In today’s world, safe spaces are often places that cater to one specific group of people. They provide a sense of belonging, where individuals can connect with others who share similar interests, lifestyles, and ideologies. Yet, in the heart of Squirrel Hill, there is one particular space that warmly welcomes and embraces three distinct and diverse communities; a place where the hair loss community, the transgender community, and the Orthodox Jewish community come together with one singular common bond.
Serenity Wig Salon, located on Murray Ave., has been purveying wigs and providing hair services while connecting communities for over 10 years. This women-owned and operated space has created connection and understanding among neighbors who may never have come together otherwise.
Chami Saks, a wife and mother of five, started Serenity Wig Salon in a small basement studio, a decade ago. Being a member of the Orthodox Jewish community, she started wearing wigs once she got married, as is a customary Orthodox practice.
Though not previously familiar with this community, the salon staff welcomed these clients with open arms and open ears, listening and understanding their experiences and needs. “I really embraced having the trans community come into the salon,” Saks says. “My mom did a good job of teaching us about the world around us, and having a diverse clientele allows me to learn more and become a lot more accepting. Having trans clients has really helped me learn more about the community and the experience these individuals have.”
The impact spread beyond the staff. “Having a trans sibling has taught me so much about identity, how the world views others, and humanity itself,” says one client who preferred to remain anonymous. “As a cisgender person, gender expression often feels simple, largely due to society’s ingrained views. I’ve come to realize that small gestures, like respecting and asking for someone’s pronouns, can significantly affirm those experiencing gender dysphoria.”
The client adds, “For trans women, the transition process can be challenging — hormones take time, and hair growth can be slow. Offering services like matching hair to their true identity can make a meaningful difference. I applaud Serenity Wig Salon for making this part of their mission because trans women are women, and non-binary people deserve services that affirm their gender and help them feel accepted.”
The staff has made it their mission to continue educating themselves on all of their clients, from all walks of life. Olivia Pasquarelli, a long time employee of the salon, says, “What makes Serenity Wig Salon so special is witnessing groups who, according to the media, are supposed to ‘clash,’ come together, connect, and respect one another despite their differences. It’s a refreshing reminder that the world my parents promised — a world where everyone shows grace and understanding because we are all significant — does exist,” adding that, “while conflict may sell more than peace, a world rooted in empathy and understanding is real and all around us. Serenity Wig Salon is a beautiful microcosm of that, making it an incredibly special place.”