Meet the Stylist: Shelby Neubauer of Sparrow Hair Co

Stylist: Shelby Neubauer

Salon Name: Sparrow Hair Co

Salon City: Santa Rosa, CA

Hi Shelby! Tell us a little about yourself. 

Hello! I’m Shelby, and I’m the owner of Sparrow Hair Co as well as Sparrow Above Reiki Studio, in Santa Rosa California. 

How long have you been doing hair and what made you decide to get into it?

I’ve been behind the styling chair now for 33 glorious years!  As a young one, I was always a fan of hanging out at my aunt’s hair salons, doing odd jobs, like sweeping up hair, cleaning perm rods, and stocking the supply shelves.  You now, I was that random young kid at the salon getting your coffee and checking on your dryer timer… I loved it! Then, during high school, (Before becoming a licensed professional) I gave my friends some fun DIY hair with and with my trusty drug store scissors and some risky bleach knowledge, so much black box dye, mohawks, mullets, and pompadours (it was the 80’s) I did hair in alleys, on church steps, the bathroom at drama rehearsal, wherever.  I was lucky they trusted me…there was so much Aqua Net and crimping irons, we had extremely flammable hair back then, and omg it was such a fun time, I loved it!  I Graduated high school, tried a year or so at our local JC, and then Finally went to Redwood Empire Beauty School in the early 90’s and the rest is, as they say… blurry.

What’s your favorite hair style or hair type to work with? What’s your specialty?

Well…  I’ve been in the industry for a few minutes, so I’ve practically done it all at one point or another,  but my consistent soul love has been the razor.  I began using one in beauty school back in the dark ages, learned how to sling that sharp blade with so many amazing teachers over the years, and it still continues to be my favourite tool, and yes, i still cut myself all the damn time.  I adore all hair types and textures and lately am really getting into working with curls. Creating nourished, healthy, simply beautiful hair is my favourite, so basically I just love cutting and colouring hair! I also really enjoy offering Reiki Scalp Rituals. To me, the act of a haircut goes so much deeper than the finished look. The spiritual aspect of working with energy, the beauty of taking time to allow space for healing and the stress of the days to melt away for that appointment, can be very transformative. The crown chakra loves to be cleansed, and I feel so honored to work with my clients during these treatments. 

What’s your favorite non-hair part of the job?

Getting to know my clients over these past years. It’s been such a joy to really be a consistent part of so many people’s lives, over 3 decades worth of time and life together means a lot of milestones and big changes!  I also love traveling, classes, and meeting other stylists and Industry folx.  So many stories, challenges, and triumphs shared, it really is the best part of this job… the people you meet along the way.

Do you have a salon ethos or philosophy when it comes to hair?

 Keep it simple, keep it healthy, have fun, feel great.

How and why did you decide to go low tox in your salon?

Yes! This is exactly the reason I opened Sparrow!  After years of becoming overly sensitive to traditional salon products, I found that a non toxic approach to services allowed me to continue working, as well as fostering an environment for the health and well being of my clients.  We only use low toxin color, no synthetic fragrances, pay attention to ingredient lists for our styling options, and a general huge embrace of the smaller Independent product lines over the big retail players.  I opted for a green build-out when I was opening the salon,  but the important work has been to create a safe emotional and inclusive space for our community.  A place to be heard, and seen, while having your hair done. Over the years we have been fortunate to support and host many local fundraising efforts, and recently took part in a local haircuts for foster youth event, which was so wonderful to be a part of.  I also love making thrifted decor choices, supporting local small businesses, and choosing local artists' work to adorn our walls.  Oh, & we are a proud longtime member of Green Circle salon recycling program as well!

What do you like to do when you’re living life outside of the salon?

Well, I’m pretty boring these days. I enjoy working in my yard, going on walks, learning new skills, hanging out with my friends, familiars, and beloveds. I’ve been dabbling in herbalism and am a huge lover of the liminal and esoteric, so, yeah, a boring ol lady these days, surrounded by books, plants, far too much coffee, & talking to the crows.

Name one thing currently keeping you inspired (can be anything!)

Sorry, I can’t pick just one thing…..so here goes. 

I’m constantly inspired by my daughter and her amazingly stylish goth friends. It’s so heartwarming to see these young adults expressing themselves in so many gloriously creative, artistic ways. Sparks that nostalgic love of the dark side in me.  And I’m forever and always inspired by my fellow stylists and far away social media friends, it’s so much fun to see what others are up to, and I believe collaboration is the key to knowledge!.  

And finally,  my local community of friends and family,  thank you for always inspiring and supporting me to be a better version of myself.  My chosen family is so important in my life, and these beloved few have held and inspired me in ways unimaginable, especially during these challenging times.

 “we are the weirdos, mister.”  and I would be so sad without my weirdos. 

Where can people connect or schedule? 

Salon Website: https://shelbyneubauer.glossgenius.com/ 

Instagram: @Sparrow_hair_co + @ShelbyatSparrow 

Substack: @selkiesandsparrows