Who Seagull Is
Seagull is a high-profile boutique hair salon in the West Village, beloved by NYC’s queer community and beyond. Known for expert cuts, stunning color (from subtle to surreal), and a vibe that’s equal parts downtown glamour and radical welcome. Open every day till 9PM to work around your life—not the other way around.
A Bit of History
Founded in 1971 during the height of gay liberation and women’s empowerment, Seagull was NYC’s first unisex salon. Born across from the Stonewall Inn and around the corner from Mother Courage—the country’s first feminist restaurant. Named for Jonathan Livingston Seagull because freedom, flight, and outsider beauty have always been the point.
The Place
Located in a sunlit loft on West 4th, in the same yellow-brick building that once housed the Greenwich Village Theatre—where Martha Graham danced, drag shows found their first stage, and the Greenwich Village Follies were born. After three decades on West 10th, Seagull returned to its original home, now outfitted with better lighting and central AC.
Culture & Vibe
Salon director Shaun Surething and writer/musician Johanna Fateman took over in 2006 and transformed Seagull into an upstairs sanctuary in 2015 with architect Ben Warwas. The walls feature rotating works by major artists: Liz Collins, Kathe Burkhart, A.L. Steiner, Alice O’Malley, K8 Hardy, Nicole Eisenman, Nolan Hendrickson, Andrea Geyer, Juliet Jacobson, Colin Self, Laura Parnes, and Sam McKinniss—part of Seagull’s permanent collection. Clients include artists, writers, editors, musicians, performers, and other culture-makers who appreciate sharp hair and smarter conversation.
How It Works
Every service starts with a match—stylist to hair type, vibe, and maintenance level. Platinum lifers, curl queens, balayage obsessives, wig wizards, low-effort chic devotees—there’s someone at Seagull who gets it, and knows exactly what to do.