Renee Vallender, owner of The Straightening Salon in Sydney, Brisbane and The Gold Coast, cut off 50 centimetres of her own hair as part of the World’s Greatest Shave on May 19, which is conducted nationally to support the Leukaemia Foundation. Cutting her hair at the The Straightening Salon’s flagship location in Kirra Beach, Gold Coast, the endeavour spoke to the salon brand’s guiding ethos of reducing waste, giving back and prioritising community.
“As someone who helps women feel confident through their hair every day, I know the impact hair can have on your self-esteem,” Renee said. “Losing your hair during cancer treatment is heartbreaking, especially for young kids. Donating my ponytail is a small but meaningful way I can help children who have lost their hair reclaim a little of that confidence during an incredibly tough time.”
“Hair has always been such a big part of my identity, and my career, but this is about something so much bigger. Hair has power, and it can absolutely change lives. I’m just really proud to be a part of that,” she added.
The initiative speaks to the salon’s role and values as a member of Sustainable Salons. Renee grew her hair over the past year in order to donate it to be turned into high-quality wigs for children affected by cancer and alopecia areata. The initiative also raised vital awareness and funds for the cause.
The World’s Greatest Shave is in its 27th year and funds both research and care to help the 150,000 Australians currently living with blood cancer, in the hope of achieving zero preventable deaths from blood cancer by 2035. 55 Australians are diagnosed with blood cancer every day and these philanthropic initiatives are vital in aiding this important fight.
For more information visit www.thestraighteningsalon.com.au
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