Throughout the Breast Cancer Awareness Month of October, HairToStay (HTS), a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping cancer patients afford scalp cooling methods that can save their hair, is raising money through efforts by salons across the United States that are holding cut-a-thons for the cause. According to HTS, as many as 8% of cancer patients decline chemotherapy treatment for fear of losing their hair. Every $1,000 can change that for a cancer patient.

To hold a HairToStay Cut-a-Thon, go to the HTS website and download a Salon-a-Thon Toolkit, which includes a step-by-step guide to organizing, promoting and implementing your cut-a-thon, along with promotion templates, signage, flyers and information. After you sign up, a representative will contact you to support you individually. Other ways to help include donating a percentage of a day’s tickets from the salon, asking clients to contribute and matching clients’ donations.

Although October is a big month for cancer awareness, you can hold your cut-a-thon anytime. Revery Salon and Shavery Barber Shop in Mill Valley, California, held the first HTS Salon-a-Thon last May. “Our clients felt great about being part of this special cause, and our stylists felt great about being able to use their talents to give back in such a meaningful way,” Revery Co-owner Heather Fultz states on the HTS website. “Every cut, blowout, highlight and shave mattered. The salon-a-thon was also a great way to introduce new folks to our salon and barber shop. In the end, it was not just about creating a great look; it was also about creating a great feeling. Our staff is excited to do it again!"

Go to HairToStay.org/Salon for more information.

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