Marie Rainsford has become a trailblazing figure in the barbering world, rising quickly through the ranks with a dedication to her craft and a passion for education. From her early beginnings cutting men’s hair at home to becoming a lead educator at The OP45 Barberschool, Marie’s mission is clear: to shape the future of barbering by empowering others – and never stay stagnant.
Marie Rainsford is the name on everyone’s lips in the barbering world, and for good reason. With a career that has exploded over the past six years, this Irish-born barber has carved out a niche in a traditionally male-dominated industry. But what makes Marie more than just a skilled barber is her profound passion for education. A passion so deep, in fact, that it has transformed her career, from solely being behind the chair to a leading educator on the international stage. And her mission? To empower the next generation of barbers with the tools and mindset needed to succeed.
Curiosity and Courage
Whilst Marie’s journey into the hair world began in salons, where she worked as a stylist for 10 years – she was seemingly always cutting men’s hair… but in a rather unexpected place.
“I was always cutting men’s hair in my mum’s home growing up,” she recalled. “I probably shouldn’t have been doing it at that age, but it just felt right. That was my introduction to barbering.”
Whilst her early start in the craft of barbering wasn’t enough to sway her from starting off in salons, her passion for male grooming always remained – simmering beneath the surface, and waiting for the right moment to emerge. That moment came when she took a chance on a barbering job in Australia.
“It was a new barbershop opening up, and I thought, ‘Why not give it a go?’ I was already cutting men’s hair on my days off, so I thought, let’s see where this takes me!”
Since, she has never looked back. What began as a trial run turned into a full-fledged career in barbering, one that quickly took off when she made the decision to immerse herself fully in the craft, and move back to Limerick, Ireland.
Whilst it may seem that Marie’s rise in the industry has been rapid – with just six years of professional barbering to her name – Marie doesn’t attribute it to luck.
“I’ve been in the industry for 16 years now,” she emphasized. “It’s not just barbering; it’s years of hairdressing too. And really, it’s about never wanting to be stagnant. Honestly, stagnancy is my biggest fear. I constantly strive to get better, and that’s what drives me.”
Drive with a Purpose
For Marie, barbering isn’t just about cutting hair. It’s about nurturing growth in others.
“I really think my purpose in life is to be an educator. I love helping people become better versions of themselves, and showing them a simpler way of cutting hair that can genuinely change their whole career. Education, for me, is really about showing that there is a better way to understand and perform your craft,” she told me.
Marie’s role as lead educator for The OP45 Barberschool, where she champions the D.F.S cutting formula, is a testament to this. The D.F.S formula, according to Marie, is a game changer in the industry – and she noted, it was certainly a game-changer for her.
She said: “It’s an extremely simple formula for cutting hair, but we also work a lot on psychology and mindset. This industry is very much holistic, and I feel it’s time that we really recognise this. You need to know who you are and how you like to work, in order to make the formula work for you. The DSS formula is going to change the barbering industry, honestly. For me, it aligned me with the right people and gave me a deeper understanding of the craft.”
It’s clear that education is at the core of everything Marie does. Whether she’s on stage, in a classroom, or behind the chair, she’s sharing her knowledge and helping to elevate others. Her tours to colleges across the UK are part of this mission, and she’s dedicated to ensuring students are fully prepared for the real-world demands of a barbering career.
“Being in college, it often doesn’t prepare students for the real-life work in the barbershop. They’re there for two years, and then sent out into a strenuous career. I want students to leave our schools ready to be on the shop floor, gaining confidence and making a living – and that comes with a lot more than just practice cutting,” she said. “When you look at any other career path, there are often four-year courses, with follow-ups of internships and many more learning opportunities. Barbering should be taken as seriously as any other craft, and it’s up to us to make sure students are equipped for success. It’s about getting them to capitalise and nourish their potential.”
The Heart of Service
Marie’s commitment to education doesn’t stop at her students – it extends to her clients in the chair, too. For her, barbering is more than just delivering a good cut; it’s about delivering an exceptional service.
“Service is massive,” she said. “I charge a higher price point, but I can do that because I put in the effort to make my clients feel 100%. Every client gets a full consultation, product recommendations, scalp analysis, and a thorough styling lesson. A lot of barbers focus on doing a great fade, but it’s so important to look after the person in the chair. It’s about the entire service – including the aftercare. I mean, we’re a service industry, after all.”
Marie’s attention to detail and commitment to customer care is one of the many things that make her stand out in the crowded barbering industry. She offers a genderless pricing structure, making her services accessible and inclusive for everyone.
“Whether you have short hair, long hair, or something in between, I’ll take care of it. This approach has really worked for me! Chiefly, because it’s really opened up my clientele. I get a lot of older women coming to me for cool pixie cuts, not your typical ‘old lady’ style,” she explained. “I think it’s important to meet people where they are and give them what they want, not what society expects.”
Inspiring the Future Generation
As a female in an industry still dominated by men, Marie is breaking boundaries. But she was quick to downplay the gender divide.
“I think, whilst the industry is changing – it’s still important for barbers to realise, that gender isn’t relevant. I’m great at barbering! That’s that. I don’t see myself as a ‘female barber,’ I’m just a barber. I don’t put myself in any box. But, I still hope I can inspire other women to get into the industry because it’s such a great career with so many avenues to explore,” she said.
Before our conversation came to a close, and just as her next client was set to arrive, I asked Marie one last question. What’s your greatest piece of advice for aspiring barbers? In short, she told me: Stay open, stay curious, and never stop learning – adding: “You’re not going to be good at everything, and that’s okay. Focus on what you’re good at and get great at that.”
In a world where barbering is constantly evolving, Marie Rainsford is at the forefront, shaping the future of the craft with her scissors, her heart, and her desire to uplift others. With her unwavering dedication to growth and learning, it’s clear that this is just the beginning for Marie. The barbering world better keep watching – because Marie Rainsford is only just getting started.
