Hairdressers at Heart is rolling out three new initiatives. These new initiatives, beginning in November, are designed to improve the lives of professionals in the industry and their clients through scholarships, childcare services and fundraising.
Hairdressers at Heart is a community founded by the Wella Company’s commitment to support and celebrate hairdressers at every stage of their career. The Wella Company is comprised of Wella Professionals, Clairol Professional, Sebastian Professional, Wella Colorcharm, Nioxin, OPI and ghd.
“We’ve selected three organizations that are filling major gaps in the industry,” says Carole Protat, senior director of brand education at the Wella Company. “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.”
The Fabio ICAN Scholarships were created in tribute to the late Fabio Sementilli, Wella educator and mentor to many in the hairdressing profession. Salon professionals can enter on a rolling basis now through June 1, 2021. Two winners will be announced each quarter: December 15, March 15 and the last 2 on June 15, on the @WellaEducation Instagram page.
Hairdressers at Heart is pleased to support Pretty Ponytails, a community-based organization in Charlotte, North Carolina, that offers hair care kits to at-risk and underserved girls ages 1-18 years old, with a $5,000 donation. Wella Professionals and Sebastian Professional are also donating products to fulfill 500 haircare kits.
According to Pretty Ponytails founder Glenisha Thomas, the organization relies on donations to provide kits to their community. “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,” says Thomas. “We are so appreciative of this donation from Hairdressers at Heart, as we know these kits will have a meaningful impact on our girls.”
For National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January, Hairdressers at Heart will continue fighting against human trafficking with a $10,000 donation to the Polaris Project (for the second year in a row). “Salons are a common venue for trafficking victims to pass through,” says Protat. “As beauty professionals, it’s our job to do everything we can to recognize the signs and help in the effort to shut down human trafficking.”
