SEAGULL SALON NYC Beauty & Culture Blog

As Seagull Turns 52, Our New West Village Salon Space Just turned 8!

Cool to revisit this article in The Architect's Newspaper featuring our architect Ben Warwas. As "New Seagull" turns eight, we're having fun looking back and getting 1/2 way to vintage! 

 

Here is a snippet from The Architect's Newspaper and you can read the whole thing HERE.

 

Since its founding more than four decades ago, Seagull Hair Salon has been a haven for queer culture in Manhattan’s West Village. The first unisex barbershop in New York City is the place to lounge, gossip, and unwind.

In September 2015, its latest generation of co-owners, veteran hairstylist Shaun “Surething” Cottle and former Le Tigre band member Johanna Fateman, moved Seagull to a larger, brighter shop around the block, commissioning Los Angeles–based architect Ben Warwas to design a space that would preserve Seagull’s signature campy irreverence.

“Those colors are very riot grrrl,” Warwas said, referring to the palette of black, white, and bright pink taken directly from the ’90s feminist movement. Postmodern flourishes abound in what the salon’s owners have described as an “upscale glam feminist Pee-Wee’s Playhouse,” mainly in the form of allusions to the original space’s signature architectural features.

Seagull's Mentorship!!!/Recent Grads

It's been a LOOOONNNNG time since we've posted. 

In the last year, Seagull and Shaun have spearheaded a monolithic and singular mentorship/apprenticeship program that rises above a par-for-the-course New York City—generally two-year—assistantship time frame. 

We are so happy to announce—albeit kinda late—our newest graduates. If you haven't already, meet Katie and Carly!

Katie has been working with our Principal stylists on the floor for over a year. Though starting with Seagull's mentorship program pre-2020, we now proudly have her as a full-time stylist. 

Katie’s cutting and coloring techniques are infused with shots of precision based on her background as an Autocad architectural designer. Sharp lines and geometric shapes juxtaposed with soft layers come to mind naturally for Katie; they inform shapes and guide specific styles to manifest IRL on real people. How lucky for us!

Additionally, Carly!!!

With a background in musical theater and repping cowgirl nowness, Carly brings a nuanced appreciation for nouveau Americana to NEW New York City—Americana in rugged, urban forms, always sexy and never dull. Carly’s style is virulent in disrupting binary assumptions of beauty. Just because is never enough. Why not MORE?

A junior stylist and colorist, Carly has completed extensive color and cutting training in Seagull’s hard-won apprenticeship program with ease and anticipation for the big time. Originally  Aveda trained, Carly is precise with her shear work and has an ambitious eye for color. 

Katie and Carly breathe new and exciting breath and perspective into our already robust, fun and chill environment. A real family affair!

The now-one-year-old apprenticeship program includes weekly training from our principal stylists and imported Wella advanced color knowledge from the field of national educators. They know their stuff! From advanced highlighting techniques to the newest cutting-edge hair shaping for everyday wear, these ladies have what you need. And get them while they're newer to Seagull's salon floor. They're building fast and furious. 

Our mentorship program aims to find the best and most enthusiastic young feminist-leaning trainees looking to contribute more than just an injection of pure style into NYC. We found them! And they're fucking fantastic. Check out their Instagrams and know it for yourself. Katie's

and Carly's

So if you're looking to get out of your regular routines, come in and see them while you can. Get back to basics: Natural Born Killer Hair. Online booking available now at Seagull Hair Salon

XXSEAGULL

Seagull Salon Mention in RACKED -Navigating the Intensely Gendered World of Hair Salons When You’re Queer

Seagull Salon was thrilled to be mentioned in the article Navigating the Intensely Gendered World of Hair Salons When You’re Queer.

As the longest running "unisex" salon in New York City, we are proud to be the torch-bearers of gender non-binary hair salons in NYC and the world. 

RACKED wrote a great article featuring You & Sundry and their commitment to servicing queer, feminist and gender non-conforming folks.

