REFUGE FOR HAIR STAYS A CUT ABOVE
WITH ‘SHEAR’ CONSCIOUSNESS
By Stacey Kumagai
From ancient Egyptian times and throughout history – it has always been ‘all about the hair.’ Back when powdered wigs of the 18th Century were in fashion, they were mindful of our planet Earth and powdered their wigs with finely ground starch and scented them with nature’s orange flower, lavender and orris root. Somewhere from the 19th Century onward, hair care and services took on a chemical note…. Many of us can relate to the harsh odors of perms and hair color from our grandparents and parents generation – it was almost symbolic of having ‘great hair.’
As we fast-forward to the present, with more awareness of caring for our Earth and doing our part somehow, we look to our own efforts as well as the efforts of the businesses which receive our patronage. And getting a haircut, color or style these days can also mean we can feel great –not just about the great service and expertise we receive but the fact that there is a place doing their part as well.
Refuge For Hair in Silverlake is doing just that. Perhaps a stream of ‘shear’ consciousness of staying on the cutting edge of being mindful in doing great work full-circle. Or maybe it’s a sign of things to come forward for salons across the globe. But Refuge For Hair is true to their name of being a place of refuge – not just for your hair, but the bigger picture beyond the hair, using vegan hair care products (shampoos, conditioners and styling products) and a vegan hair color line. These products are not only ultimately are better for our planet, but better for you as well.
“I think our main concern with our products are that they are environmentally friendly. These days everything gives you cancer. We like to feel like we are contributing to our planet not taking from it. Most people don't realize that these products are like anything organic better for hair than products full of chemicals. However, only when they are professional. The difference between vegan/organic is simply that vegan products have no contact with animals. Many people also have the same expectations of organic/vegan products as they do on regular products which is not realistic. Our color line for example has very limited abilities when lifting hair to light blondes or covering gray hair,” states Miriam Jones, personal stylist at Refuge For Hair.
What’s nice about Refuge For Hair is their mission is to truly put the customer first. What a concept! What other salon do you know that is open 7 days a week who even take walk-ins….AND cares about the environment…. Cares about the health of their customers and accommodates each individual personally by customizing a look and style that is uniquely their own and fits their budget? Reviews from clients for this place are strong. Clients are happy that they have finally found a place where they feel good about going to as well as how they look. And their service is put in a category of being like a hair sanctuary of sorts because they know what they are doing. But more importantly, they know what they are doing FOR YOU.
“I think that generally speaking a basic foundation for cutting hair has to be properly taught and followed with a great personality and a commitment to be a business person in your field by placing your clients on a pedestal and never treating them like they aren't important. Your clients are everything and I see so many stylists acting like bitchy drama queens and losing clients left and right, shares Jones. “All of our stylists are extremely well trained barbers. We know how to tailor a man’s haircut flawlessly. This is the foundation of cutting. Once you master the art of a short haircut the techniques can be applied to ALL haircuts no matter what length. Along with this and probably the most important thing is our consistently welcoming positive and close knit team attitudes. Not a single client has EVER complained that we are pretentious.
We offer our clients free beverages and talk about sex. We can get the whole shop going,” she adds. Miriam is joined by Karen, Ian, Rosalinda and Nikki who make up this ‘close knit team’ that Jones speaks of. This team specializes in short and long cuts, blowouts, color, highlights, hair extensions, fades, conditioning treatments, and occasionally updo's and makeup. They are also all independent service consultants which means that working 7 days a week minus holidays, they are available by appointment. And by calling in advance, there is great flexibility….from walk-ins to same day appointments or immediate ones. There is no discrimination in terms of client ranking. Every client is a V.I.P. at Refuge For Hair and they accommodate in a very ZEN way, with loving care, like you deserve to be treated special. Perhaps it is because they themselves are so ZEN.
“Luckily my staff has it together! We all have hobbies we share with one another and usually these outlets are enough to bring us to our ZEN place! I have a barber who is in 5 bands, I have a stylist who love cooking and hiking, another loves riding motorcycles and plays the banjo, and I fly helicopters and hot air balloons. We are an exciting bunch!” exclaims Jones.
They practice what they exercise on their clients – they LIVE. And they provide hair cuts and styles that help you with how YOU live – something that fits your lifestyle so you can be in your ZEN place… in a cleaner environment, too.
“There are always trends and I would hope that this is the latest. No one can be against a trend that helps the environment. Who cares if people are doing it for selfish reasons. This time it might work out for all of us! I want our customers to walk away with the feeling of ZEN. Or maybe inspiration and lingering positive energy. Pretty much we want them to be happy,” concludes Jones.
Happy, harmonious, healthy planet….and great hair. What more can anyone ask for? We can’t think of anything better!
Refuge For Hair
For more information go to www.refugeforhair.com