10.12.05

Hair

I had my hair cut yesterday, for the second time since moving to the Bay Area in July. I chose the salon by asking people I know where they have their hair done, then Googling those salons to find more reviews. In the process I found Glama-Rama and my new stylist, Olive.

Here’s what Deena Davenport, Proprietress of Glama-Rama, has to say about the salon:

“I opened the Glama-Rama because I loved my career but didn’t like the stuffy atmosphere of most salons. I wanted to provide a happy environment that my diverse clientele would feel comfortable in, a space where other amazing hairdressers could come and feel free, both artistically and financially. Glama-Rama has gone through two expansions that were more akin to a barn-raising with members of my community helping with everything from demolition to flower arranging. This, along with our art shows and openings has helped make Glama-Rama a community meeting ground. We are also a transgendered safe space, which makes me so happy. I love being surrounded by all types of people, from all walks of life.”

The fact that Glama-Rama puts on art shows is part of the reason I was drawn to it. My old salon in Champaign, Ippatsu, used to display art. We actually own a few pieces that were shown there, including a couple from a student artist who was able to sell out an entire collection to Ippatsu clients. My thought is, why have just a business when you can also introduce your clients to local art? And why have a garden variety business when you can do something meaningful by designating it a transgendered safe space? Why not bring part of yourself, and part of your community, to your clients? Thinking beyond the money, even beyond practicing one’s chosen craft well, is a business practice I applaud. Not to mention one that makes me gladly hand over the cash.

Skill-wise, I was happy enough after my first experience to go back. Now, after two haircuts, I have decided to make Glama-Rama visits a “recurring appointment”. Other Palm users will understand the significance of this designation.

My stylist is named Olive. She’s very friendly, easy to talk to (a must in a salon environment), and knows what she’s doing. Most importantly, she doesn’t let her expertise get in the way of meeting her client’s needs. This is crucial to me because I am growing my hair out - yes, again - and she listens to me when I say that, in the short term, I am willing to sacrifice a little aesthetically and in terms of health to maintain length. She’s done a fabulous job of making me look halfway decent during this dreaded not-quite-all-one-length phase.

Here’s a picture of Olive hard at work, while I annoyingly snap pictures and forget to sit still:

Another relocation-related crisis averted. Before moving, I envisioned subjecting my hair to various butchers in search of someone with decent skills and the ability to listen. I know, I know…this is a CITY, where people are very stylish, etc. etc, and it shouldn’t be hard to find a good place. However, I cynically maintain that the bigger the city, the more butcher blocks per capita. So thank you, Olive. My well-coiffed head rests easily in your capable hands. Thanks as well to Glama-Rama for going beyond the funky environment and good stylists to create an actual community.

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