Stevo Graves: Salt Lake’s Punk Hair Stylist Has Something to Say

I don’t remember exactly how I met my friend Stevo Graves. It must’ve been at a local punk show because that’s where you can find Graves on any given evening — two-stepping in time with the music and taking pictures on their film camera. Graves is a pillar of the punk scene not just in the pit, but also during their day job giving alternative and gender-free haircuts that are completely tailored to the client.

Graves began cutting hair in 2019 after discovering a love for the craft. “I think what drew me to hair [was] people,” Graves says. “My grandma thought I’d be good at it and I just felt passionate about it. I think that you always have to follow passion.” This passion led them to join the team at Satellite Salon where they cut and color hair.

“A lot of haircutting is like being a tailor. That’s kind of what I do: bespoke hair.”

Style is very important to Graves, who is frequently rocking a rattail, pointed-toe boots, flared jeans and torn band tees. While everyone has a different personal style, Graves likes to just “be real” with clients to understand what they want. “I try to ground myself and meet people at their level. A consultation should look like how you meet anyone else: ‘Hello. How are you? My name’s Stevo.’”

To cater to their clients, Graves approaches haircuts in a unique way. “I feel like a lot of haircutting is like being a tailor. That’s kind of what I do: bespoke hair. A tailor takes a suit and they mold it to your body. I mold your hair,” they say. This approach leads Graves to cut everything, from A Flock of Seagulls-esque ‘dos to chic Audrey Hepburn pixies.

Graves’ bold style choices are fully expressed in styling for photoshoots. “With styling, whatever goes. You can make somebody look like a rat or an alien if you want to. There’s no rules,” they say. Even if there were “rules” in styling, Graves would break them anyway.

“More people should just care less about capitalism and just find a good shape that you rock with.”

When I ask about sources of inspiration, Graves answers without hesitation: “Punk rock,” Graves says. “Richard Hell from The Heartbreakers. Rod Stewart has the best hair forever. Girls’ hair is old Hollywood and Brigitte Bardot. I wanna do Marilyn Monroe hair so bad.” Graves also loves mod hair, Buzzcocks and Darby Crash of Germs. (If you are ever looking for a good laugh, ask Graves about their experience meeting Pat Smear.)

Like any true anti-consumerist punk, Graves prefers to shop secondhand and hasn’t bought new clothes in years. “I think more people should just care less about capitalism and just find a good shape that you rock with. Just wear what you like,” they say.

“I [would love to see] more people thinking outside the box and move away from so much social media.”

Thrifting is important to Graves, but so is taking a step back from letting social media, influencers and trends dictate your fashion choices. “I [would love to see] more people thinking outside the box and just really move away from so much social media. Maybe try looking at an old Vogue magazine or something like that,” Graves says. So it really is that damn phone. Pick up a magazine, for Christ’s sake!

Finally, Graves leaves me with a sort of love letter to Salt Lake City. Though Utah is a hive of family vloggers, road construction and speciality sodas, SLC is special. “I want Salt Lake to feel like I care about it. I don’t know if I’ll be here forever, but while I’m here, I want it to be known that I do care about this city,” Graves says. “This is my city and I love it. I love Salt Lake.”

Check out their Instagram @stevotheartist to find more of their work or book an appointment online at satellitehairsalon.com.

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