Highlights from the Hair BRA-Zaar: Beauty, Community & A Cause

Lights, camera, action! On Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, Summit Salon Academy in Tacoma rolled out the red carpet for one of our most beloved traditions: our annual Hair BRA-Zaar. With the 2025 theme, “Hair BRA-Zaar Goes Hollywood,” our students and alumni created some show-stopping looks based on movies that featured iconic hair and fashion, all while supporting a meaningful cause.

This year’s event was nothing short of a blockbuster—blending bold creativity, campus-wide collaboration, and community fundraising into one unforgettable night.

What Is the Hair BRA-Zaar?

More than just a hair show, the Hair BRA-Zaar is a powerful tradition that combines beauty and philanthropy. Each year, our students and graduates craft over-the-top hair and makeup looks built around one striking symbol: a decorated bra, highlighting the importance of breast cancer awareness.

The result? An electrifying evening filled with stunning transformations, inspiring messages, and heartfelt support for those affected by cancer.

Hollywood Glam for a Heartfelt Cause

With the 2025 theme of Hair BRA-Zaar Goes Hollywood, the event delivered all the drama and dazzle of the silver screen. Attendees watched as student teams brought legendary movie moments and iconic looks to life— movies including Grease, Alice in Wonderland, Hairspray, and The Wizard of Oz/Wicked—each look woven around a hand-decorated bra that honored the spirit of resilience.

From dramatic updos and stylized hair to full on costumes, every look told a story. But underneath the glitz was a powerful mission: to raise funds for HairToStay and the Sydney Berry Fund, organizations that help individuals afford scalp cooling treatments to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy.

Community That Shines On and Off Stage

One of the most uplifting parts of this year’s event was the genuine sense of community it fostered within our academy.

The Hair BRA-Zaar offered a rare opportunity for cross-program collaboration. Cosmetology students teamed up and were mentored by educators and esthetics students lent support. For many, it was the first time interacting with students outside their immediate program—and it sparked creative connections and lasting friendships.

A Learning Experience Like No Other

Putting together an event of this scale requires more than just technical skills—it takes teamwork, time management, communication, and professionalism. Students gained valuable real-world experience planning looks, organizing models, coordinating timing, and performing live—all while staying centered on the purpose behind the show.

At Summit Salon Academy in Tacoma, we believe beauty education should be both transformative and empowering. Events like the Hair BRA-Zaar give our future professionals a platform to express their talent while learning how they can use their craft to make a difference.

An Evening to Remember

Here’s a snapshot of this year’s highlights:

Event Date: Wednesday, June 18th, 2025
Location: Summit Salon Academy, 3702 S Fife St, Tacoma, WA
Purpose: Fundraiser benefiting HairToStay and the Sydney Berry Fund
Theme: Hair BRA-Zaar Goes Hollywood
Features: Live runway show, silent auction, refreshments, and treats

The evening began with a bustling silent auction and sweet treats as guests arrived and explored items donated by our beauty industry partners, local businesses, staff, students, alumni, and supporters. We were thrilled to have Sydney Berry, a current cancer “Thrivor”, whose fund we were supporting, and Bethany Hornthal, co-founder of HairToStay, attend the event. They both spoke to the audience about the impact of a cancer diagnosis on someone’s life and the value of a cooling cap as an alternative during treatment. Then, as the lights dimmed and the show began, the room came alive with applause, cheers, and admiration for the student-artists who put their hearts into each look.

Thank You for Supporting the Cause

Thanks to the generosity of our community, this year’s Hair BRA-Zaar raised an amazing $43,500 which gives vital funds to help those going through cancer treatment preserve their sense of self—and their hair. Each $1000 raised helps fund a cooling cap. Your presence, donations, and applause mean the world to us and to those we aim to support.

Whether you were in the audience, backstage, or cheering us on from afar, we’re incredibly grateful.

Looking Ahead

The Hair BRA-Zaar has become more than a fundraiser—it’s a cherished tradition at Summit Salon Academy in Tacoma. It reflects who we are: a family of passionate artists using our talents to uplift others.

We’re already excited for next year’s show. Until then, we’ll keep teaching, learning, growing—and giving back.

Want to stay involved?
Be sure to check out our Events Page for upcoming opportunities to support our students, our academy, and our community causes.