November 27, 2024
From Cuts to Cold Rinses: How Summit Salon Academy Tacoma Supports HairToStay
At Summit Salon Academy in Tacoma, we believe in using our platform to teach more than just beauty skills. We aim to make a difference in the lives of our clients and community. We’re thrilled to partner with HairToStay, a nonprofit that helps cancer patients keep their hair during chemotherapy. Through scalp-cooling technology and fundraising campaigns like the Cold Rinse Challenge, we’re joining the fight to help patients maintain their sense of self during a challenging time.
What Is Scalp Cooling?
Scalp cooling is an FDA-cleared treatment designed to minimize hair loss during chemotherapy. For many cancer patients, hair loss can be an emotionally devastating side effect. By reducing hair loss, scalp cooling helps patients retain their sense of identity, privacy, and normalcy during a challenging time.
How Does Scalp Cooling Work?
The process involves wearing a cold cap during chemotherapy treatments. These caps cool the scalp by about 30 degrees, reducing hair loss in two critical ways:
- Reduced Blood Flow: Cooling causes blood vessels in the scalp to constrict, limiting the amount of chemotherapy drugs reaching hair follicles.
- Slowed Cell Activity: Cooler temperatures slow the metabolism of hair follicle cells, making them less vulnerable to the effects of chemotherapy, which targets rapidly dividing cells.
The Role of HairToStay
While scalp cooling is a game-changer for many, its cost—ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 per chemotherapy cycle—makes it inaccessible to some. That’s where HairToStay steps in.
What HairToStay Does
HairToStay is the only national nonprofit dedicated to providing financial assistance for scalp cooling. Since its inception in 2016, the organization has awarded subsidies to over 6,100 patients across all 50 states, ensuring that low-income individuals can access this life-changing treatment.
Patients who qualify can apply directly through the HairToStay website, with approvals often processed within 24 hours of receiving a completed application.
How HairToStay and Beauty Professionals Work Together
HairToStay collaborates with salons, stylists, and beauty brands to raise funds and awareness. These partnerships highlight the deep connection between the beauty industry and supporting cancer patients through this journey.
Notable Contributions:
- We raised $32,000 for HTS through our Hair BRA-Zaar event this past June.
- Beauty professionals fundraise through events, raffles, and sales campaigns as part of the HairToStay 1000 Club initiative.
At Summit Salon Academy in Tacoma, we’re honored to join this mission, educating our students on the role they can play in advocating for their clients well being.
Introducing the Cold Rinse Challenge
This year, HairToStay launched the Cold Rinse Challenge, a national social media campaign raising awareness and funds for scalp cooling. Symbolizing the cooling sensation of the treatment, the challenge invites participants to take a cold rinse—whether in a sink, shower, pool, or lake—and then challenge three friends to do the same.
How to Participate:
- Take the Plunge: Record yourself rinsing your hair with cold water in a fun and creative way.
- Challenge Others: In your video, say:
“I’m [Your Name], and I’m taking HairToStay’s Cold Rinse Challenge to help cancer patients keep their hair during chemo. I challenge [Name Three Friends] to take the challenge and donate at HairToStay.org!” - Post and Tag: Share your video on social media, tagging HairToStay and using #HairToStay.
- Donate: Visit HairToStay.org to contribute.
How Summit Salon Academy in Tacoma Is Supporting HairToStay
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we brought the Cold Rinse Challenge into the salon!
In-Salon Cold Rinse
We invited our guests to end their hair service with a cold rinse. This symbolic act raises awareness while supporting HairToStay’s mission.
- How It Works: Guests can participate by filming their cold rinse experience and making a donation.
- Spread the Word: Tag your social media posts with #HairToStay and encourage others to get involved.
Fundraising Efforts
Beyond the Cold Rinse Challenge, we’re hosting fundraising events, raffles, and other initiatives throughout the year to contribute to HairToStay’s impactful work.
Why This Partnership Matters
As stylists, we’re often among the first to hear about a client’s cancer diagnosis. For many, the decision to shave their head before starting chemotherapy is deeply emotional. With scalp cooling, there’s another option—one that allows patients to retain their hair and a sense of normalcy.
By partnering with HairToStay, we’re not just styling hair; we’re helping clients maintain their confidence and identity during a difficult time.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether you’re a stylist, a salon guest, or simply someone who cares, there are many ways to support HairToStay’s mission:
- Participate in the Cold Rinse Challenge: Take the plunge and spread the word.
- Make a Donation: Visit HairToStay.org to contribute directly.
- Share the Cause: Tell your friends and family about scalp cooling and HairToStay’s work.
At Summit Salon Academy in Tacoma, we believe in the power of community to create meaningful change. Together, we can help more patients keep their hair and their dignity during chemotherapy.
Ready to make a splash for a great cause? Visit us this October to take the Cold Rinse Challenge and show your support for HairToStay. Let’s make a difference—one cold rinse at a time.
For more information about HairToStay and the Cold Rinse Challenge, visit HairToStay.org.
