Tiger Lilly Salon San Marco

Tiger Lilly Salon was founded by Olivia Jane, a USAF veteran, and its original location is in San Marco on Alford Place, where chair rental is also offered. The salon describes itself as a safe space for transformation and self-expression. A newer Mandarin location on San Jose Boulevard is also open, and the salon lists hair, nails and lashes there.

A visit is relaxed and personal. Clients are asked not to arrive early, because the door is locked between appointments. Smocks are provided, the salon is not responsible for personal clothing, and clients are asked to take phone calls outside. One parent or guardian may wait in the waiting area for an underage guest or for someone needing special assistance. Other extra guests, animals included, are not permitted, though a guest who is under 13 or needs physical help is an exception, and a $20 fee applies when extra guests are brought. The salon has a zero-tolerance policy for hateful or discriminatory speech.

The menu runs from a quick dry cut to a Metamorphic cut for major changes, with Customized and Signature cuts in between, along with color, highlights, blowouts, keratin, makeup and waxing. Several cut prices are listed on the booking page as varying. A no-show fee of 50 percent of the service price applies, and no refunds are given for services exchanged.

The salon says it was voted Best in Jax by Folio's and that its cuts last a long time because of balance and precision.

The salon aims for a warm, inclusive space where clients can change their look and express themselves.

The salon describes its space as cozy and inclusive, and up to three small resident dogs, Moon, Barry and Mars, may be present at appointments; the salon says they are ESA certified.