Poznań’s Most Alternative Salon Is Still Raising Hair (Literally
When we last dropped by YOZ Salon Alternatywy, we called it hair with an attitude. Now, it’s a full-blown movement — part haircut, part art piece, part late-night techno afterparty. We caught up again with Julia, the queen hedgehog herself, to talk chaos, curls, and cutting through the mainstream one freaky fringe at a time.
“YOZ” — still the wildest name in the game
PD: So Julia, let’s start with the obvious — YOZ still sounds like something you’d name your pet punk band. Where’d it come from again?
Julia: Haha, it’s still my favorite story. I was on a summer camp, came out of the pool with my hair spiking in every direction, and someone yelled “You look like a hedgehog!” YOZ is Ukrainian for hedgehog. It just stuck. Like hair gel from the 90s.
From one chair to a full-blown culture
PD: When you opened in 2024, did you ever imagine becoming Poznań’s alternative HQ this fast?
Julia: Honestly, no. I just wanted a place that didn’t smell like hairspray and sadness. But turns out, people were craving something different — raw, artistic, chaotic. We didn’t just open a salon… we opened a vibe.
Hair as a personality test
PD: You’re known for reading people before you even start cutting. What’s your secret?
Julia: It’s all about proportion and energy. I can look at someone and know what shape fits their head — and their soul. Hair isn’t just about looks. It’s about identity. Some people come in wanting to look cool. Others come to reinvent themselves. That’s when it gets fun.
What’s the YOZ soundtrack?
Julia: Depends on the time of day. Morning? Soft ambient. Afternoon? Techno. Evening? Chaos. We’ve got scissors, beats, and caffeine — what could go wrong?
The YOZ Cut — attitude in layers
PD: It’s too late for me, but is there such thing as a “YOZ haircut”?
Julia: Totally. We do these hair patterns — textures, shapes, movements that make people look twice. It’s not about being weird for the sake of weird. It’s about saying something. Hair can be political. Emotional. Rebellious. Sometimes all three at once.
Trends & comebacks
PD: So what’s hot right now?
Julia: The messy jellyfish. It’s chaos with purpose. And what should come back? Mohawks and perms. Like, why did we ever stop partying like it’s 1984?
The wild requests
PD: Craziest request so far?
Julia: Oh, people get creative. I’ve had someone ask for a haircut that looks like “controlled lightning.” Another wanted their hair to spell “NO RULES.” I didn’t say no… but I warned them their grandma might faint.
The hiring policy
PD: How do you pick your team?
Julia: Motivation. Artistry. Talent. And sex appeal. If they’ve got all four, they’re in.
PD: What if they were the best hairdresser in the world but smelled… awful?
Julia: Haha, sorry — no deal. There’s only so much alternative I can handle.
The clients
PD: Who’s more adventurous — men or women?
Julia: Women, hands down. They’ll risk everything for a look. Men still ask, “Just trim a bit?” Bro, live a little.
PD: Do clients ever say “Do whatever you want”?
Julia: Oh yeah — we love those. That’s when the scissors start dancing.
PD: Who’s your oldest alt client?
Julia: Around 70! Age doesn’t matter — attitude does.
Quickfire round
PD: If YOZ was a drink?
Julia: Gin & tonic with chili flakes — clean, sharp, and slightly dangerous.
PD: Are the best hairdressers gay?
Julia: Haha, that’s a stereotype. Talent doesn’t care who you love.
The golden hour
PD: What’s the best time to get a YOZ haircut?
Julia: Definitely evening. Never before 12:00 — my creativity doesn’t clock in early.
Hair, Hedonism & Hedgehogs
YOZ isn’t just a salon — it’s where art and hair collide under strobe lights. You walk in one person, you walk out feeling like you just joined a band.
So if you see someone walking through Jeżyce with a lightning bolt shaved into their undercut — now you know where they got it.
YOZ Salon Alternatywy — where rebellion has a mirror, and scissors have a soul.
Święty Marcin 45, Poznań
@yoz.salon.alternatywy on Instagram — prepare your hair, and maybe your therapist.