"Though many may not have considered the binary nature of hair salons, for a lot of queer and non-binary people, it’s another reminder that this society wasn’t built with us in mind."

 

"While You + Sundry may not be the first salon with these goals or communities in mind — with New York City’s first unisex salon, Seagull, serving queer celebrities since 1971, and Philadelphia’s X salon implementing their own “Ten Commandments” to discourage discriminatory and prejudicial behavior — it’s certainly one of the few affordable ones."

 

OOO

 

Founded in 1971, in the heyday of gay liberation, not a stone’s throw from the Christopher Street piers and the historic West Village Stonewall Inn, Seagull Salon was named for Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Richard Bach’s bestseller of the time. Seagull was the first unisex barber shop in New York City (if not the country), originally located in a small storefront shop on Christopher Street, just off Sheridan Square, in what was once the site of the Greenwich Village Theatre (1917-1930). The theatre was an avant-garde venue, presenting Martha Graham’s early work as well as the first above ground shows of “female impersonators.” It was also the birthplace of the legendary musical revue the Greenwich Village Follies. While Seagull soon moved, spending more than thirty years on West 10^th Street, we have now returned home: our new sunlit second-floor loft space, with its West 4^th Street entrance, is in the same magical building off Sheridan Square where we started!

Seagull’s owners are Manhattan stylist Shaun Cottle and Johanna Fateman, musician and art writer. The two took over and transformed the business in 2006. In 2015 they once again reimagined the salon, this time as an upstairs oasis, working closely with architect Ben Warwas. Seagull is graced with paintings, photographs, drawings and large-scale prints, including work by artists Kathe Burkhart, A.L. Steiner, Alice O’Malley, K8 Hardy, Nicole Eisenman, Nolan Hendrickson, Andrea Geyer, Juliet Jacobson, Colin Self, and Sam McKinniss. Under Johanna and Shaun’s direction, the salon caters to their New York community’s cultural tastes. Seagull clients are artists, writers, fashion editors, musicians, actors, and everything else.

 

 

Jeffrey for Seagull Salon #FUCKTRUMP

Under the authoritarian thumb of a tyrannical president, the dizzying pace at which a myriad of social/political/environmental issues are stacking up is unprecedented. Each time that “BREAKING NEWS” bulletin appears on my Facebook feed, I think “oh fuck, NOW what?!” Another social injustice? Another encroachment of civil liberties? Another attempt to suppress the truth and silence those who oppose the powers that be?  … all in the stroke of a narcissists pen. For the first time in recent memory, the public is TRIGGERED. The wake-up call comes a moment too late, but people are finally, nonetheless, “woke”. In the age of “#notmypresident” and “#fucktrump”, no hashtag is more discernible than “#NODAPL”. The Dakota Access Pipeline resonates with people on a rudimentary level, with it’s reckless abandon for bottom-line profits. Big oil has never been concerned with the wellbeing of the public or the environment. Big oil knew 40 years ago that the burning of fossil fuels would trigger changes in our atmosphere putting all of our most diverse habitats at risk, yet they allowed us to waste a quarter of a century debating whether or not global warming was even real. They paid top scientists to deny the truth and began a campaign of doubt designed to mislead the public. The result is our modern fuel thirsty America, which has a dangerous addiction it desperately needs to kick. I believe the Dakota Pipeline is the perfect vehicle to promote public divestment. I was absolutely thrilled to see people congregating across the nation to say one thing: “NO DAPL!”. People are outraged. The social media presence, the t-shirts, the headlines, I see the hipsters in Brooklyn with their Standing Rock Sioux hoodies. Marvelous! But how many of those people are really willing to do something profound? Like, for example, giving up their cars and switching to green energy? I truly believe we can only be saved by public opinion, the government will never do it for us. We must drive the demand for safe alternative solutions to our energy and transportation challenges. Every time we buy something we are voting with our dollars.  So I encourage/challenge you: ride a bike, take the bus, carpool, or walk for Christ’s sake. Just DON’T give these frackers your money.  Not every person has the economic means to do the “right” thing, but every little bit counts. Without a collective decision to drop fossil fuels, we will never gain the momentum to fight climate change in the frighteningly narrow window of time we have left. Winning slowly is the same as losing in this case. It would mean losing a battle we cannot afford to lose: the survival of the human race. Divesting from fossil fuels as much as possible will support the growth of a more sustainable future for ourselves and the planet. So stand up and do something great! 

