Rodrick Samuels on The Silent Work, Modern Beauty Education and Why Empathy Wins
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
by Anne Moratto
HairtoStay Helps Cancer Patients Keep their Hair During Chemotherapy
Automatic cooling caps can help patients preserve their hair during chemotherapy treatments, but insurance rarely covers the cost. HairtoStay helps salon professionals help their clients afford the treatment.
by Staff
January 16, 2019
Monique Derrington, an ICU nurse who was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, uses an automatic cooling cap to preserve her hair during chemotherapy.
3 min to read
A common concern for women about to undergo chemotherapy now has an unexpected answer.
Frequently, the first question asked by a woman diagnosed with cancer who is told she needs chemotherapy is, “Will I lose my hair?” It’s a completely valid concern, of course, because having a healthy head of hair is tied to a woman’s sense of herself and is an important part of her identity.
Salon professionals often find themselves helping women cope with the prospect of hair loss by offering chemo cuts or shaving a woman’s head. But it doesn’t have to be that way anymore. Now salon professionals can offer information about HairToStay.
HairToStay is the first and only national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping cancer patients afford scalp cooling, a process that mitigates the impact of chemotherapy on a woman’s hair. Chilling a patient’s scalp during chemo constricts blood flow, keeping chemo drugs from entering and damaging hair follicles.
HairToStay subsidizes scalp cooling, raises awareness, and offers information and support to patients considering the treatment. HairToStay has awarded 1,000 subsidies to date.
Scalp cooling has been available in Europe for more than 20 years, but only for a few years in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration approved use of an automatic scalp cooling device in 2015.
There are two forms of scalp cooling. Manual cooling, in use in the United States for about 10 years, requires that a number of cold caps, which resemble swim caps, be kept cold on dry ice and swapped out every 30 minutes during chemo. Automated scalp cooling uses a machine to monitor coolant that is continuously circulated through a cap.
HairToStay has joined forces with corporate partners, beauty product distributors and salons across the country to raise awareness and money to subsidize scalp cooling, which is rarely covered by insurance.
“Partnering with the beauty industry just seemed logical,” said Bethany Hornthal, co-founder of HairToStay, because this industry clearly understands the importance of hair to the health and well-being of women.”
Barbara Haupert, owner of Gaston’s Salon and Spa in New Braunfels, Texas, understands how important it is for women to keep their hair during cancer treatment. Her daughter, Monique Derrington, was diagnosed with stage-2 breast cancer four years ago that recurred with metastasis to her bones two years later.
“Monique is a NICU nurse and it was very important for her not to lose her hair because she didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for her,” Haupert said.
Her treatment center offered use of FDA-approved automatic cooling caps.
Because of her daughter’s experience, Haupert wanted to raise money for HairToStay. She says she didn’t do anything aggressive. An article about HairToStay was included in the salon’s newsletter and she placed a jar at the front desk.
“I’m grateful we were able to help,” she says. “As long as I can and as long as the salon is open, I will continue to raise money.”
Salons and beauty professionals can help in a variety of ways, including donating a portion of sales, posting information on mirror talkers or front desk signage, setting out collection jars or sponsoring individual clients for HairToStay subsidies.
To learn more about HairToStay or to get ideas for fundraising or educational events, visit hairtostay.org.
Originally posted on Salon Today
More Career
AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
by Anne Moratto
50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
by Anne Moratto
What Salon and Spa Professionals Need to Know About Skin Longevity
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Financial Educator Anna Manukyan Launches Masterclass for Early Career Stylists
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Heads to Austin: One-Day Beauty Business & Career Education Event for Beauty Professionals
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)
From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.
Ulta Beauty and Beauty Changes Lives Launch “The Possibilities Are Beautiful” Cosmetology Student Scholarship
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
A Path for Everyone: Great Clips Salons Offer Diverse Career Opportunities
Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Are Salon Suites Becoming Too Cheap? The Hidden Risks of Low Salon Suite Rent
Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Keratin Complex Launches KC on Tour 2026 with Tabatha Coffey
Keratin Complex is taking education on the road in 2026 with the launch of KC on Tour, a live event series featuring industry icon and salon business coach Tabatha Coffey.
by Anne Moratto
Why Soft Skills and Client Communication Matter More Than Ever in the Beauty Industry
Modern professionalism is evolving beyond hard skills. Technical training is essential but about 85 percent of job success comes from soft skills. In a world where AI and automation are increasing, human connection becomes more valuable, not less.
by Anne Moratto
Author Daniel Cubillo Drops the Blueprint for Building a Career in the Content Arena
In his new book "The Creative Mastermind," a writer and creative executive behind brands such as "Top Chef," "Fear Factor," and "Real Housewives," shares his insider knowledge for navigating today's chaotic content landscape.
What Custom Notifications Tell Us About the Personalized Future of the Salon Client Experience
Personalization is no longer just the cherry on top; it’s the whole sundae. If clients don’t feel like you designed and personalized the experience just for them, they’ll find a salon that does.
Beautiful Careers Happen Here
Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty