Local salon raises money for breast cancer causes with colorful hair extensions
If you see someone with a shock of pink hair, it might be a fashion statement for a cause.
As a lead-in to Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Hair Razors Unisex Salon in Niskayuna is raising money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation by selling pink hair extensions.
We’ve been doing it for three years, and last year we almost hit $10,000, said Penny Williams, owner of Hair Razors Unisex Salon, which will continue the campaign through the end of October. `It is a great way to get to know the community, and people love it.`
Williams said the idea to hold a breast cancer fundraiser, came about after a couple of the salon’s clients were faced with the life-altering diagnosis.
`They didn’t know if they were going to live or if they were going to die,` said Williams, who was inspired by their struggle to make a difference.
When people donate $10 toward the cause at the salon, they will get a pink hair extension. The goal, besides raising money, is that the pink extension will lead to conservations about breast cancer, said Williams.
`We have a very hard time keeping the hair in stock,` said Williams of the campaign’s popularity.
Williams said she gets people from 8 to 80 years old wanting to get the pink hair, but she has also received some more unique requests.
`Last year somebody brought me their Yorkie and had me put one in their dog’s hair,` said Williams.
Williams said she never knows who exactly is going to come in for the fundraiser. Women battling breast cancer have come in, and if people can’t come into the salon she said they will send someone out to a business or offices. Anyone who invites them, they will come out and do it, she said.
`Each year it has been different sometimes it is heartbreaking, but they feel like they are remembering that person,` she said.
This year has already started off strong, with 10 people coming into the salon by noon of the first day of the program.
A big fundraising day for the salon is during Upper Union Street BID’s Harvest Fest on Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Williams said she also hopes to work with some local hospitals and community groups.
`It seems like it is, unfortunately, a cancer that has reach a loved one of someone. I think that is why it is such a huge phenomenon,` she said. `I am fortunate enough to say I don’t have anyone in my family that has battled breast cancer.“
