About Joi

150 Shoreline HwyMill Valley, CA 94941US

Hair therapy

Joi Gayles

life long love affair with hair

I have had a lifelong love affair with hair and have been passionate about the links between hair, health and nature.

My experiences include many facets of the beauty industry (a salon owner, master stylist, educator, platform artist and a natural healer by nature.

From the beginning, I was fascinated with the chemistry of hair products. Through the years, I studied chemicals used in hair care, aromatherapy and herbs. Each head of hair and scalp has its own characteristics and nuances that need to be approached accordingly.

During my years of practice with a multicultural clientele my holistic concept developed with the understanding that ~

• Hair goes through changes during a lifetime

• When you accept the characteristics of your hair, and 'make peace with what you have', a balance can come about

• When you address the whole body with a healthful attitude, your hair shows off your efforts.

Natural remedies for hair and scalp based on Herbal Infusions and Aromatherapy are the foundation of my practice.

I enjoy bringing a fresh perspective to hair care,

'simple, natural and multicultural'

using a delicate balance of beauty, nature and science

I create unique experiences for each Hair Therapy session.

the journey

My journey through the world of beauty has had many stops, and taken me several places around the globe -gathering experience, education and appreciation for cultural differences.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but lives within each of us".

I started my career at Lytle's Redwood Empire Beauty college in 1983, where I was fortunate to study wtih Ed and Kathy Lytle. During my education I was allowed to learn, explore, question and grow as much as I could. I then went on to get my cosmetology instructor's license and taught at the beauty college for many years.

From there I became an educator & platform artist for KMS. I traveled the states teaching my peers hair color and styling techniques. In 1988 myself and 2 partners started Sausalito Signatures, Soon after, I was sole owner where for the next 26 years I created a community that was multicultural and focused on education, health, beauty and fun.

Entertaining provided a way of promotion and uniting people. Signatures became known within the community as a place where hair, fashion shows, great live music and local artists met. Teaching provided opportunities for me to experience different learning styles and methods of communicating, which has enhanced my relationships with clients.

From there Studio Joi was born and now resides in Mill Valley, CA combining the experiences and knowledge focusing on Hair Therapy.

“Where Hair, Healing, and Nature Meet.” A union of artistry

Our Services

Studio Joi and Earth2Tonics grew from one simple belief: caring for yourself should feel natural, intuitive, and deeply nourishing. What started as a hair studio grounded in multicultural Hair Therapy expanded into a full wellness line designed to support the body inside and out.

At Studio Joi, hair is more than appearance—it's a living part of your story. Joi works with every texture, curl pattern, and condition, honoring the natural rhythm of each client. Her approach blends decades of technical skill with a holistic understanding of the scalp, hair, and nervous system. Clients often say she “talks to their hair,” and it’s true—she listens, responds, and restores. Whether you're preparing for a life transition, protecting your hair during recovery, or simply ready for a new chapter, the studio offers a grounded space to reset and transform.

Earth2Tonics extends this care beyond the chair. Joi’s plant-based collection—herbal hair teas, oils, clays, natural henna, aromatherapy, OG Fire Cider, and wellness tonics—is slow-crafted with organic ingredients and intention. Each formula supports the whole person, encouraging balance, vitality, and a deeper sense of well-being.