Way Cool Hair Pollution has been the place to go for 20 years in this city — a place that has rolled a salon, consignment boutique and art gallery into one hip little burrito.

The current location at 16th Street and McDowell Road has been around for three and a half years. Tad Caldwell, 42, of Phoenix has owned Way Cool Hair Pollution for about four years.

“When I took over ownership I got really crazy,” he says “But it has kind of developed over the last 20 something years.”

Really crazy means the salon is massive and loud to the eyes and ears. The walls are decorated with graffiti art, photography and vehicles. A yellow convertible is on display on the left wall — yes, an actual car. Despite Way Cool’s way cool atmosphere, Caldwell says he wants to make people aware this is one of the places in town where people can be themselves and are accepted.

“We try not to show any ego, we try to accept people for who they are,” he says.
Caldwell says the highest compliment he can get is when clients come in to get their hair done and fall asleep in the chair.

“That to me represents that they are totally relaxed,” he says, “and that’s great.”

Way Cool also participates in the art world by hosting First Sunday, bringing in art and artists for display in the cozy gallery.

The boutique portion of the salon consists of second hand clothing either kept as vintage or altered to be a little different. Different means lace, buttons and patches. Shoes, bags, barrettes and clothes can be found in the back corner.

Way Cool has cuts from $35 and to $50 Their coloring varies from $65 to $95. A wash and style costs $30 and an up-do runs at $40. Perms range from $100 to $120. They also offer dreadlock and extension services with prior consultation.

Way Cool sticks to Bumble & Bumble products. Caldwell says he likes the professionalism of the brand.
“I was getting really sick of seeing products in the grocery that we were using,” he says. “So I decided at that time to bring Bumble & Bumble in — it’s a very high-quality, professional line.”

Another attraction is dreadlock specialist Stephanie Tanquery.

“I believe I’m the only specialist in the Valley,” Tanquery says.

The action doesn’t stop with the front room. Way Cool’s back room not only plays storage space, but contains Caldwell’s metalwork and a DJ booth. The room is also the future setting for a sewing area, a dark room and T-shirt silk screening .

For more information visit hairpollution.org.

Reach the reporter at lauren.cusimano@asu.edu.