Hairstylist. Founder. Educator.
Heather Packer is a New York City-based hair stylist who has spent nearly 20 years blending the worlds of beauty, personal transformation, and social change. She draws on her eclectic experience as a stylist, educator, yoga teacher, and activist to create a mindful, compassionate space for everyone who sits in her chair.
“I’ve been religiously going to Heather for more than 10 years. Heather always knows what I’m looking for, even when I can’t articulate it – and she nails it every time. I’m so grateful I’ve been able to develop a personal relationship with Heather, too. Her calm, thoughtful demeanor puts me at ease, and I always look forward to our rich conversations.”
— Gianna Tobani
Heather’s background as a stylist includes working with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson, Keira Knightley, and Cate Blanchett; styling fashion shows in New York, Paris, and Milan; and executing editorial shoots for publications like Vogue, Italian Vogue, French Vogue, and ID. A natural educator, Heather also created the editorial hair styling curriculum for incoming and prospective stylists at Cutler Salon and led The Red Door Salon & Spa’s stylist education program at 26 locations across the U.S. She now works with Mr. Smith Hair as the Director of Education for North America.
But what makes Heather truly unique is her heart. She believes that hair is more than a service; it’s about connecting with others and giving people space to feel seen and heard.
It was through her dedicated yoga practice and teacher trainings that Heather began waking up to ways that she could be of service to others beyond hair. From 2011 to 2014, she co-led several yoga retreats to India and spearheaded fundraising for the creation of a vocational center in Rishikesh for teenagers impacted by extreme poverty.
After this experience, Heather was considering a master’s degree in social work when she realized that she could put her skills as a stylist and educator into action for social change.
“My vision was to launch a program that inspires other hairdressers across the country to volunteer and teach. The skills hairstylists use every day are universal. People around the world can learn this trade and become economically self-sufficient. Sharing our skills can make a difference.”
— Heather Packer
In 2014, Heather founded Fearless Beauty, a nonprofit that advances women who have been impacted by institutional and social injustice through cosmetology education and career mentorship. Four years later, what began as a program for teaching hair skills to young women at that vocational center in Rishikesh evolved into the only cosmetology education program for women at New York City’s Rikers Island Jail, where the injustices of our country’s criminal-legal system are impacting women more than ever before.
Now in its second year, the Fearless Beauty Rikers Island curriculum includes modules on hair cutting, hair styling, and skin care with the intention of students continuing their education and starting careers in the industry after their release. So far, one alumna who has been released has graduated from beauty school (with a scholarship from Fearless Beauty and partners) and has landed a job in the industry. Heather, her team of highly skilled beauty professionals, and the Women’s Prison Association are currently creating a community-based program for women who have already transitioned out of the system.
What People Are Saying
“I would follow Heather anywhere. I trust her completely – she understands my hair, bone structure, schedule constraints – and she always gives me a style that is chic and flattering. She encourages me to stay modern without pushing me over the edge, and she cuts with such precision that it still looks perfect as it grows out. On top of her extraordinary talent, she’s an extraordinary person whom I genuinely look forward to seeing. ”
— Amy Freeland
“Being in the entertainment industry, my appearance is an asset. I am so lucky to have found Heather years ago and I have not trusted anyone to touch my hair since. She is hands down the greatest hair dresser I’ve ever worked with. She has a gift for really listening to what you want and making it happen. She is incredibly talented at cutting and styling hair but she is also a kind and caring person which makes visiting the salon a great therapeutic escape. I have never left her chair disappointed or unhappy and in fact, I look forward to the joy and confidence her cuts give me!”
— Amanda Rose
“I've been working with Heather for seven years and I enthusiastically recommend her. I met Heather at a time where I felt I was ready to make some big changes in my life. I wondered if I cut my hair short, if I would be able to see myself in a different light. At the time, I felt that if I could see myself differently, these big life changes I needed to make, might come more easily. Having had long hair my entire life, this was as frightening as it was exciting a prospect. Heather's primary gift lies in her ability to deeply listen. As I interacted with her during that first consultation, I felt increasingly confident about my decision to cut my hair. This was because I felt truly heard by her. Of course, I am a grateful recipient of her technical expertise, but the real magic is in her gentle and sensitive approach which makes the experience of getting a haircut both empowering and calming.”