Breast Cancer Awareness – HairToStay

At Summit Salon Academy in Tacoma, we take pride in not only providing our students with comprehensive education in the business of beauty, but also offering students the opportunity to align their careers with causes that impact their communities.

During the month of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness month, we are pleased to highlight some amazing organizations that we have the privilege of working with.

This week, we are featuring HairToStay.org.

Launched in April of 2016, HairToStay is known for being “the first and only national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping cancer patients afford scalp cooling, a treatment that can dramatically reduce chemotherapy induced hair loss.” HairToStay was born from the recognition that a treatment so important to cancer patients shouldn’t be available only to those with significant financial resources.

HairToStay is proud to bring awareness not just during Breast Cancer Awareness month, but year-round and daily. Sydney Berry, Owner & CEO of Salon Services describes daily awareness as “Daily in our care of our body and personal wellness. Focus on knowing your body and requiring attention if you recognize a change. Constant communication with your doctor when you find something, say something.”

In addition to offering scholarships and subsidies for scalp cooling treatments, HairToStay helps raise awareness, offers information and support to patients considering the use of scalp cooling to keep their hair during chemotherapy.

8-12% of cancer patients refuse recommended chemo for fear of losing their hair

After receiving news that treatment includes chemotherapy, many patients’ first call is to their stylist. HairToStay provides information to many salons and stylists to educate their clients about alternatives to the “clipper cut” or complete hair loss during treatment – Scalp Cooling treatment can significantly reduce hair loss during chemotherapy.

Working with salons and stylists throughout the country, the HairToStay 1000 Club helps 1,000 women and men avoid the devastation of hair loss and heartbreaking experience of a ‘chemo cut’. Through their efforts, they have raised over $1,000,000 and awarded subsidies to over 600 patients nationally.

To learn more about HairToStay, or to donate to our efforts, please visit our website and donation page.