Wella has reimagined its annual Charity Challenge to incorporate another way to challenge salon owners and hairdressers to think about their impact on their community and planet. With the addition of a new category focusing on salon sustainability, The Wella “Supports Your Cause” Charity Challenge is now the #WellaCares Challenge.

Hairdresser’s at Heart Program Manager Fred Wu says, “We sought to elevate the impact of Wella’s Hairdressers at Heart program to yet another level with the new #WellaCares Challenge. By adding the “Salon Sustainability” category in Wella’s annual salon competition, we aim to reach more hairdressers and salon owners, and inspire them to take action towards something they’re passionate about by rewarding and recognizing the best executions in North America.”

A total of $30,000 in grants will help salons make a noticeable impact in their communities, both through charity work as well as environmental conservation efforts. One Grand Prize Winner in both categories will receive a $10,000 award; with five additional winners in each category receiving $1,000 awards.  Salon owners and hairdressers are eligible to submit entries through www.hairdressersatheart.com until March 12, 2015. The public voting period takes place March 26 – April 26, 2015. Winners will be announced in May 2015.

The #WellaCares Challenge is part of Wella’s Hairdressers at Heart program, which provides lifetime career support at four critical stages of a hairdresser’s career: student, new talent, working hairdresser and salon owner. Since 2013, Wella has awarded a total of $86,000 in grants to salons whose fundraising efforts support causes such as heart disease research, domestic abuse shelters and autism awareness.

For more information on Hairdressers at Heart initiatives and updates, please, visit www.HairdressersAtHeart.com.