Need a new hair cut? Wait until February and you can get a free shampoo and style for Valentine’s Day at one of the best salons in Bethesda, Md. But don’t be surprised if you leave looking more like a chic Michelle Williams or sexy Halle Berry.
“My sister is head stylist at Bella Bethesda and offers her services [along with all of the other stylists] to those who donate their hair during this event,” explains Stacy Dabney Ramirez, owner of the downtown salon.
She’s talking about the annual “Cut it for a Cause” campaign, a week long event where the salon invites men, women and children to donate at least 10 inches of hair to Locks of Love, a nationwide nonprofit that makes hairpieces for children under 21 who have lost their hair due to cancer, burns or other causes.
In 2009, 67 Bethesdans enjoyed a free hair cut, blow dry and complimentary beauty makeover and donated over 800 inches of hair. Last year, 30 individuals cut off more than 300 inches.
“We had children from 5-years-old to men and women in their 50s,” Ramirez said. “It was also great to see mothers and daughters come out together to donate, as well as daughters whose mothers have survived cancer.”
Ramirez is a former elementary school teacher who also donates 10 percent of retail sales brought in during the campaign week to Locks of Love. Even stylists donate their tips. Most touching, she said, was seeing school-age children donating to help other children.
This year marks the fourth annual campaign, which will take place from Feb. 12-20. Stylists will be at the door eagerly awaiting volunteers. “When the individual arrives for their donation appointment, a Bella Bethesda stylist will discuss their new style [not just lop it all off],” Ramirez says, noting that the salon also accepts walk-ins and that color-treated hair is acceptable but bleached hair is not.
Interested? Visit Bella Bethesda’s website or call 301-718-9111 to make an appointment.
“But why come by yourself?” asks Ramirez. Invite friends and colleagues to see the New Year’s transformation by booking a group appointment.
Photos courtesy of Bella Bethesda.