If you’ve learned to associate getting a haircut as an anxiety inducing chore to manage, just another thing to add to the doom pile, not the relaxing, affirming experience you deserve and need, you’re likely “salon shy”. And you’re not alone.

I want to shift the paradigm for those who are missing out on some much needed, and deserved TLC, not to mention, fabulous hair! Subsequently, I’ve made it my mission to create a service experience that is:

A Safer space for LGBTQIA2S+/Gender-Free/Judgement-Free/ Neuro-Diverse Friendly/ Accessible/ Healthy for Our Bodies/ Gentle on the Planet

My superpower, helping salon shy people feel at ease in my chair, stems from being a highly sensitive human, with ADHD, and severe social anxiety, that I tend to mask with chatting.

In the past I’ve have struggled with feeling overwhelmed, and frazzled working in hectic salons. The last commission salon I worked at was so bad, I told my Dr I felt like my nervous system was having a meltdown every night, after being completely overloaded all day.

I wasn’t wrong, and it was that description, that finally led to a proper diagnoses, and treatment. It’s amazing how much more I feel like “myself” now that I’ve got a better understanding of what I need to stay balanced, regulated, and ultimately happier. I’m sorry it took 50 years and a pandemic to get there, but grateful nonetheless.

Going forward, I very carefully thought about the environment I wanted to create/ work in. Considering health, safety, noise level, lighting, overall vibe etc. Coincidentally my guests were craving/loving the lower pressure visits after I made the changes for myself. .

Which led to the question, how can I can help more “Salon Shy” people feel comfortable in a salon setting, and enjoy the experience of being pampered, and groomed?

I am a proud member of the Strands for Trans and Dress Code Project registries, a parent of a trans teen, an ally, and an Outre’ Feminine person. I have the privilege of working with a number of Trans and Non-Binary, immune-compromised, autistic, and socially anxious people, who have relayed too many stories about bad salon experiences, and resulting “salon shyness.” Particularly as more people move to NYC seeking refuge from hostile states, and families.

Hair is never really just hair, is it? We have a profoundly deep emotional relationship to our hair, and our experiences around it. Hair is an outward ward expression of our personal/cultural identity.

An unfortunate haircut can bring us to tears, because it is not how we want to show ourself to the world. A gender affirming haircut can bring incredible relief, and joy. But opening up to someone, especially, if it hasn’t gone well before, can cause massive anxiety.

I cut/color my own hair, usually when I’m bored, in a rut, excited, or feeling inspired. I’m usually feeling, some kind of way. Never, just because I’m “due.” The biggest complement I get as a stylist is someone telling me they feel so much better, lighter, or even more like themself.

When I have struggled with depression or debilitating anxiety the first thing I neglect is washing my hair. And the dishes. But, I always feel better once they’re done. Exponentially better! And I am far from alone, a multi-billion dollar industry is built around beauty/self care, for a reason. Tending to our bodies, getting our hair done, and having someone else care for us is can be grounding, affirming, healing, nurturing, and refreshing.

How relatable is Elle Wood, in Legally Blonde, running to the nail salon when she found out she was just being used by that ken-doll, social climber. Or any time someone comes in for a big chop after a breakup, post-nuptials, a new baby, or a major promotion.

Everyone deserves a little salon-time in an environment that makes them feel welcome, and comfortable, especially “salon shy,” neuro-diverse, folx.

In-Home visits are a great alternative to the salon, and I’m here for it. But it’s not always practical.