The sound of clippers hums softly in the air, a familiar rhythm as each haircut becomes a quiet act of self-creation. Beneath the warm glow of vintage lights, identities are shaped as gently as the hair falling to the floor, with each snip revealing more of the person beneath.
In this space, it’s not just hair being cut – it’s the barriers, fears, and weight of judgment, left behind in exchange for the comfort of belonging. This is the heart of Marlowe General, where every chair holds the promise of transformation.
Nestled in downtown Kitchener, Marlowe is a haven for its clients – a “chosen family” where exploring identity through hair feels safe. Sydney Laurie, the shop’s founder, said her goal with Marlowe was to change salon culture.
“Traditional salons and barbershops felt unwelcoming, intimidating. We wanted to change that narrative.”
With a passion for community and authentic expression, Marlowe’s mission isn’t about just haircuts; it’s about creating connection, support, and a sense of community.
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While not a client at Marlowe, Emaan Hansari understands the role hair plays in self-acceptance. Known once for their long, feminine-presenting hair, Emaan, who identifies as genderfluid, began embracing their gender identity in 2022.
“People say hair holds memories, and I agree. But hair also holds identity,” they explained. “When I became comfortable using they/them pronouns, my long hair felt like a part of an identity I no longer connected with.”
Each haircut for Hansari has been a step toward autonomy and expression, their current hairstyle inspired by Shawn Hunter from Boy Meets World. “I loved the confidence he had, the way he held himself. After my haircut, people, even those who didn’t know I was genderfluid, said I looked like myself for the first time. That was huge,” Hansari reflected.
This journey isn’t unique to Hansari; for many in the queer community, a haircut represents self-affirmation. It’s a way to reclaim the body and show the world who they are.
“We often find that short haircuts allow us to access a more authentic version of ourselves,” they said. “Long hair, especially for femme-presenting people, often gets read as ‘straight’ or ‘cis.’ With my new look, it was a relief for people to see me the way I wanted to be seen – not just as society expects.”
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Marlowe General thrives on fostering these transformations.
“A person’s hairstyle is no different than the style they choose in clothing, music, or books. It’s all part of encouraging clients to be their authentic selves,” Laurie noted.
The salon’s culture of inclusivity and respect transforms each haircut into a ritual of affirmation. Stylists at Marlowe are trained to ask for pronouns and actively support their clients’ visions, a core part of the shop’s identity.
For queer clients who may feel judged or unwelcome elsewhere, Marlowe provides an experience where they don’t have to justify their choices or identity.
“Going to a queer-friendly salon makes a world of difference,” Hansari shared. “I’d been to a ‘rich white mom salon’ before, and it felt wrong, like everyone was silently telling me I didn’t belong. But spaces like Marlowe give me the safety to explore. I don’t feel judged, and that allowed me to finally embrace who I was becoming.”
The salon’s approach to hair care emphasizes the importance of community, safety, and acceptance. At Marlowe, clients are encouraged to make bold choices that might not be supported in other spaces. “Helping anyone feel comfortable and seen in their own skin is truly a gift we all feel lucky to be a part of,” said Laurie.
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Spectrum Waterloo, an organization dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQ+ people in the Region of Waterloo, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the critical need for safe spaces. For many queer people, both Spectrum and Marlowe General offer a sense of family and acceptance often lacking in traditional spaces.
“Once people know about community resources and start meeting friends, their resilience and well-being improve,” said Scott Williams, executive director of Spectrum Waterloo.
He also recognizes the importance of gender-affirming hair care in self-acceptance. “For some in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, haircuts help communicate identity. [They] can have a euphoric effect on people’s mental well-being.”
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For Hansari, each haircut is a step toward shedding past identities, each style aligning more closely with who they are. They encourage others to be just as bold.
“Cut your hair off. Do it. Do everything in your power to make you feel different. You need to change and affirm your own identity.”
In a world where appearance often dictates others’ perceptions, Marlowe General empowers people to define themselves. With every snip and trim, clients leave feeling lighter and more assured, having left behind parts of themselves that no longer fit. Beneath Marlowe’s warm lights, clients find more than a fresh look; they find freedom.
