The First Amendment Hair Salon Audit

 

Robert stood on the public sidewalk in front of Glamour & Grace Salon, his phone held steady as he recorded through the large glass windows. Inside, hairstylists moved skillfully around their clients, curling, trimming, and styling with precision. The hum of blow dryers and the occasional chatter of customers were muted through the glass, but their expressions and movements were clear. Some women scrolled through their phones as stylists worked, while others chatted animatedly, flipping their freshly styled hair in the mirror.

Robert adjusted his grip on his phone, making sure to capture the best angles. "Alright, guys, we’re out here exercising our First Amendment rights, making sure that public photography is respected," he murmured to his livestream audience. The chat scrolled with comments—some cheering him on, others debating whether this was pushing the boundaries of free speech.

A few women inside noticed him and shifted uncomfortably. One of the stylists, a blonde in her mid-30s, narrowed her eyes, walked to the front door, and pushed it open. "Excuse me, sir, what are you doing?" she asked, folding her arms.

"Just recording from a public sidewalk," Robert replied, keeping his phone steady. "Perfectly legal. Anything visible from public can be recorded. First Amendment."

"Yeah, but... it's weird. You’re recording women getting their hair done," she said, exasperated. "People come here to relax, not to be filmed."

Robert shrugged. "There’s no expectation of privacy in public. If you don’t want to be seen, close your blinds."

The stylist scoffed and turned back inside. A moment later, a woman in the salon pulled out her phone and made a call.

Robert smirked. "And there it is, folks. We got a Karen calling the cops."

Minutes later, the distant sound of a siren grew louder, and soon, a black-and-white patrol car pulled up to the curb. Two officers stepped out—one older, with a stocky build, and the other younger, fresh-faced, and trying too hard to look serious.

Robert turned his camera toward them. "And here come the police. Let's see if they respect our rights today."

The older officer, Sergeant Lewis, approached first. "Afternoon, sir. We got a call about someone recording through the salon windows, making the customers uncomfortable."

"Yeah, I bet you did," Robert said. "I'm on a public sidewalk, filming something visible from public view. Nothing illegal about that."

Sergeant Lewis sighed, already seeing where this was going. "Look, I get it. You have the right to record in public. But you gotta understand, people inside feel uncomfortable being filmed while they’re getting their hair done."

Robert nodded. "Feelings don’t trump rights, officer. This is a public sidewalk, and if they don’t want to be seen, they should put up curtains or blinds. Are you telling me I can’t record?"

The younger officer, who had been silent up until now, stepped in. "We’re just asking you to be reasonable."

"I am being reasonable," Robert said. "I’m not entering their business. I’m not harassing anyone. I’m simply recording from a public place, which courts have ruled is protected under the First Amendment."

Sergeant Lewis sighed again. "Alright, listen, we’re not here to violate your rights. But if this keeps escalating and they want to press harassment charges—"

"Harassment requires repeated, targeted behavior that causes distress. I’m simply standing here, filming. There’s no legal ground for that," Robert interjected.

The two officers exchanged glances. The sergeant knew Robert was right. Legally, they had no authority to make him stop.

The younger officer shifted on his feet. "Would you at least consider moving to a different location?"

Robert grinned. "Nope. I’m gonna stay right here."

Sergeant Lewis exhaled sharply. "Alright. Have a good day." He turned and walked back to the squad car, the younger officer hesitating for a moment before following.

Robert turned his camera back to himself. "And there you have it, folks. The cops knew they couldn’t do anything. First Amendment wins again."

The patrol car pulled away, and Robert continued filming, watching as the stylists inside whispered amongst themselves. Some women deliberately turned their chairs away from the window.

Robert smirked. "They don’t like it, but that’s the beauty of freedom. Stay tuned, guys—I’m gonna head over to City Hall next and see if public officials respect our rights."

With that, he continued his audit, proud of yet another victory for public photography.