Moxi Hair Salon

by Steve Siwiecki

For a safer place to find hair care, visit Moxi Hair Salon.  Owner Sara McMillan began doing hair in 2008 with no intentions of ever having her own salon.  In 2013 she took time off when her daughter was born and, probably due to sleep deprivation, decided she would open her own salon, one that was environmentally friendly and cruelty-free - no products that used animal testing.  Her first salon was a one-room space, and she worked alone.  She has since grown the business to 2 locations and ten employees.  About four years ago, she opened one of her current locations at 1722 West 8th Street, and last August, she opened a second location at 1335 West 38th Street.

In 2016 she made all services gender-free.  It didn't make sense to her that women with short hair were paying more for a haircut than men with long hair just because of their identity.  With few exceptions, most customers were appreciative of this change.  She describes her salons as a safer place for everyone.  They accept everyone and assume nothing, for example, asking for pronouns.  They welcome everyone except the intolerant.

They have joined the Dress Code Project, a global alliance of salons/shops committed to providing positive, gender-affirming services for LGBTQ2S+ clients; and Strands for Trans, a worldwide network of hair, beauty, and wellness industries and organizations that seek to create and inspire safe and positive experiences for all guests, especially guests from the trans community. They have been active in the community, including support of Compton's Table, a table at Pride Fest, and plans for gender-free haircuts for students returning to school for 2023. Stop in and say hello!

Website: moxihair.com
Hours: Tuesday thru Friday, 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Saturday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Moxi Hair Salon owner Sara McMillan. 1722 W 8th St, Erie PA. Photo by Steve Siwiecki.