With the hope of spreading some Christmas in July cheer, a Somerset West hair salon will plough back into the community by gifting a group of youngsters professionally styled coifs.
Salon Élan has partnered with the welfare organisation Solidariteit Helpende Hand, which has sought the deserving beneficiaries of the ultimate pamper session.
Altogether 11 high schoolers, whom the organisation journeys with by providing after-school transport and assistance, including a safe space for homework and a meal, will be treated to a head-turning hairstyle.
What’s makes the initiative even more special is that most of these teens have never seen the inside of a hair salon or experienced the magic of a head massage, let alone the power of a hair transformation.
“After all the hardship of Covid-19 we at Salon Élan felt it was time to bring a little bit of cheer, and what better way than to celebrate with Christ,” said Rene Wagenaar, co-owner of Salon Élan.
“This inspired ‘Christmas in July’, and celebrating in winter proves to be the perfect metaphor, reminding us to brave life’s storms as the rainbow awaits on the other side!
“With this in mind, collaborating with Helpende Hand came naturally as the organisation assists families going through ‘storms’ by walking alongside good kids who need a helping hand after school.”
The first of two pamper sessions took place last Wednesday (20 July) and, according to Wagenaar, six eager teen patrons entered the salon while visibly uneasy with fear of the unknown. However, a team of wonderful salon staffers quickly put the youngsters at ease and the salon was soon filled with chatter and laughs as they braved the hairstylists’ chairs.
“I am just so happy,” said Micyla du Toit after being treated to wash, blow-dry and a trim, which left her styled to perfection and ready to take on what the rest of the day had in-store. “Today’s spoil serves as proof that people still care.”
Friend and fellow Strand High School learner Megan Badenhorst shared feeling lighter and more confident after the memorable experience.
The full-service unisex hair salon specialising in hair extensions opened its doors in Caledon Street in May 2010. The establishment was a dream come true for Wagenaar, who alongside Allyson Howes functions as part of a dynamic mother-daughter hairdressing duo. The salon boasts qualified and friendly staff, including Ilze Dickson and Mandy Cloete, whose enormous potential was nurtured shortly after joining the team.
Salon Élan offered both Dickson and Cloete a full scholarship that saw the pair completing their three-year training at Northlink College and thriving as successful hairstylists in their own right.
The team also comprises Stefan Erasmus, who joined the ranks as a “Godsend” after the Covid-19 pandemic nearly had a devastating effect on business and Wagenaar was forced to give up her chair and care for her baby boy who was diagnosed with cancer last December.
“We wish to thank our existing customers for their support and warmly welcome new patrons to our beautiful hair salon, which strives to continue giving back to our beloved community for years to come,” said Wagenaar.
- Community members wanting to share in spreading the Christmas in July joy, can contribute with valued donations of stationery or any other heart-warming goodies that can be dropped off at the salon.
- The next pamper session takes place at Salon Élan today (Wednesday 27 July).