Thank you, Jeffrey, for Seagull Hair Salon, Downtown NYC, 10014

 

Related articles

The Dakota Access pipeline could be up and running in weeks

'Some will get arrested': A showdown looms for Dakota Access pipeline protesters

In North Dakota, some Dakota Access protesters exit in blaze of defiance; in Iowa, rallies target banks

Bridget Everett: Gynecological Wonder

Women's March on Washington

To ease any legitimate sore feelings we felt on Inauguration Day, Seagull closed the next day so that we could all attend the Women's March on Washington. Or in NYC. (Or in Seagal-on-sabbatical Sarah's case, a braid-in protest at the border of Mexico and the US!) The women's marches across the country (and world) far surpassed what anyone expected by at least double. 

Many of us took charter buses to DC for the event, where we soon became enveloped and overwhelmed by the sheer mass of enthusiastic women from all over. And pussyhats, which I was deeply ambivalent about. But all it took for me to change my attitude was a conversation with our wise Seagull president Johanna, who also wrote in defense of the pink pussyhat for Artforum. 

I didn't expect to feel so overwhelmed by so many people and pussyhats---I'm a New Yorker, after all---but it was a true force. The energy was electric and overall very positive. There were so many people, in fact, that it complicated the idea of the Women's March being an actual march. At times it felt more like a Women's Rally on Washington. Everything was taken over, and the mass was too large to march for some time. (I personally only got to march in DC for a short bit before dipping out to catch my NYC-bound bus.)

The event was so large that it was rather impossible to meet up with your friends. Once we stepped out of the DC Metro station, cell service was close to non-existent. After an hour or two of frantic spotty texts trying to find people, it slowly dawned on me that the Women's March wasn't about meeting up with your friends; it was about being part of this larger movement, about being one part of this mass that descended on the Capitol to show our presence and where we stand on these darkening days. 

But even the mention of "darkening days' does a disservice to the actual event because it didn't feel that way. I only saw lots of smiles. And tons of great protest signs, like this one Maggie's (our apprentice at Seagull) mom made that everyone wanted to get a photo of, including myself:

Love was all around: 

And here's a shot from Sarah at the braid-in protest on an overpass in El Paso, Texas!

 

And about Sarah: we all miss her, but she'll be back in March! She's been traveling all around the country rock climbing and cutting and coloring hair wherever she can. We've just spoken to her, and she wanted us to share these incredibly inspiring photos of her being one with nature and owning it. 

Sarah's an integral part of the Seagull team. It's been tough without her these days, but more so we are so happy for her following her heart and getting some much needed peace at dizzying heights. 

xo
craig

Happy 2017 from Seagull Salon!

Happy 2017! We should all congratulate ourselves for making it through that endurance test of a year 2016. Midnight could not have gotten here fast enough on Saturday evening. But we shouldn't be too down on 2016---after all, we did get some nice new press to end the year on, facing 2017 with a fresher, more determined attitude. 

On the heels of the nightmarish election came our feature in New York Times T Magazine that we were very proud of and thankful for. It couldn't have come at a better time! It's all things Seagull: beautiful and political. And the description of the salon fits us to a T: "Seagull feels decidedly cozy. Elephant Pink, the Benjamin Moore color that coats the walls, helped create a sense of consistency when the salon moved from its storefront spot on West 10th to its current second-story location on West 4th. Funky, sharp black built-ins designed by the architect Ben Warwas, Fateman’s childhood friend, break up the blush, along with paintings by artists like Sam McKinniss and Kathe Burkhardt."

