Look Good Feel Better Australia launched their latest initiative, titled Style for Cancer, today on August 1, which dually help raise vital funds for the Look Good Feel Better program while giving service providers the opportunity to build their knowledge and position in supporting clients undergoing cancer treatments. Look Good Feel Better is a national cancer support program that has helped over 190,000 women, men and teens undergoing cancer treatment since its inception in 1990.
Hairdressers, titled Style Makers in the program, are given materials to educate them on the side effects of cancer treatments, information on the language to use and avoid to sensitively approach these interactions with affected clients, promotional materials and a listing in an online directory. This directory will be available to all relevant clients, titled Style Seekers in the program, so they can choose salons that are adequately educated and prepared to handle these topics. They will also know they’re choosing a business that’s philanthropically inclined and consciously supporting the important work of the Look Good Feel Better program.
We spoke to Look Good Feel Better volunteer and salon owner of Rubi Hair, Nikki Porter, about these humanitarian pursuits. Nikki is an editorial and backstage stylist, with experience at New York Fashion Week, as well as an on-stage educator, with credits including the Alternative Hair Show in London. Her Rubi Hair salon, which has been in business for nearly nine years, stands out for its collaborative, value-driven atmosphere, including its charitable initiatives. The team was nominated for Salon Team of the Year at the 2024 Australian Hair Industry Awards (Creative) speaking to their impact as a group.
Here, she explains how Look Good Feel Better elevates her career.
What give Rubi Hair its point of difference?
I strive to make it an easy-going and non-judgemental space, which is still professional with a great bunch of people who listen and love doing hair. We have a deceiving shop front that opens into a long open space where we work cohesively amongst each other. Sustainability and fewer ‘nasties’ is the way of the future so we’ve aligned with companies who have that same ‘why’ as me and us as a team.
Why are you embarking on the Style for Cancer program?
I already volunteer for Look Good Feel Better in Melbourne workshops and have for many years. This new initiative is obviously more related to my direct set of skills in hairdressing and, knowing way too many people who have walked the path of cancer treatment and hair loss, it saddens me that there are not as many hairdressers who feel comfortable or know some important information on how to handle these situations. Also, from the side of the client, to have a directory of some certainty in such a time of uncertainty will be a great feature.
Why is philanthropy important in your career?
I feel strongly towards things that hit close to home. I lost my mum to cancer when I was only a teenager. With stats of one in two, any little thing a small business can do to help, I’ll try and be there.
What would you say to hairdressers who want to get involved with Look Good Feel Better?
Remember to reach out if you’re interested in volunteering, they had a big drop off after all the lockdowns and need as much help as you can give. It’s a really lovely, feel good thing to do and the minimum ask is four half day sessions a year.
For more information visit www.styleforcancer.org.au
Catch up with INSTYLE and Styleicons!
- Subscribe to our bi-monthly magazine
- Check out www.styleicons.com.au
- Subscribe to our twice-weekly newsletter
- View our digital magazine
- Follow us on social media on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn