The hair industry is all about making people look and feel better, and it’s no wonder so many salons partner with charities and philanthropic organisations to extend that goodness even further. An important organisation gaining traction in the salon industry is called The Dresscode Project, a group committed to creating safe salon spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, and a number of high profile salons are on board.
The initiative was started by Toronto hairdresser Kristin Rankin, who realised the role of the salon experience for those in the LGBTQ+ community. After cutting the hair of a client who was transitioning from male to female, she later saw that client tweet that it was the first time she had ever had a haircut and felt like a woman. Kristin then developed The Dresscode Project to make this experience and environment more widespread in the hairdressing industry.
The program has the objective of ending gender discrimination in the hair industry and society at large. The Canadian initiative has gone global and recently reached Australia, with socially conscious salon brand Murphy Gozzard becoming the first salon to sign up. Murphy Gozzard, led by Brett McKinnon and Brett Albury, are no stranger to charity and social awareness, having partnered with Rough Threads to support the homeless, Hagar, to combat trafficking and abuse, and, through La Biosthetique, Médecins sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), contributing a portion of their colour sales to the incomparable charity. Their Love is Love editorial campaign supported Marriage Equality, perfectly positioning them to pioneer The Dresscode Project in Australia.
“We know that for many people who are transitioning there is a disconnect between how they feel and how they appear,” Brett McKinnon explained. “We are committed to helping bridge that gap in an environment without judgment where they feel welcomed and valued. Your hair should make you feel amazing. It should never be about gender.”
“Since the Vote for Marriage Equality in 2017, the LGBTQ+ community has seen an increase in discriminatory behaviour,” shared Brett Albury. “This is one way we can help put a stop to it and we urge salons across the country to join us.”
The Dresscode Project congregates a directory of salons that open their doors to equality, and make particular effort to charge based on hair length, rather than gender, as well as other gestures that promote gender equality in the salon.
With Murphy Gozzard leading the way, a number of other salons have come on board. Well done to Access Hair, Ebony Hair, Charm Barber, Radical Hair Design, Hendrix Hair, Rachael Chandler Hair, A Flick of Hares, Fable Hair and ST Hair Design & Beauty, who have become involved. Join the movement and become a piece of the tapestry of equality that makes the salon industry truly great.
For more information visit dresscodeproject.com
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