Spirits were high as Ypsilanti's Star Studio held its Rainbow Runway event on May 16, 2025.
The sense of community coming into the studio was electrifying.
Laughter was rich between employees and their clients, along with their models. The studio had also hired a photographer to help take pictures to post on their social media.
Moreover, the studio offered free color consultation (typically $30) for the event. There is also a special for new client haircuts going on until the end of May.
Models and employees posed with their colored hair signifying the start of celebrating pride before June. They took pictures in the store and outside, showcasing the styles done by the talented Star Studio crew.
Angel Vanas, the owner of Star Studio, was in attendance and discussed the studio's goals.
“This event is to show off the types of rainbow and queer-flag colored hair that we can do as we come into pride season," Vanas said. "Star Studio prides itself in being a safe and welcoming space for all, and that means that we serve a lot of the alphabet mafia and trans community.”
Vanas is passionate about people expressing their true selves.
“The world is on fire, and we’re not going to win by killing what we hate, but by saving what we love," Vanas said.
The best thing about the job for Vanas is seeing people finally feel like themselves after seeing their hair.
“When you spin them around, and they see themselves in the mirror," Vanas said. "They always light up, and you can see that ... finally the outside matches the inside. They feel good, they feel whole."
It does not matter if it is a 6-hour color session or a 1-hour haircut; Star Studio wants to make people feel good about themselves.
To check out Star Studio, find them on social media at starstudioypsi or visit their website.
Check out our full gallery covering the event here!
