Canberra salons sign up to LGBTIQ+ friendly pricing

Eden Hair Energy in Dickson has signed up to the Dresscode project, an international to make salons welcoming to LGBTIQ+ people.

"We have a number of clients who are from the LGBTIQ+ community," Eden Hair Energy salon owner Emmalene Port said.

"We feel honoured that this is a safe place for them to visit."

In late 2019 Eden Hair Energy made the decision to move away from gendered haircut pricing.

"A lot of [personal care] services are described by gender. Port said.

"Haircuts are typically described as a men's cut or a women's cut.

"That's really awkward when the person does not identify as that gender the business may have selected for that person."

Port notes that for people outside of the LGBTIQ+ community, gendered prices may be uncomfortable.

For example, "men's cuts" as shorthand for shorter styles may be uncomfortable for women with short hair.

"[Gendered pricing] really isn't an accurate reflection of the work that's required," Port said.

"It's probably not the best way to price that service and it also doesn't make people feel comfortable."

Being involved with the Dresscode Project was a natural progression for the salon.

Alongside removing gendered pricing, hairdressers make an effort to not assume the gender or pronouns of their clients.

Port says that the Dresscode Project is also important for LGBTIQ+ hairdressers, and an inclusive workplace.

"It reaffirms to our team members who may be LGBTIQ+ that this is a safe space," she said.

"As a workplace we really try to support anybody who wants to be here and wants to contribute to this team."

For salon owners considering becoming involved with the Dresscode Project, Port says the changes are straight forward.

"It really doesn't take a lot to have a conversation with your team that these are the values that we are choosing to align with and checking in [that the] team aligns with those values."

The Dresscode Project was founded by Canadian hairdresser Kristin Rankin.

Rankin identifies as queer and uses they pronouns.

They said that positive feedback from a transgender client inspired the campaign.

"I've always been passionate about creating an inclusive environment," Rankin said.

"When I realised how widespread discrimination is in the industry that I love and work in - I knew it had to change."

The Drescode Project's website includes a directory of salons who commit themselves to LGBTIQ+ inclusion.

Two other Canberra salons, Rachael Chandler Hair in Holder and A Flick Of Hares in Kingston, have also signed up to the Dresscode Project.

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For Eden Hair Energy's owner, these changes to her salon are summarised by simple mantra.

"Hair is about hair, not gender," she said.