Alternative Milk Studio

Alternative Milk Studio describes itself as a gender affirming hair salon in Holladay. It says hair supports how clients express themselves and their sense of identity, and it states that it does not discriminate based on age, disability, gender identity, immigration status, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.

Pricing depends on hair porosity, integrity, length, thickness, the products used and processing time, so the cost of a visit reflects the hair itself. Free consultations review hair history and goals, and first-time color and lightening clients book a consultation before any service. New color clients pay a $30 deposit at that consultation, which goes toward the total. Deposits are only applied to completed services and stay valid for three months.

A credit or debit card on file is required to schedule, and it can also pay for services and products. Clients who need a payment plan can text before booking to talk about their budget, and AfterPay is accepted. Cancellations made more than 24 hours ahead are free, while cancellations within 24 hours are charged 50 percent of the service. Arriving more than 15 minutes late counts as a cancellation and is charged in full, and a no-call, no-show is charged the full service amount. Clients who no-show twice cannot book future services.

The salon is laid out for accessibility, and its shampoo sink and styling chair can be repositioned to make room for a wheelchair user. Quiet appointments can be booked as an add-on or requested in person. Attendance is limited to clients who are receiving a service, and the building admits only service animals. Gift cards come as eGift cards in fixed values of $5, $10, $20 or $50, or in a custom amount.

Hair is treated as a way for clients to express their identity, with services and pricing set around each client's hair.

The salon describes itself as a safe space.