There’s no denying that the salon industry took a major hit as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. With the pandemic showing no signs of slowing down, it’s so important that we continue to support hairdressers and the clients that they serve — now more than ever. As part of their three newly launched initiatives, Wella Company’s Hairdressers at Heart hopes to do just that.
The powerful initiatives, which kick off this month, aim to improve the lives of salon professionals and their clients through scholarships, childcare services, and fundraising. According to Carole Protat, Senior Director of Brand Education at Wella, the next three months will be critical to hairdressers as well as their clients and in an effort to support the salon community, Wella has teamed up with three organizations that are filling major gaps in the industry.
“Starting today, we are excited to open applications for Fabio ICAN Scholarships, where we will award six salon professionals across the US and Canada with $1,000 scholarships to continue their education,” said Protat.
Created in memory of the late Fabio Sementilli, a Wella educator and mentor, the Fabio ICAN Scholarship was designed to allow stylists the opportunity to advance their careers. To be considered for the scholarships, salon professionals must fill out a questionnaire on the Hairdressers at Heart website, which will be available on a rolling basis from now until June 1, 2021. Two winners will be announced each quarter (on December 15th, March 15th, and the last 2 on June 15th) on the @WellaEducation Instagram account.
In addition, Hairdressers at Heart will be supporting Pretty Ponytails, a community-based organization that offers haircare kits to at-risk and underserved young girls. Along with providing a $5,000 donation, two Wella brands—Wella Professionals and Sebastian Professional— will both be donating products to fulfill 500 haircare kits.
For Pretty Ponytails, donations are crucial in helping the organization supply kits to the community, according to founder Glenisha Thomas.
“At Pretty Ponytails, we believe that when girls feel good about themselves, they will perform better in school and social settings. We strive to help them succeed and excel academically, socially, and in the future,” she said. “We are so appreciative of this donation from Hairdressers at Heart, as we know these kits will have a meaningful impact on our girls.”
Lastly, as part of their continued fight against human trafficking, Hairdressers at Heart will donate $10,000 to Polaris Project, during National Slavery and Human Trafficking Month in January. This will be Wella’s second time in row donating to the nonprofit organization.
“Salons are a common venue for trafficking victims to pass through,” said Protat. “As hair and nail professionals, it’s our job to do everything we can to recognize the signs and help in the effort to shut down human trafficking.”
To learn more about Hairdressers at Heart, please visit beautyenvisionawards.com/hairdressers-at-heart.
