Redken is proud to announce their second year of the Hairdressers United initiative with the launch of the Safe Space Course, a free virtual on-demand training on how to make the hairdressers a safe space for LGBTQ+ clients.
This year, Redken have continued to partner with the It Gets Better Project, as well as Redken artists and other experts in the field to share their expertise in how hairdressers can make sure their LGBTQ+ clients feel safe to be their authentic selves. Through six five-minute video modules, hairdressers can learn ways to signal that their salon is an LGBTQ+ safe space, build trust with clients who may have had traumatic salon experiences in the past, conduct consultations where techniques are not tied to gender, and introduce gender-free pricing.
Hairdressers have the power to not only transform hair, but also how people feel about themselves on their journey to self-expression. A 2021 survey from The Trevor Project revealed that having at least one accepting adult can reduce the risk of suicide attempt for LGBTQ+ young people by 40%. That one accepting adult in someone’s life could be a Safe Space Educated hairdresser.
The experts included in this Safe Space course all bring a unique perspective on what it means to create a safe space and how to treat all members of the LGBTQ+ community with respect. They are as follows:
- Vernon François, Global Consultant, Celebrity Hairstylist, Educator
- Miguel Vazquez, Psychologist and CEO of Psicoalternativas & True Self Foundation
- Adina Doss, Redken Artist
- Jamie DiGrazia, Redken Artist and Founder HAIR HAS NO GENDER
- Manda Ziegelman, Redken Artist
- Madin Lopez, Founder, Project Q
- Emmanuel Munoz, Associate Director, Project Q
- Rae Sweet-Sandoval, Senior Education Coordinator, It Gets Better Project
Redken's Safe Space course is available now for free on L’Oréal Access. The modules cover the following:
- LGBTQ+ fundamentals
- Physical safe space
- Building trust with LGBTQ+ clients
- Intersectionality of race and LGBTQ+ identities
- Gender-free pricing
- Client consultations
Upon completing the course and a final quiz, hairdressers receive “Safe Space Educated” certification and a sticker for their mirror or window to help people navigate their way into those safe spaces. Additionally, the Safe Space stickers can be put out to signal that their space is inclusive and empowering.
Dr. Alex Rhys, Director at It Gets Better UK commented: “We’re really excited to partner with Redken in the UK and to work together on evolving the hair industry’s inclusivity. Hair salons are spaces to explore your identity and style, and the new Safe Space Training modules will help empower hairdressers to support LGBTQIA+ people in finding that safe space of personal expression. If an LGBTQIA+ client knows that a salon has taken these extra steps to educate themselves, there will be more reassurance that they’re walking into a welcoming space. It’s brilliant to see Redken actively working with the community to bring about change for LGBTQIA+ people both working at the salon or sitting in the chair!”
Rob Czlapka, Founder of RCNQ salon and Redken Safe Space Champion commented: "For the LGBTQIA+ community, we are hit constantly with an ideology that we are less than. All we want is to be seen. If a stylist or salon has educated themselves on our community, it can help deter from the discomfort that can arise from misgendering or unconscious bias.
"This is why education like Redken’s Safe Space Training course (which is FREE and open to all salons and stylists, not just ones that stock Redken) is fundamental to providing a space where the community can feel seen. As someone who's taken part in the training myself, it has been very insightful and gave me further knowledge on advocating for the queer community. The language used in LGBTQIA+ communities evolves often, and using inclusive language acknowledges that not everyone is the same and our words can have a significant impact on meaning and the way people feel.
"Redken’s Safe Space Training helps provide the tools you need and helps give you more confidence to provide a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ clients."
Read next: 5 Ways to Be More Gender Inclusive in Your Salon.
