The Fade Out program, named for the popular haircut, is part of the St. Louis Health Department’s effort to reduce the city’s notoriously high STD rates. Public health workers started recruiting barbers and stylists two years ago based on a similar program in Dallas. The salons primarily serve African-American neighborhoods, which have disproportionate rates of STDs.
Hair salons are known for being conversation hubs, with the styling chair serving as an informal version of the psychiatrist’s couch. The close rapport between stylists and clients in a relaxed atmosphere fits well for conversations about safe sex behaviors, stylists said.