Duluth hair salons support breast cancer survivors

With Breast Cancer Awareness Month beginning on Monday, two local hair salons are looking to improve the morale of local women affected by the disease.

A disease that used to affect one of 20 women, now affects one of eight, and women in the Northland are no exception, which is why local hair salon owners are doing their part to give those around them a little hope.

This fall is the second year Amy Olson and her stylists at E’Clips on the Lake are working to raise money for a local woman battling breast

cancer.

“Around this time last year, one stylist’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Olson explained. “Once she found out she’d have to go through chemotherapy and would most likely lose her hair, I decided we had to do something for her.”

It was then Olson and her stylists decided to promote pink hair extensions, and all the money raised would go to the woman to buy her a wig. “Doing pink extensions was a no-brainer,” Olson said. “They catch people’s eye and can make a statement.”

This year, Olson will be donating the money raised from the hair extensions to a nominated woman who needs help right now. “I hope to bring them self-esteem and happiness in a time where they may feel rundown and helpless. Every woman deserves to feel pampered, cared for and, of course, beautiful.”

Although Olson is not sure what the future holds for her salon in terms of raising money for those with breast cancer and raising awareness, she does hope to make this an annual-type event.

Also this October, Carrie Simonson, owner of Avenue 45, is working with other businesses in Lakeside to honor one breast cancer survivor with a makeover and day of pampering.

“Each of us at Avenue 45 has had a family member, friend or client whose life has been changed by breast cancer,” Simonson said. Herself a “survivor of cancer, although of a different form, I am always looking for ways to honor others as they go through their fight.”

Simonson and the staff at Avenue 45 are accepting nominations for the survivor makeover through Oct. 15, with the winner being announced on Oct. 16. Nominations can be made on the salon’s Facebook page or via regular mail.

The winner of Avenue 45’s day of pampering will receive a cut, color, style, manicure and pedicure, along with a gift certificate to Vina Boutique and lunch from Casa Latte.

“We hope the winner will first, and most importantly, know that she is an inspiration to others and she is never alone, as this is every woman’s fight,” Simonson said. “They deserve to be pampered and have a full day of beauty.”

As Simonson reminded, this event is really to help find hope during one of life’s toughest moments.

“I hope that people will take the time to share stories with us,” she said. “This isn’t just about winning, it’s about others finding hope and strength through the survival stories of these brave women.”

Tags: budge business, budge news, business, budgeteer, community, health, downtown, lakeside, fashion