These beauty businesses are working hard to show that everyone deserves to look and feel amazing

Pride Month is a celebration of LGBTQIA+ identity — the collective struggle for acceptance and the individual pursuit of discovering one’s true self. 

Finding a look that fits that identity can be a deeply personal and empowering act. It can also be intimidating, especially when a salon isn’t welcoming of different genders or isn’t equipped to meet your specific style requests or needs. 

These four Boulevard customers understand those fears and take the concept of pride beyond a single month. They’re dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for their communities, regardless of gender or sexuality, helping each individual feel confident in their own skin. 

Baddies Barbershop and Salon

Baddies Barbershop and Salon gets that changing one’s hair is as much an act of finding oneself as it is an act of rebellion against gender norms and expectations. 

It’s a queer-owned and run salon founded in 2017 by Alana Lucia and based out of Brooklyn, New York. Baddies is dedicated to delivering a chill experience where clients can get their hair cut or colored in a stress-free, gender neutral space.

The stylists at Baddies also understand how anxiety-inducing it can be to chop off all of your hair at once in pursuit of finding that perfect look. They love helping first-timers feel at ease, offering to chat via email or during a consultation to find out what you’re looking for in a haircut. Bring in cutouts from a magazine, clips from a movie, or just explain the vibe you’re going for — they’ll help you find a cut that fits your identity.

Waxed St. Louis

Waxed St. Louis is an inclusive waxing salon where, in its own words, “every BODY is welcomed.” It prides itself on being able to serve the hair removal needs of all genders, offering a safe space that respects and encourages individuality. 

Comfort is a huge priority for Waxed St. Louis. The team understands that fear can be a significant roadblock for potential first-timers, whether that’s a fear of pain or even just being unsure of which waxing service is right for them. 

To overcome this, Waxed St. Louis happily walks first-time clients step-by-step through the entire process, explaining each of its services and products so clients can make a fully informed decision about their treatment. Specialists use expert techniques and sensitive-skin-friendly products to keep pain to a minimum, and adjust the pace of treatment to ensure maximum comfort. When their session is over, clients receive aftercare tips so they can walk away looking and feeling fresh.

Fruition Salon

One glance at Fruition Salon’s website will instantly let you know that they live by their motto, “Hair for people.” Wild colors, bold styles, and a celebration of both the individual and the collective — that is the Fruition promise. 

Founded in 2003 by Heather McCollum in Nashville, Tennessee, and currently owned by Kitty, the pair has transformed Fruition into a destination for anyone, regardless of gender or hair type. Whether you’re looking for a fashionable mullet or want to buzz it right down to the scalp, Fruition wants everyone to feel like a rock star, no matter what their vibe is. The team of stylists is happy to meet clients where they are and live by a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination to ensure everyone who walks through their doors feels safe and welcome. 

Do or Dye Hair Collective

When you step into the Inverness, Florida-based Do or Dye Hair Collective, you’re instantly greeted by its bright and sunny 60s chic design that lets you know you’re in for a groovy time. Featuring a roster of stylists from different backgrounds, Do or Dye Hair Collective can cater to a variety of styling requests, with a special focus on bright, unique colors. Everyone is welcome to discover a glow up that makes them feel like their authentic selves.