riot Hair Studio
Alternative, Inclusive & Creative Studio
What is Riot Hair Studio?
A private 1-to-1 hair studio where safety, identity, and self-expression come first. Based in Hyde, Manchester, Riot Hair Studio was created to break away from the noise of traditional salons—offering an inclusive, judgement-free space where every client feels truly seen, heard, and respected.
Where to Find Us:
📍 83a Market Street, Hyde, Manchester SK14 1HL, United Kingdom
Map It
What Makes Us Different:
Private Studio Setting:
No busy salon floor. Just a calm, focused 1-to-1 experience with your stylist—perfect for those who need a quieter, safer environment
Safe Space for All:
Queer-owned and community-minded, we’re proud to centre LGBTQIA+ clients and anyone who’s ever felt out of place in traditional salon spaces
Personalised, Gender-Affirming Services:
Whether you’re after a bold transformation or a gentle refresh, we work with you to affirm your identity and personal style, no matter where you are in your hair journey
Why It Matters:
Affirmation Through Aesthetics:
Hair is more than style—it’s identity, healing, and resistance. We create space for all of it.
Comfort-First Approach:
Everything we do is grounded in respect, communication, and care—from your first consultation to your final look.
Built on Community Values:
Word-of-mouth, shared trust, and mutual support power everything we do. We’re here for the long term—and for the people.
Booking & Info:
📅 Appointments: By booking only (DM via Instagram or Facebook)
🗺 Location: 83a Market Street, Hyde, Manchester SK14 1HL
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