Hair holds power. For Queer people especially, appearances are one way to express themselves. Hair and beauty rituals, especially, are a way for people in the community to feel that they are not adhering to the norms set before them. In a heteronormative society, it is really a form of self-care.

Vancouver has a reputation of being a hub for 2SLGBTQIA+. From Davie Street to annual events such as Vancouver Queer Film Festival, the city has always incorporated rainbows in different places. One such place is Big Joy Barber & Salon—the city’s most loved queer hair salon. 

The initiative was started by Shaunn Watt in 2015, initially as a little studio he shared with other creatives. It gradually grew with the addition of other stylists. As soon as Big Joy was launched, he knew it would be a home to welcome the queer and trans community. 

When Big Joy started the business, the hair industry was still very gendered. 

“People with short hair who identify as women were often charged more at a salon. Same for if you’re a man with long hair. It was just a natural thing that began happening in the industry,” says Cooper Dion, one of the managers at Big Joy. Watt recognized that and decided to make a change.

When asked about what are the ways in which Big Joy is challenging traditional gender norms and expectations within the industry, Dion explains “We all strive to talk about hair in terms of the elements of a haircut rather than like masculine or feminine—using the typical gendered language.” 

“A big part of the ethos of Big Joy is sort of just meeting people where they’re at and genuinely wanting to know who they are, how they want to feel in their hair, and what kind of vibe they want to express what they want to put out into the world,” Dion says.

Hair is much more than a feature for 2SLGBTQIA+ community, it is a place where they practice identity-affirming beauty rituals. In some cultures like Sikhism, hair is considered sacred—a gift of God. Thus, the power that a hair stylist holds while cutting your hair is immense. 

Another feature that sets Big Joy apart from the norm is “Welcome Wednesdays.” On the last Wednesday of every month, Big Joy welcomes people on a  pay-what-you-can basis. This initiative was started for people with significant barriers to accessing care services. 

“We really decided to focus it towards […] anyone struggling […] to make ends meet, really wants a nice haircut, wants to be part of the shop, but doesn’t feel like they can afford to come there on a regular day.” reveals Dion to Loose Lips magazine.

The shop also donates 1 per cent of each sale to three different local organizations every quarter. 
In a society where people are constantly trying to impose heteronormativity, Big Joy Barber & Salon is here to stay. They offer a quality, non-gendered alternative to the average barber experience and all the amenities and services of a salon. They are hair and they are queer.