 

 

In December, our color expert Jeanise was featured in the newest Walt Cessna zine Vaczine #3. Jeanise's gift of color inspires all and definitely makes Seagull more special with her warm and fun personality. 

 

And our marvelous assistant Maggie's band Yucky Duster was featured in the Guardian with their newest track "Elementary School Dropout".

Yucky Duster is a really fun Brooklyn punk band with infectious tunes I've sung many a time to myself on my way to work in the morning. Definitely check them out!

We hope your 2017 is starting off right. 2016 was a test, but it's over now. We made it. Now let's get our hair done!

xo
craig

The World is a Mess But Your Hair Doesn't Have To Be!

 

Gift packages! Holiday specials! Come in with a girlfriend and enjoy a GIANT group hug from SEAGULL! We love you!

 

Hey all some of you probably saw our Black Friday post down below. Sorry for the repeat info but we've added some new services and we're doing gift certificate packages in addition to the other specials we are running. We want to let you know here so you can call and purchase for your friends, families and loved ones, if you can't swing by in person, which of course, we would prefer!!!!

First are the three gift certificate packages followed by the other specials that are already running. If there has ever been a time when your friend, loved one, kid, parent, whoever needs a little TLC and pampering it's now and Seagull has it in droves BIGXO!

Night Out Special - A full make-up session with Mel (1 hour) and a blowout with one of our lovey assistants.

Restore Repair Rebuild - Haircut at regular price with a restorative/smoothing treatment of YOUR choice on   the house courtesy of Seagull. Usually the treatments run about $50-75 but hey, we know you need it. Some of these even come with take home, upkeep products!

Lighten up! - Balayage highlights with a restorative/smoothing treatment of YOUR choice, again courtesy of Seagull. 

On to the specials!

Give the gift of a luxurious DAMAGE CONTROL double-conditioning treatment by Jeanise. Mel is offering 20% off a full-face make-up session for Seagull clients to get everyone hooked on her magic touch. Or for NEW clients, Steve is offering 20% off color-and-cut packages.

Well, we hope all of you are doing well and keeping your chins up when you can. We can't wait to see you when you come in for a visit. Bring a friend, let's all hold hands and smile!!!!
xoxoxoxSeagull 

A Little BLACK FRIDAY List

Now more than ever, support small businesses as you blaze through your holiday to-do list! We’ve compiled a very little list of suggestions for beautiful and useful things we love with, of course, ways to give the gift of SEAGULL at the top! Xx Johanna

1. SEAGULL gift certificates are no-fail presents for pretty much everyone. Stop by and purchase one, or do it over the phone! That number again is 212 989 1807. If your giftee is a regular, we can simply put it on their account and you can send them a note (or we can do it for you)! This year, we have some great deals going so you can get more bang for your gift certificate bucks! Give the gift of a luxurious DAMAGE CONTROL double-conditioning treatment by Jeanise. Mel is offering 20% off a full-face make-up session for Seagull clients to get everyone hooked on her magic touch. Or for NEW clients, Steve is offering 20% off color-and-cut packages.

2. Did you see the profile in T Magazine?! We were thrilled to get such an amazing write-up. FYI Mel did my make-up and I am wearing a t-shirt designed by Viva Ruiz of CHOCOLATINA ACTIONS. They are available Printed Matter now!

3. Shop at Three Lives & Company! Our local independent bookstore has secured a new lease and will stay in business just around the corner at West 10^th and Waverly Place! Three Lives has been around since 1978!

4. One of our favorite shops, Otherwild , now has a NYC location! Otherwild is a beautifully curated store on the Lower East Side famous for their revival of a classic slogan THE FUTURE IS FEMALE. They have accessories, artwork, tee-shirts, and magic potions for everyone on your solstice list.

