REOPENING AT 2375 E BROADWAY ON OCT 31st!! 🎃
Check our Instagram or Facebook for our most recent updates!

Who is welcome at Big Bro’s? What hair services are/are not offered?

Short answer: everyone is welcome at Big Bro’s!

Obviously, we do have a by-trans-for-trans focus when it comes to what clientele we attract, but we have happily served patrons of a variety of genders, sexualities, races, and abilities. Our services are categorized by what is included: our “barber” cuts are simple, utilitarian cuts; our “salon” cuts include a wash and/or style. Check our BOOKING page for the full breakdown!

What additional services does Big Bro’s provide for trans folks?

Our primary goal is to offer a physical location where trans folks can find a friendly trans peer during any business hours! Beyond some community familiarity, our shop provides:

  • gender affirming products (see our SHOP)
  • peer-to-peer referrals (local trans-friendly businesses, TransCareBC, counsellors, etc.)
  • peer-to-peer trans health information
  • sliding scale rates for services


Do I need an appointment?

If you are interested in a hair service, we strongly recommend that you BOOK AN APPOINTMENT! We are usually fully booked between 2-3 weeks in advance; drop-ins spots are rarely available.

Can I try on products in-store?

Please do! We strongly recommend trying on our chest binders, as even our sizing guides are a little off the mark sometimes. When purchasing gaffs, we invite you to try them on over your underwear if you would like – you won’t get a solid read on the whole look, but you can at least test out the waistband sizing.

Can my organization purchase products and/or services on behalf of one of our clients?

Absolutely – we love seeing sponsored purchases! If your organization would like to write out a cheque in advance, please use our Default RATES or PRICES – our hair service rates include tax; our product prices will have 5% GST and 7% PST added to the final bill. Cheques can be made out to either Big Bro’s Barbershop or Jessie Anderson.

We can also email an invoice to be paid online with a credit card, or you can buy/send your client a virtual gift card.

Who works at Big Bro’s? Is Big Bro’s a non-profit/incorporated/collective/other organization with a board of directors?

For full bios, check out our STAFF page! But the quick rundown is:
Jessie: barber; manager; accountant; online/in-store customer service & sales rep; web designer; community liason; product buyer; general ideas & troubleshooting guy (business owner)
Lia: barber; in-store customer service & sales rep (paid staff)
Skylar: hair stylist; colorist; in-store customer service & sales rep (paid staff)
Alex: barber/stylist; colorist (staff/chair lessee)
Zed: barber/stylist; colorist; handyman (chair lessee)
Pomona: graphic designer (contractor) – PomonaLake.ca

Big Bro’s Barbershop is a sole proprietorship owned by JESSIE ANDERSON; all property and proceeds of Big Bro’s belong to Jessie Anderson.

What donations does Big Bro’s accept?

We are no longer accepting clothing donations, but we’re happy to accept clean used binders and wigs during any business hours!

We are delighted by cash gifts, but because Big Bro’s is a sole proprietorship and not a non-profit, we cannot offer formal tax receipts for donations.

Will Big Bro’s sponsor my project?

We are still getting our footing as a profitable small business, but we do occasionally make donations to projects by/for trans folks! Feel free to CONTACT US if you have a project that qualifies – if we cannot make a financial contribution, we may be able to donate space or gift cards.

Is the owner available for an interview or speaking gig?

Likely a yes to press! Jessie has done plenty of interviews for Big Bro’s in the past. Off-site speaking gigs are not guaranteed, and under most circumstances must be well-paid opportunities. Use the CONTACT US page to ask him about your specific project! For examples of other press coverage about Big Bro’s, check out the PRESS section of JessieAnderson.com.

How much is a haircut? How does the sliding scale work?

To ensure affordability for our clients, all services have been made available at Default (middle), Accessible (lower), and Generous (higher) prices.* We trust you to pay what you can!

HAIRCUT (+$10 for a wash; +$5 for skin fade)
$35 Default / $30 Accessible / $45 Generous
BUZZ CUT (+$5 for skin fade)
$20 Default / $15 Accessible / $25 Generous
BEARD/BANG TRIM
$15 Default / $10 Accessible / $20 Generous
HOT TOWEL SHAVE
$50 Default / $40 Accessible / $60 Generous
COLOUR PER HOUR**
$60 Default / $40 Accessible / $80 Generous

*All prices include taxes. Prices do not include tips.
**Consultation with stylist is required to determine duration/price of full service.

The Default rates that we charge are, essentially, our prices – they are the amount that we think an average person should pay for our services and products. However, if paying our Default prices is financially challenging for you, we invite you to pay the Accessible rates, no questions asked! This is our equivalent to child/student/senior-type discounts – we know that many of our clients are also on welfare or disability, and we want to ensure that everyone is able to access our services.

If you are quite stable financially, we would be very grateful if you helped us out by paying the Generous rates to balance out the Accessible payments.

Why are your appointment times so long?

Many of our haircuts take less time than what we book for, but the extra booking wiggle room allows time for:

  • late buses (our local bus is the #7, which is reliably unreliable)
  • thorough consultations
  • last minute adjustments at the end of the cut
  • thick and/or long hair, which physically takes longer to cut through
  • discussions about ~trans feelings~
  • proper cleanup and sanitization before the next client arrives

Any extra time between appointments is used by our barbers to have a snack, use the restroom, answer customer service emails and voicemails, or help drop-in customers shop for products.

Help, I’m having gender feelings!

Congratulations, and our condolences! Sorting out gender feelings is mighty confusing, but luckily there are more resources available these days to help you navigate what you’d like to do with yourself! Check our RESOURCES page for more information.

If you are having suicidal thoughts and need to speak to a trans-friendly helpline, please contact Trans Lifeline immediately:
877-330-6366