Looking for bright colour, bold authenticity, and a deep sense of care? That’s what you’ll find with Myles Does My Hair, also known as A Vivid Edge Salon & Spa. Located on Departure Bay Road, this queer-owned salon has become a go-to for personal transformation, gender-inclusive services, and genuine conversation. “I see myself as a beacon,” says owner and stylist Myles Straga. “If I’m not shining as bright as I can, there isn’t someone for the youth to see.”

Rooted in Expression

Self-expression, including through hairstyle, was an early passion for Myles. By Grade 10, he was already experimenting with colour and cuts. Drawn to the creativity and the way it helped people see themselves differently, Myles pursued the trade through a special program while still attending high school in Alberta. “I wanted to build a space where people could be completely themselves,” he shares. “Freedom of expression and freedom of product choice have always been at the heart of it for me.”

The name came naturally — a simple exchange between friends: “Who does your hair?” “Myles does my hair.” That phrase became a brand built on honesty, inclusivity, and great hair. Today, Myles Does My Hair is known across Vancouver Island for its vivid artistry and affirming approach.

Inclusive, Transparent, and Proudly Local

From the chair to the shampoo bowl and back, you’ll find a comfortable space that celebrates individuality. Honesty is central to how Myles works. He describes his role as part artist, part educator. “Chemicals, processes — clients should always have the full picture,” he says. “I need all the info from them, and we owe that honesty back.”

That philosophy shows up in every appointment. Myles’ most-booked services include vivid and natural colour, corrective work, and gender-inclusive cuts, all priced by hair length and product use, never by gender. “I was the first in town to adopt gender-free pricing,” he explains. “And I hope more will follow.”

He’s also particular about what products make it onto his shelves. The salon uses Milk Shake, Danger Jones, and Pulp Riot professional lines that balance science and nature for bright, healthy results. Myles uses the Vish app to measure products precisely, which keeps pricing fair and reduces waste. Transparency isn’t just a value of his; it’s built right into the way he does business.

Rebranding with Purpose

In 2024, Myles decided it was time to refresh the brand. “I rebranded for freedom — to run my business my way and be fully myself,” he says. The new look gives Myles Does My Hair the spotlight while keeping A Vivid Edge as the label for his boldest creative projects. The change reflects exactly what the salon represents: clear, confident, and unapologetically personal.

A Safe Space with Heart

For Myles, being a queer business owner in Nanaimo comes with a sense of responsibility. “It’s about offering a safe space to talk,” he says simply. That welcoming energy is felt the moment you walk through the door. Youth are welcome at the salon, and parents and guardians are always invited to join consultations. Myles takes pride in helping young people explore identity through hair for the first time. “I modelled my business after what I saw the trans community going through in other spaces,” Myles shares. “People need space to express their true selves.”

At its core, his work is about helping clients feel seen, inside and out. Many of his clients describe their vivid colour as both expression and armour, a way to be visible on their own terms. But his work is also about making clients feel heard. A listening ear is always available with Myles.

Connected to Community

Outside the salon, Myles stays actively involved in Nanaimo’s creative and queer communities. He sponsors local Celtic dancers, donates to neighbourhood events, and shows up in the Nanaimo Pride Parade every year. Education, he says, is key to connection. “Learning queer history and shared experience is how we survive, and how we grow together.”

That mix of artistry and advocacy has made Myles Does My Hair a trusted name in the community. “Honesty, integrity, inclusivity, and the freedom to be yourself — that’s the core of my work,” he says. “Tell me your budget, and I’ll design a path to your vision.”

Myles’ Nanaimo Favourites

When he’s not mixing colour or transforming someone’s look, Myles loves supporting other local businesses:

• Electric Umbrella Tattoo – bold, expressive tattoo work in an inclusive space
• Black Flag Piercing – precise, professional piercings with heart
• Funk Revival – a downtown treasure for fashion exploration, statement pieces and self-expression
• Kim Key Vegetarian – his go-to for vegetarian Chinese fare.
• Ironworks Café & Crêperie – great coffee and even better crepes
• Departure Bay Pizza – conveniently located near the shop, perfect for a quick lunch
• Duke Point, Morrell Sanctuary and Cathedral Grove – where he goes to reset in nature

A Place for Belonging

Myles Does My Hair is about more than great colour and flattering cuts; it’s about connection. It’s the moment when someone sees their reflection and feels a sense of alignment with who they are. “It’s not just gender-affirming,” Myles says. “It’s human-affirming. We’re celebrating people for who they are.” 

To book a free online or in-person consultation with Myles Does My Hair, request your service at www.mylesdoesmyhair.ca.

About the author:
Lauren Semple (she/they) is an inclusive strategist, storyteller, lover of leisure, and the voice behind the queer travel blog, Sounds Gay Let’s Go.