Meet Alex - Owner, stylist, and mentor

As an Arizona native, Alex is no stranger to breaking down barriers of societal norms and expectations through self expression and freedom. As a queer person growing up in a small town, Alex found themselves wanting to positively impact their community by inspiring those around them and advocating for those who couldn’t advocate themselves. This advocacy and community building truly manifested when Alex discovered a passion for the art of hair and the personal connections nurtured through their craft.

After graduating from Toni and Guy hairdressing academy in 2007 they have been serving in the industry ever since. As the owner Alex works to create an environment that meets the client’s needs and offers them a refuge from societal expectations. They believe they are in the business of personal care, wellness, and creating a safe space for anyone who sits in their chair. Alex feels there is nothing more fulfilling than creating looks to help individuals be their most authentic selves. 

Meet Van, a passionate hairstylist who transforms hair into beautiful works of art. Specializing in color and extensions, Van's mission is to make every client feel and look their absolute best. With a keen eye for detail and a deep love for creativity, he believes that great hair can elevate not just your appearance but your confidence and spirit.

Van, raised in southern Texas, and in most of the National and State Parks, has a deep love for adventure and connecting to others through understanding their culture, their loves, their friends, their foes, and most importantly: what kind of hair makes them feel like themselves. 

He began his hairstylist journey, as most do, in middle school playing with his own hair and a box of dark mahogany brunette box dye. It wasn’t until 2019 that he graduated from Toni & Guy Academy in Scottsdale AZ and began working in the industry he’d grown so curious about.
Since his graduation from cosmetology school, Van has made it his life’s goal to create as a way of life. With years of further education and countless days behind the chair at Tempe Marketplace Toni & Guy under his belt, he set out in 2024 to find a salon home where he and his clients would be welcomed and celebrated. 

Van’s specialties include blonding, vivids, dimensional reds. Check out his instagram or website to see his portfolio. 

The Salon History

Switchblade salon was established in 2005 with original owner Melinda Crick, following her passion for producing cutting edge editorial looks, being featured in local magazines, competing in hair competitions, and building a creative environment for inspiring artists Melinda forged her way through the epitome of what the hair industry had to offer at the time. After 25 years Melinda decided to hang her hat as a salon owner and stylist to follow her new passion in real estate at her new home town in Northern Arizona.

Melinda met Alex in early 2022 when the universe brought them together through a mutual friend who knew Alex was ready to take the next step in their career. Now their dream of becoming a small salon owner was becoming a reality and thus was the beginning of a beautiful mentorship and life long friendship. Alex’s mission is to uphold the legacy that Melinda created herself and is continuing the success of being a staple in the LGBTQA community here in Phoenix.