PORTLAND, OR — A local hair salon is facing legal trouble after a non-binary client filed a lawsuit, claiming their hairdresser violated their ‘bodily autonomy’ by not seeking explicit permission before each snip. The incident occurred at Clip & Snip Studio in Portland, Oregon, when stylist Rachel Marks gave a routine haircut to Alex Taylor, a non-binary individual who uses they/them pronouns.
“I thought I was just giving a standard trim,” said Marks. “But apparently, I was meant to ask for consent before every single cut, layer, and angle. I didn’t realize I needed to treat this like an operating room.”
A ‘Violation’ in the Chair
Taylor alleges that the experience left them feeling ‘unseen and violated.’ “Hair is part of my identity,” they explained in a statement. “The stylist didn’t even ask before cutting off that first inch. It felt like she was cutting away a part of who I am without my approval.”The lawsuit outlines grievances such as ‘failure to pause between cuts to confirm continued consent,’ ‘misgendering through traditional styling methods,’ and ‘improper use of scissors without a trigger warning.’ Taylor is seeking $10,000 in damages for emotional distress and ‘irreparable harm to their self-image.’
Salon Shocked by the Allegations
The owner of Clip & Snip Studio, Susan McAllister, said the lawsuit took her completely by surprise. “We’ve been cutting hair for 20 years, and this is the first time someone has demanded a full consultation for each individual snip,” McAllister said. “It’s a haircut, not a legal contract.”McAllister added, “We already have gender-neutral pricing, mirrors for self-supervision, and even vegan shampoo. At what point is enough, enough?”
Social Media Erupts
News of the lawsuit has sparked intense debate on social media. Some have rallied behind Taylor, praising their courage for standing up for bodily autonomy. “It’s 2024. Consent should apply to everything, even haircuts,” one supporter tweeted.Others, however, were less sympathetic. “If you don’t want someone to cut your hair, maybe don’t sit in a hairdresser’s chair,” one comment read. “What’s next? Asking permission to pick up the scissors?”
Industry Impact
Hair salons nationwide are now reconsidering their practices. Many are introducing detailed ‘consent forms’ that clients must sign before appointments, outlining specific areas to be cut, lengths to be removed, and a clause for mid-cut renegotiations.Taylor Remains Unapologetic
Despite the backlash, Taylor stands by their decision to file the lawsuit. “This is about setting a precedent,” they said. “Every snip should be a conversation. Every layer should be a partnership. And every haircut should honor the client’s journey.”Meanwhile, Marks has announced she’s stepping away from hairstyling to pursue a new career—where scissors are not involved.