The Art & Ritual of Haircutting

By Ruth Woods @ Âme Salon in Portland, OR

Specializing in a neuro-affirming haircare and discovering what your hair does best.

Important Note About Sensory Accommodations

Due to changes in the salon environment, I’m not currently able to offer neuro-affirming services for clients with moderate to significant auditory sensitivity, as the space may be busier and louder during my working hours.

Âme Salon remains a nurturing, low-toxic, and sustainability-focused space. My work and website continue to reflect my commitment to neuro-affirming haircare and sensory-considerate practices, though the current environment may not meet all sensory needs at this time.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions — I’m always happy to help determine whether this is the right fit for you right now.

Book Appointment

A client smiling while Ruth shows off their new hair.

Neuro-Affirming Hair Care

Âme Salon acknowledges how neurodivergence and sensory sensitivities can influence the salon experience. For some, being in a salon can feel overwhelming. I offer a low-toxic environment, a personalized client experience, and accommodate sensory needs whenever possible.

Sensory Sensitivity Intake Form

This form helps me better understand your needs and tailor your salon experience. At this time, my ability to accommodate moderate to significant auditory sensitivities is limited. If you’d like to be added to a waitlist for future appointments when a quieter environment may be available, please complete the form and I’ll be in touch.

Fill Out The Form

Testimonials

Margo

“Ruth speaks hair. She intuitively cuts my curly waves so that they cooperate together for the easiest and best everyday styles!...I leave with a new understanding of how to better tend to my hair. She is VERY considerate of others’ needs. She also caters to any personal requests such as quiet cuts so that you can have a relaxing experience...”

Azur

“Ruth is one of the most talented stylist I’ve met. They are meticulous, attentive, creative, considerate, curious, and kind...Ruth is extra unique in that they slow down and take the time to get to know your sensory needs and strive to integrate this into each step of the styling process...”

Megan

"The best part about a haircut from Ruth is her kind attention. She is so thoughtful about the process, taking time to consider all ideas and reassesses often. Every appointment feels like a self-care, time out for me. I love that she values continuing education and is always adding to her skills. She takes into account the time I have to manage my hair each day and tailors the cut to my needs. A small part of me wants to keep this absolute gem hidden, but she, and the manes of Portland, deserve all the haircuts! Ruth is the best, I highly recommend her!"

Kristen

“I am so glad I found Ruth; she took me from shoulder-length hair to a pixie cut, and it was a great experience overall. She is very gentle and skillful, and my curly hair greatly benefited from her care and tips. I highly recommend her, especially if you have curly hair!...”

Learn more about…

Services

Please note: I specialize in haircutting and do not offer color services.

At this time, I am not able to accommodate new children and teens appointments.
90min to 2hrs
Please arrive with freshly washed (same day or before) hair down.
I’ll need it to be dry, detangled, and naturally curly with no pins, clips, or rubber bands so I can see your natural curl pattern.
New clients will receive a styling and drying lesson at their first appointment.
75min to 90min
This service is for clients with slightly wavy to straight hair that do not try to wear their hair curly.
2hrs
This service is for people wanting a significant change.
Examples of a significant change are going from longer hair to a pixie cut or adding in a lot of layers to unlayered hair.
We talk about the details of styling, maintenance, and set clear expectations for your new hairstyle.
If you are uncertain if your haircut fits into this category, please email me with a description of your current hairstyle and the type of change you are looking for.
1hr
Clippers are used on sides and back. This is a tight, short haircut.
90min
Non-toxic, plant based keratin treatment that rebuilds and restores damaged hair, fights frizz, and adds shine.
This treatment uses infrared light and a rebuilding serum to add moisture and protein.
For optimal results, it is recommended to use in a series of 2-5 treatments.
75min
Treatment options include: Purifying (dry or oily dandruff), Sebum Rebalancing, Soothing, and Hair-loss.
To achieve strong, healthy hair, we must tend to where it grows — the scalp.
When the scalp environment is imbalanced, issues such as hair loss, dandruff and dermatitis can cause unnecessary physical and mental stress.
Please consult with me prior to booking to discuss a course of treatment.

Products

I’m committed to non toxic products, clean air salon, & sustainable choices.

Minimal ingredients, my go-to for the “no product” client.
Biodynamically farmed ingredients, refillable shampoos & conditioners.
Great for EVERY curl type, clean chemistry, refillable, affordable.

Ruth in the salon doorway, surrounded by shelves of products.

Hi, I’m Ruth!

Nothing makes me happier than helping you feel at ease while creating beautiful hair.

With education in mental health and sensory processing, I offer you neuro-affirming haircare. My signature style is "lived-in precision" and I love detail work, pixie cuts, and curly hair.

More About Ruth