More Than a Haircut: How Gamine Beauty is Helping LA Wildfire Survivors Heal
When Jennifer Cunningham, owner of Gamine Beauty in Silver Lake, heard about the devastating impact of the recent wildfires on her community, she knew she had to act. “This is what we have to give,” she explained. For the past nine years, Gamine Beauty has been a cornerstone for self-expression and connection in the neighborhood, but now it’s become something more—a haven for healing.
Jennifer and her team have opened their salon doors to offer free haircuts to those directly affected by the fires, a gesture born out of compassion and a belief in the transformative power of care. “Sometimes, when everything is falling apart around you, just seeing yourself put together in the mirror can give you that little bit of hope to start moving forward,” she said. For many of the clients coming through, this simple act has provided more than just a haircut—it’s been a moment of solace and renewal.
Jennifer’s journey into the beauty industry began early. Growing up in Orange County, she discovered her passion for hairdressing in high school, driven by a love for 90s fashion and the art of transformation. After years of freelancing in New York and Los Angeles, styling for commercials, music videos, and the occasional celebrity. She found her true calling in salon work. “I’ve always just loved doing civilians the most,” she said. “They’re the most grateful, and you can make a difference every single day.”
In 2014, Jennifer took over Gamine Beauty, a legacy salon known for its modern design and its history as a fashion-forward institution in LA. For Jennifer, it was more than just a business it was an opportunity to build a culture of care. “Owning a salon is about creating a space where people feel welcome, supported, and seen,” she said. That ethos has become even more apparent in recent weeks.
The wildfire crisis hit close to home for Gamine Beauty. Some of Jennifer’s existing clients lost their homes, and others brought in friends and family in need of care. “We’ve had people coming from all over—clients from Long Beach, the Palisades, and even out of state,” Jennifer shared. “They bring in their loved ones who might not have been here before, but they know we can help.”
For the team at Gamine, the effort goes beyond haircuts. “We’ve seen eight people just this morning,” Jennifer noted during our conversation. “They sit in the chair, and sometimes it’s like therapy. They share their stories—their losses, their fears—and we’re here to listen. It’s not just about the hair. It’s about making people feel cared for.”
Jennifer believes there’s something symbolic about cutting hair in times of trauma. “Hair carries energy it’s been with us through all of life’s ups and downs. Letting it go can feel liberating, like you’re leaving behind the weight of everything you’ve been through.”
Despite the challenges of recent years from pandemic shutdowns to industry-wide disruptions Jennifer’s team has found strength in their shared mission. “It’s been hard, but we’re pushing through,” she said. “Everyone is worried about the future, about the environment, about our clients, but we’re here. We’ll survive this.”
When asked what she wished the world knew about Los Angeles, Jennifer was quick to highlight the city’s heart. “People have a lot of opinions about LA superficiality, etc.—but in a crisis, this community steps up. Nobody has to ask; people just do. Random acts of kindness for random strangers in neighborhoods that aren’t even theirs. Don’t underestimate the kindness and empathy that Angelenos have.”
At Gamine Beauty, that kindness is on full display—one haircut, one story, and one small act of care at a time.
This post has been created by Making Waves Project to spotlight stories of resilience in the aftermath of the wildfires. Together, we honor the strength of those impacted and amplify voices that inspire recovery and hope.
If you or someone you know has a story to tell, we’d love to hear from you. And if you’re a brand interested in partnering with us to make a greater impact, please email us at hello@makingwavesproject.com
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Photography by Robiee Ziegler
Produced by Katie Caro
