A hairdresser’s job extends far beyond a cut and color. They’re also therapists, trusted experts and advisers. So when a guest is faced with hair loss due to chemotherapy, stylists help navigate the options, including using scalp cooling technology.

While hair loss can be a traumatic side effect of chemotherapy, it can be avoided. Cold capping, or scalp cooling, can help preserve hair, and a patient’s self esteem during an emotional, difficult time. While it’s a simple intervention that can make a profound difference, it’s not affordable for every patient.

A woman smiles while wearing a cooling cap, as another person offers support by adjusting the straps in a clinical setting—providing comfort for cancer patients. - Intercoiffure Canada America

HairtoStay and ICA

HairToStay, a nonprofit organization, was founded to help cancer patients afford cold capping with special grants.

“HairToStay gives people their dignity during a difficult time,” says Scott Buchanan, Intercoiffure America Canada president. “It allows people going through treatment to look in the mirror and still see themselves, even while their world is spinning.”

A collage of a woman outdoors by water and inside an ICA Salon, undergoing hair treatment and posing with stylists. Text in the center reads "Hair We go!"—celebrating Cancer Patients Support and beauty beyond boundaries. - Intercoiffure Canada America

Buchanan has served on the board of HairToStay since 2018, and fundraised for the organization in his own salons for years. Now, he’s strengthening and evolving HairToStay’s relationship with ICA salons, most recently inviting HairToStay to speak at Fall Atelier.

“I want HairToStay to be at the center of our philanthropy at ICA,” Buchanan says. 

How You Can Fundraise for HairtoStay

A collage shows a woman during cancer treatment, including wearing a wig cap from ICA Salons, hospital visits, and socks that say "CANCER" with a middle finger image, surrounded by friends and Cancer Patients Support in medical settings. - Intercoiffure Canada America

Five years ago, HairToStay rolled out the HairToStay 1000 Club for salons. Unfortunately, the roll out happened at the beginning of the pandemic—a rough start.

“We’re building the 1000 Club back up now,” says Noah Warren, development director at HairToStay. “The goal is to have 1,000 salons raise $1,000 each in order to help 1,000 more patients.”

Warren adds, “It’s an easy, sticky thing for salons to fundraise around with a tangible outcome, as it’s essentially sponsoring a patient.”

HairToStay works with individual salons to see which fundraising option makes the most sense, providing a toolkit for smooth and easy execution.

“We also have a platform to create a fundraising page, but some salons prefer to give a percentage of retail sales or even just write us a check,” Warren says.

Person wearing a striped sweater, cooling cap, and mask sits in a medical setting, giving a peace sign—a moment of strength shared by many cancer patients. Medical equipment and monitors are visible in the background. - Intercoiffure Canada America

Michaella Williams, owner of seven Salon 718 locations, is doing a targeted fundraiser for HairToStay in Brooklyn, to support her salon community. Her goal is to raise $20k, so patients in the Brooklyn area will benefit.

“Targeted funds can be started by any donor interested in specific medical facilities, or even target a state,” says Bethany Hornthall, co-founder of HairToStay.

Buchanan adds, “Salons across America can unite to spread HairToStay’s message, subsidize care, and offer hope. This is more than charity, it’s our calling. It’s what the heart of a hairdresser does.”

Interested in raising funds for HairToStay? Click here to learn more.