Van Hair Collective in Des Moines models inclusivity through hair

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First in an occasional series spotlighting Des Moines’ small businesses. To nominate a business for future coverage, email [email protected].

Four Iowa residents started their dream business: an inclusive hair salon in the heart of Des Moines.

Van Hair Collective is a group of four independent stylists — Kristen Van Hauen, Margaret McCann, Tisha McCann, and Bailey Stone — who bring colorful hairstyles to their home state.

Coincidental opening led to the creation of Van Hair Collective

Van Hauen hadn’t yet planned to open a new hair salon when she came across the space in Des Moines’ East Village where Van Hair Collective is set to move in December 2023.

“One of my very best friends had it for 12 years,” Van Hauen said. “She just decided she didn’t want it anymore.”

She knew exactly who she was bringing with her: three other willing stylists from Des Moines. She had worked with each of the group members before and knew they had a like-minded approach to hair and expression. She also knew they all had connections to the LGBTQ+ community.

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‘Van Hair Collective hopes to be an example of creating safe and welcoming salons for all Iowans’

None of the stylists at Van Hair Collective have formal inclusivity training, Tisha McCann said, because there’s not much available in Iowa. She’s working with her fellow stylists to change that by reaching out and collaborating with other salons to make their spaces as safe and welcoming as possible.

Margaret McCann said one of her favorite aspects of the salon is the trust the stylists have received from other members of the community. It’s important to the stylists at Van Hair Collective that clients know their boundaries are being respected.

Van Hair Collective is a salon for everyone, regardless of age, physical features, sexuality or other characteristics. Each stylist emphasizes the importance of making sure clients feel safe in her chair. Many of the salon’s clients are members of the LGBTQ+ community who have said they didn’t feel safe in other salons.

Helping others find their own self-expression is how Van Hauen finds her fulfillment. Her own hair is her crowning glory, she said, and she wants to help members of her community feel that way, too. Advocacy for marginalized groups is a key aspect of what makes the salon a safe space, she said.

“I’m a huge advocate for people of all different body types. I’ve always created a space that is sensitive to size,” Van Hauen said. “Being sensitive to that helps clients feel comfortable when they come to Van Hair Collective.”

Tisha McCann says every day she goes to work she looks forward to the next customer sitting in her chair.

‘I Am Me’ Events Bring Stylists Together to Support Transgender or Non-Binary Students in Iowa

Stone, one of the stylists, specializes in gender-affirming hair. She and Tisha McCann created an event called “I Am Me,” which brought together other salons and barbershops to offer affirming hair care to transgender and nonbinary students in February. They hope to make it an annual event, with planning underway for 2025.

Stone says the most important thing about her work is that she can help others, especially young members of the LGBTQ+ community who are overlooked.

All stylists at Van Hair Collective ask for correct pronouns and preferred names when booking a new client’s first appointment, says Tisha McCann. Clients can also book a complimentary consultation that helps stylists understand each person’s wants and needs.

Van Hauen added that while each stylist has worked hard, it is an ongoing responsibility to continue learning how to interact with different people and communities while showing compassion for them.

“No tutorial, no machine, no robot can ever top that,” she said.

How can I book with Van Hair Collective?

You can find Van Hair Collective, 322 E. Sixth St., Des Moines, on social media or online at its website, vanhaircollective.com, where you can book by stylist. Each stylist sets her own prices based on the complexity and time required for each service.

  • Kristen Van Hauen specializes in cutting, but offers a wide range of services such as dreadlock care, hair coloring, alternative styling and more.
  • Margaret McCann offers haircuts, blow-drys and colour appointments
  • Bailey Stone specializes in gender affirming haircuts, hair transformations, bright colors and curly hair.
  • Tisha McCann offers transformative cuts and vibrant colors. She also specializes in gender affirming haircuts and offers a “silent appointment” for clients who prefer minimal conversation.

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.

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