With a stylist, a barber, and – yes, even an onsite therapist – one innovative owner created a sanctuary and safe haven that has taken the term “LGBTQIA+ friendly” to a whole new level.
It was just 18 months ago when Joico Master Colorist and Brand Educator, Sarah Gitchell (she/her), opened the doors of her second salon, Mirror Mirror, in Endicott, NY. Her initial challenge? How to fill a space that was, she candidly admits, too big for her own clientele, many of whom are in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Today, thanks to a uniquely out-of-the-box approach and equally innovative colleagues, Sarah has more than filled the space, and created a welcoming, successful salon that’s truly queer-friendly. Here, she shares the strategies that have helped Mirror Mirror reflect a culture of inclusivity….
Her team includes a barber and a mental-health therapist: Sarah specializes in cuts, styling, and absolutely brilliant color (check out her Instagram: @hairbygitch); while non-binary salon partner offers gender-affirming hair services and barbering for all — and happens to have a degree in psychology. In a private room onsite, a therapist sees clients with a particular focus on the LGTBQIA+ community, including both teens and trauma.
“Many people in the community with whom I already worked were seeing a therapist…and for them, this was a natural extension,” says Sarah, who explains that clients feel comforted by the decidedly un-clinical atmosphere. “There’s metal playing and people who look like them. It wasn’t my intention to start this way – but everything came together so effortlessly.”
The team leaves the dress-code behind: “We’re all tattooed and have nose rings,” says Sarah. “One of the things that became important was for younger clients to see older adults living authentically and not looking like their parents.”
Gender-affirming cuts are a specialty: “We work with a lot of teenagers who are getting their first gender-affirming cut. And while any cut is technically a gender-affirming cut, for some people…that cut is a change,” says Sarah. This sensitive approach creates a safe space for those who are too uncomfortable to go to a traditional barber shop; or those who may end up with a pixie instead of a fade if they book an appointment at a more traditional salon.
Signage helps communicate what people may have difficulty saying out loud: Posting a clearly visible sign that reads, “This is a safe space for all genders, orientations, and identities” is a powerful way to let clients know they’re welcome. “It’s important to remember that inclusion is a culture, not a one-person performance,” says Sarah, who also suggests posting pronouns on the mirror of every station.
The salon doesn’t LOOK traditional: “The last salon space I worked in was hyper-feminine, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, it didn’t fit me. I wanted a place that felt like you were coming home,” says Sarah, who painted Mirror Mirror’s walls cool black and says it lends a less intimidating vibe.
New-client forms are a tool for understanding: From pronouns to physical changes they might be going through, having clients fill out a questionnaire helps Sarah be aware and respectful and manages communication before clients even get to the chair. “Certain things happen in the body when people are on hormones and that impacts how we recommend products,” she explains. “Estrogen can dry out the skin; testosterone can lead to hair loss.” The questionnaire also helps her become conscious of how each client is comfortable being touched. “Someone who recently had top surgery might be uncomfortable leaning back into the shampoo bowl,” says Sarah. She explains that their approach is more conversational – they share their pronouns and ask if the client would like to share theirs as well.
Outreach is integral: The team works with Strands for Trans, a global network of hair, beauty, and wellness organizations that help create safe and positive experiences for all guests. Mirror Mirror Salon will also soon be working with Triversity Teens at triversitycenter.org – a local Pride and support center for the LGBTQIA+ community, serving the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. “We’ve already hit our goal,” says Sarah proudly of her salon’s success. “We have a full running queer-friendly salon. Now, we get to see kids in prom suits and dresses and they get excited to come in…we’re like proud Aunties and Uncles!”
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