5. Pottery by Osa! For the pour-over coffee people and everyone who drinks beverages.

6. And then, of course, McNulty’s! A Christopher Street LEGEND, est. 1895. Shop here to keep it here.
   
   

I'M WITH HER!

In the midst of this never-ending contentious election season, Seagull president Johanna and her band Le Tigre have reunited to release their first new song in a decade: a super fun pro-Hillary Clinton track "I'm With Her".  

 Using their classic anthemic sound, Le Tigre's "I'm With Her" eviscerates Donald Trump, making an awesome case for a President Hillary Clinton as "a problem solver, a true rock climber, pantsuit-wearing herstorical first-timer...a listener, a negotiator, a legal scholar, Supreme Court nominator." It's Le Tigre meets 2016, which is so badly needed in this political climate right now! Understood by the band is the urgent point in history we are at: America is on the verge of electing a sociopathic and sexist fascist, who wants to ban Muslims and build a wall along our southern border, or a highly-qualified first woman president running on the most progressive platform ever! It's refreshing to hear a song that's unabashedly pro-Hillary since there is a dearth of those for a figure so complex and fascinating to many of us. 

In an interview with Pitchfork, Johanna discussed part of what motivated her in writing a new Le Tigre track:

"We’re coming off of a really fractious rollercoaster of a Democratic primary that divided a lot of our extended community around Hillary vs. Sanders. I really try to counter the narrative that Hillary’s not exciting by saying that I am very excited by her, that I find her likable and inspiring. The irony always gets me: Le Tigre were touring and registering voters and talking about John Kerry on stage every night. We never got any pushback, but now, it’s not cool to support Hillary in this epic, historic battle for life as we know it? It’s ludicrous. Hillary’s doing an amazing job. Her debate performances are astounding and moving and I’m super excited about her being a leader." 

We here at Seagull also get what's at stake this year and eagerly welcome Le Tigre's "I'm With Her". We are so ready for Hillary. Consider this our endorsement. Go vote!

xo
craig hunter

PS
Listen for the low-key witch cackle in "I'm With Her". 

PPS
Go here to look up your NYC poll locator! Remember to vote Tuesday, November 8!

 

Topher Gross in Time Out New York's The State of Queer Issue!

 

The latest issue of Time Out New York features the coolest and hottest queers around town, and it wouldn't be complete without Seagull's very own haircutting wizard and all-around sweetheart Topher Gross!

It's refreshing to read an issue devoted to queerness in such a widely-read NYC publication, clarifying the difference between "gay" and "queer". "To me, being queer is a state of consciousness rather than an identity," quotes the article. Very true words. It's a very Seagull-(and West Village-) appropriate issue to have on our coffee table: fabulously gay and inherently political. 

Grab a copy before it's too late---and be sure to book your next amazing haircut with Topher!

Topher Gross is a freelance hairstylist with 10 years of experience in the beauty industry. He specializes in precision-based scissor and razor techniques which are designed to create beautiful, versatile, wearable hair for clients. He is known for cutting and styling curly/textured hair, short-edgy looks and tailored, masculine/barber-styles.

Previously a Top Stylist at Arrojo Studio, Topher cut thousands of clients, was an in-salon educator, a part of the show and seminar team for 9 years (IBS, ABS, Premiere) and worked on editorial and video shoots.

He has traveled to cut and style hair for clients all over the U.S., London and Berlin. Topher has been featured in Time Out NY, about.com, intothegloss.com, on various fashion blogs, DapperQ, GO magazine, and behindthechair.com. He was the lead hairstylist for the Brooklyn Girls Calendar series.

A native New Yorker, Topher is always inspired by the unique styles and fashions on the city streets. He believes that hair can be opportunity to express creativity, show a window into someone’s soul and bring out the inner beauty of each client.

Topher travels coast-to-coast for clients from Brooklyn to the Bay Area (Oakland, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz).

Seagull Salon is lucky to have Topher on staff as part of our team and plus he's SUPER fun to be around to boot. 

xo
craig