Local man supports transgender community through haircare

Megan Becker, Chillicothe Gazette
Updated ·2 min read
18

CHILLICOTHE― Local hair stylist Gregory Routt aims to create an inclusive and welcoming salon experience for all, including members of the transgender community.

Routt, a cisgender gay man, is a local stylist working out of Salon Niche under his business GMR Hair. His business is enrolled in Strands for Trans, an organization that connects people with trans-friendly salons and barbershops.

Independent Hair Stylist Gregory Routt styles the hair of Bryan Davis, of Chillicothe, at Salon Niche on April 13, 2023, in Chillicothe, Ohio. Routt is registering his business with an organization called "Strands fo Trans" which allows those who identify as LGBTQIA+, and allies, look online for safe places where they can come feel welcomed within the community. Gregory said he just wants to provide a place where people can feel their most authentic selves.

For example, Routt said some stylists at other salons may persuade a client to keep their long hair even though they do not identify with the style and would prefer a shorter haircut. Strands for Trans locations aim to give the client whatever style they want.

"Sometimes you can get the kind of thing where 'Oh, are you sure you want to cut your pretty hair? I don't want to take that away from you. You're such a beautiful girl. I don't want to do that to you,'" Routt said. "Those things can be triggering because maybe that person doesn't identify as a girl."

Independent Hair Stylist Gregory Routt styles the hair of Bryan Davis, of Chillicothe, at Salon Niche on April 13, 2023, in Chillicothe, Ohio. Routt is registering his business with an organization called "Strands fo Trans" which allows those who identify as LGBTQIA+, and allies, look online for safe places where they can come feel welcomed within the community. Gregory said he just wants to provide a place where people can feel their most authentic selves.

Many salons also gender haircuts, indicating that short haircuts are for men and long haircuts are for women. Routt said his haircuts are not gendered and anyone can request any haircut without judgment. He also asks clients for their preferred pronouns upon arrival and has a zero-tolerance policy for hate.

Routt said most salons and stylists are accepting, but being a salon that is labeled a Strands for Trans location confirms that the stylists will be welcoming to the trans community.

Independent Hair Stylist Gregory Routt styles the hair of Bryan Davis, of Chillicothe, at Salon Niche on April 13, 2023, in Chillicothe, Ohio. Routt is registering his business with an organization called "Strands fo Trans" which allows those who identify as LGBTQIA+, and allies, look online for safe places where they can come feel welcomed within the community. Gregory said he just wants to provide a place where people can feel their most authentic selves.

"I'm here to give you what you want and my goal is to make everybody look and feel like their most authentic self," Routt said. "It's nice to be able to help people with something that is so pivotable to identity sometimes."

Just starting in the business last year, Routt, who is also a new member of the First Capital Pride Coalition board, said he has seen an outpouring of support from the Chillicothe community from people who stand behind his mission, including many allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community. He said he has one client who travels from Ashville because of his Strands for Trans designation.

Independent Hair Stylist Gregory Routt styles the hair of Bryan Davis, of Chillicothe, at Salon Niche on April 13, 2023, in Chillicothe, Ohio. Routt is registering his business with an organization called "Strands fo Trans" which allows those who identify as LGBTQIA+, and allies, look online for safe places where they can come feel welcomed within the community. Gregory said he just wants to provide a place where people can feel their most authentic selves.

His commitment to inclusion has inspired Salon Niche and his previous location, Making Waves Hair & Color Studio, to also register as locations for Strands for Trans.

"When you're here, you're family, you are a part of our community. We are going to love and accept you," Routt said. "You can ask us for what you want and we're going to give it to you."

Visit GMR Hair's Facebook page or Salon Niche's Facebook page for more information. Visit StrandsForTrans.org to find registered locations near you. Visit FirstCapitalPride.org for information on local events, support and social groups and more.

Megan Becker is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. Call her at 740-349-1106, email her at Mbecker@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @BeckerReporting

Independent Hair Stylist Gregory Routt styles the hair of Bryan Davis, of Chillicothe, at Salon Niche on April 13, 2023, in Chillicothe, Ohio. Routt is registering his business with an organization called "Strands fo Trans" which allows those who identify as LGBTQIA+, and allies, look online for safe places where they can come feel welcomed within the community. Gregory said he just wants to provide a place where people can feel their most authentic selves.

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Local man and salon support transgender community through haircare