blog entry

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

At Columbia College on Monday, a year of work culminates…not with final exams or graduation…but with haircuts for everyone.

Students organized Project Hair Care to support women undergoing cancer treatment. After growing their hair our for two semesters, they are snipping their ponytails at last, to make wigs for cancer patients.

You’re welcome to watch the cut-a-thon or to join them and give up your hair for the cause.  Hair of all types is needed—but—your ponytail must be at least 8 inches and your hair cannot be bleached, permanently colored or chemically treated. And it must be less than 5 percent gray.  And, oh yeah, clean.  (Amazing, really, that they can find hair for this project.)  

The Columbia College Honors program promises popcorn, drinks, a used book sale, and an art exhibit of works inspired by hair. 

Beth Hickey (photo at left) is a national beauty industry adviser, licensed cosmetologist, entrepreneur and occasional Oprah guest. She will be speaking at 6pm about her experiences working in an industry that’s dominated by women and in which small women-owned businesses play a big role.

  It’s all free and open to the public.  Details are at www.projecthaircare.com along with a freaky hair gallery  (example at right).

Here’s more information from Pantene on how to grow your hair long and prepare it for donation, if that’s something you’ve ever thought about doing.  The actress Hilary Swank is spokesperson for their million-inch project and talks about growing her hair for donation.