Hair dysphoria (noun): a sense of unease that a person may have because of a mismatch between their gender identity + their hairstyle.

Hair plays a massive role in appearance. We've all had bad hair days, but for gender-noncomforming folks, the stakes of a bad hair cut can be exponentially more harmful and far more frequent.

Enter the Revelry Barber Shop + Salon (2739 Riverside Blvd.), born out of the need for safe spaces in Sacramento's hair care scene — where people can just be themselves.

Owner Emily Carson's vision marries two main approaches to hair — barber cuts + cosmetology styling — to create a blend of services that meets the needs of clients across the gender spectrum.

City Editor Madeline, who identifies as genderqueer, often switches up their hair to fit how they're feeling. | Photo by SACtoday staff

Each stylist is equipped with an array of training that deviates from just "men's" and "women's" hair cuts. Revelry cosmetologist Jay, who specializes in clipper cuts + zero fades, hopes to use their hair services to help LGBTQ+ folks experience euphoria, with hair and identity.