It’s your mom, your sister, your long-time best friend. Every day thousands of stylists are there for their clients diagnosed with cancer, listening to them, and hearing of their pain as they embark on their fight. But it can be hard. You can often feel helpless in the face of your client’s battle, especially when the worry about their hair is stronger than their fear of cancer. Various studies have shown that 8% of women diagnosed with cancer will actually refuse chemotherapy treatment due to the risk of hair loss.
Be the voice of hope
For some people, advice about hair loss and wigs is not the answer they want. They want to know how to avoid hair thinning or texture changing, all of which can happen with chemotherapy. And now they can, though access and affordability can be barriers to use. This is why Vish is marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October by partnering with HairToStay. Its aim is to help fund the innovative scalp cooling treatment for those who need it, regardless of income, and we want you to shout about it from behind your chair.
Technology can help
Scalp cooling is a groundbreaking treatment that can actively prevent hair loss caused by chemotherapy. Cooling the scalp using a cold cap immediately before, during, and after chemo helps restricts blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles, limiting the impact of the drugs and protecting the hair. Scalp cooling is gaining credibility nationwide. There are now nearly 700 hospitals investing in the necessary technology. Awareness and affordability remain challenges, and insurance coverage is still the exception rather than the rule which is why HairToStay was formed. The non-profit organization offers subsidies to low-income individuals so they can afford the option of scalp cooling and saving their hair during chemotherapy treatments.
The horror of hair loss for many has been reduced by HairToStay since its launch in 2016. It has raised approximately $4 million thus far, allowing it to subsidize around 25 applicants a week. Scalp cooling results can vary between recipients but more than 87% would recommend it.
Amplifying awareness
Not only will Vish be fundraising for HairToStay, but we want YOU to join the conversation.
Vish is asking the community to share your favorite hair story. Whether it’s about your own hair transformation or one you’ve helped someone else achieve – share your #hairstory on social media and tag @vishsalons to be featured.
“Hairstylists are first responders. They are often one of the first people to hear from their clients about a cancer diagnosis. When told they are having chemo and will lose their hair, they come to their stylist or salon seeking what is known in the industry as a chemo cut. When a stylist is able to inform the client in their chair that there may be an option to avoid losing their hair, it is incredibly empowering for the stylist and incredibly comforting to the individual facing cancer treatment, restoring a sense of control, normalcy, and well-being. By arming stylists, salons, and the beauty industry as a whole with knowledge about scalp cooling, we can significantly increase the awareness that such an important option exists.”
-Bethany Hornthal, Co-Founder of HairToStay
Pink and proud
What’s more? The Vish team is going PINK for HairToStay. At the end of the month, CIO, Tim Howard or CEO, Joshua Howard will dye their hair pink to show their support for the cause. Tune in to @vishsalons on November 1st where we’ll announce the total amount raised for HairToStay and who will be receiving this exciting color transformation!
Who would look perfect in pink: Josh or Tim? Vote here and donate today.
