Covid-19 UPDATE: San Francisco Closes Hair Salons & Barbershops

On December 4th, San Francisco Mayor Breed announced that San Francisco would voluntarily and preemptively shut down all non-essential businesses in San Francisco including hair salons and barber shops on December 6th at 10pm. The announcement came one day after Governor Gavin Newsom issued New Covid-19 Regional Guidance to close all non-essential indoor businesses for 3-weeks, including hair salons and barber shops, when the region’s remaining ICU capacity falls below 15%.

During the first 6-months that my business was shut down by local order, between mid-March and mid-September, I carefully analyzed my business and made safety modifications to my services and cleaning and disinfection protocols to protect myself and my guests from possible Covid-19 viral transmission. The sanitization and safety protocols I implemented, in combination with the natural cross ventilation of my space, makes my salon one of the safest salons in San Francisco to receive a haircut or color.

I’m very sad to I have to close my doors once again on December 6th. I anticipate reopening soon, and I look forward to sharing my space with you when the time is right.

Jan. 4, 2021 Update: Mayor London Breed has extended the San Francisco “Stay Home” order indefinitely. Please call or email me to discuss how I may support you and your hair care during these challenging times.

Day 12 Of The Covid-19 Mandated Non-Essential Business Closure

It is Day 12 of the “Stay Home” mandate, and the closure of all "non-essential” businesses in San Francisco.

Yesterday I broke down and had a good cry - letting my fear and anxiety bubble up to the surface. Practicing social distancing and feeling ‘non-essential’ to my community is sooo hard for me. My life's purpose has always been to create and share beauty with others in an intimate way. This feels impossible right now - as everyone is stressed and de-prioritizing the importance of beauty in our lives.

Social distancing has forced me to feel even more alone at a time when I need to feel like a part of the community and act together with my community to lower the curve of Covid-19 in California and across the United States. As a creative maker/doer, I’ve tried to self-sooth by baking, cooking and sewing, but I have repeatedly failed because I’m stressed, I don’t have the right ingredients or materials, and I don’t want to be doing those things! Failing to produce anything useful or beautiful has sucked me down into a spiral of deep sadness and feelings of despair. When will this end?!

Of course, I am doing all the “right” things to protect myself from becoming a vector for Covid-19. I’ve reduced my shopping trips to once a week, and always wear a mask when leaving my house. My home has become a sanctuary of safety and solitude.

But I miss my life as a hairdresser and confidant. I miss being a productive and creative member of society. I miss bringing a sense of beauty and wellness to my beloved clients. I miss the daily updates and sharing of mutual experiences and perspectives.

My work as a hairdresser is a personal and creative expression of love - for each and every one of you. While it may seem like a “non-essential service”, it is a way for me to express my love and appreciation for and to you. When you come to see me in the salon - I give you a piece of my heart along with your haircut or color.

How are you coping with social distancing and the “stay-home” mandate?

What is the safest way to color your hair?

The Organic Stylist is proud to provide a healthier salon experience for scent-sensitive and health-oriented people. I provide services and use products that are non-toxic, organic, and eco-friendly; and therefore healthier for you, me, and the planet. If you have had a reaction to haircolor in the past or a temporary black henna tattoo, it is imperative that you schedule a hair color predisposition test 48-hrs prior to your next hair color appointment. 

There are a growing number of hair color brands on the market today that claim to be organic and natural. But since the beauty industry is unregulated, these claims are only partially true. Permanent, oxidative, artificial hair color is composed of synthetic and chemical compounds that can create a toxic buildup in the body with over exposure. While oxidative hair color is convenient and fast, it isn’t the safest or healthiest way to color your hair.

Common hair dye chemicals may be problematic, and sensitization to para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is on the rise globally. Based on research compiled by Dr. Catherine Cartwright-Jones, in 2014, 16% of young adults in western industrialized nations (and even more in other parts of the world) are already sensitized to PPD. With repeated PPD exposure (found in artificial hair-color, and “black henna”), anyone can become sensitized to PPD chemicals at any point in their life. Please review the PhD work of Catherine Cartwright-Jones to learn more.

As of today, more than 45% of Cosmetologists are also sensitized to para-phenylenediamine (PPD); they have higher cancer risks than the general population; and many are leaving the industry to protect their health. Because the beauty industry is not regulated, manufacturers around the world can sell products to The United States that contain carcinogens, PPDs and other toxins without having to disclose any health risks.

Over the last year, I’ve done a lot of reading, research and experimentation on how to work with 100% natural plant pigments to create beautiful, translucent, permanent hair dyes that can transform gray hair into highlights and bring warmth and richness to dull and over processed hair. Schedule a consultation to learn more.

Why I’m Obsessed With Hair

Our hair makes a first impression when we enter a room and the lasting impression when we exit. Our hair is a living, growing, dynamic accessory that accompanies us wherever we go.

I believe that a haircut is the primary beautification tool that we have to look our very best, regardless of the color, texture, or density or our hair. A great haircut will give you more confidence, enhance your best features and elevate your personal style.

When you come to see me, our time together is 100% focused on you and your hair. It’s a time for you to share with me how you see yourself and how you want to be perceived.

From the moment you walk into my space, our conversation and my observations of you and your hair help me get to know you so that I may provide you with a hair style that reflects who you truly are. When crafting your haircut I also take into consideration your lifestyle and how much time you want to spend on your hair every day.

I love giving my clients versatile and easy-to-style haircuts that work with the natural hair texture. If you are looking for an updated hairstyle that better reflects who you are today, I’d be honored to work with you.