In Faro, daughter takes over father's barbershop founded in 1978 and keeps family tradition alive

In Estoi, in southern Portugal, Luísa Gomes became one of the few female barbers in the region by taking over the management of an establishment that marked local history. The business was founded in 1978 by her father, Artur Gomes, and the transition to his daughter represents the continuity of nearly five decades of tradition in men's grooming.

Luísa's connection to the profession began in childhood, when she used to accompany her father at work. Although she worked as a salesperson for a period, the desire to cut hair persisted. In 2004, she moved to Lisbon to complete official training, which was finished in 2006, since there were no equivalent courses in the Faro region.

After qualifying, Luísa worked alongside her father for about eight years, learning techniques such as texturizing and fades directly from him. The biggest initial challenge was winning the trust of regular clients, many of whom rejected the change to female service. “Some clients rejected it; they were used to my father,” recalls the barber.

With Artur's passing in 2014, at the age of 86, Luísa took full responsibility for the space. Barbearia Estoi remained active until 2024, when the original building was sold. The professional transferred operations to a nearby location, about 30 meters from the old address, ensuring its presence in the neighborhood.

Today, Luísa continues working and seeks continuous training to keep up with new trends. The future of the barbershop may involve a new generation: her youngest grandson already shows interest in the trade and receives initial tips. For him to formally practice the profession, he will need to complete his own technical training.

The story illustrates how persistence and hands-on learning can overcome gender barriers in traditional barbering. By keeping old clients and preparing the successor, Luísa ensures that the family tradition in Estoi is not lost over time.