This month, Australian cancer charity Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) launched the Style for Cancer initiative.
The national initiative is designed to unite beauty and hair salon workers in their support of clients experiencing cancer.
What is Style for Cancer?
The goal of Style for Cancer is to empower teams with practical knowledge and resources set to guide communication during what is considered an emotionally, physically and socially-taxing experience for clients, or ‘Style Seekers’.
August 2024 marks the first time businesses can register as a Style for Cancer affiliate. Businesses that sign up join up are referred to as ‘Style Makers’.
“Style Makers who sign up to take part in Style For Cancer will be provided with materials to help them better understand the common side effects of cancer treatment,” a press release on the initiative reads. “[Style Makers will receive] advice on language to use and avoid in order to more sensitively and compassionately support their clients as they navigate diagnosis and treatment. They will also receive promotional materials for use within their business and a listing in an online directory.”
Style Seekers can then refer to this directory when seeking out businesses well suited to support them.
Style for Cancer launch event
The Style for Cancer initiative was officially launched at a media morning tea last week at Sydney’s Salon HER. LGFB General Manager, Carol Kavurma joined a panel discussion to introduce editors and interested salon owners to the program.
Makeup Artist and LGFB Event & Campaign Specialist, Cathy Tolpigin introduced the morning’s proceedings, before handing over to panel host and LGFB Ambassador, Eleanor Pendleton. Also joining the panel was Founder and Creative Director at Salon HER, Michael Kelly, and LGFB program participant who underwent cancer treatment, Jodie Strong.
“Look Good Feel Better’s programs are nothing short of transformative,” Eleanor said. “Our hair is our femininity; it forms part of our identity. Participants learn how to apply makeup, and how to fill in their brows when their hair falls out.”
“Salons are a safe space,” Michael added. “It can be a difficult thing for [beauty and hair workers] to hold space for [people undergoing treatment]. It comes down to education, communication and empathy – there are never going to be the right words.”
Jodie said LGFB changed the trajectory of her breast cancer experience. “Your hair and beauty routine are so much a part of who you are; part of your identity. I would encourage everyone to consider opening a dialogue.”
“Salons are a safe space.” – Michael Kelly, Salon HER
Getting involved
Makeup artist and Kylie’s Cosmetics founder, Kylie Eustace has already signed up. She is set to host a Makeup Look & Learn Masterclass later this month on The Gold Coast. The three-hour workshop is set to provide beauty professionals and the public with take-home tips on how to make the most of clean makeup. Kylie will cover skincare preparation, day-to-evening makeup application, and makeup for every age group, face shape, eye shape, and skin type.
The goal of Kylie’s event is to have guests “go home feeling empowered and confident”. Tickets are available at $79 each, with 100 percent of sales set to be donated to the Style for Cancer program.
“I feel it important to get involved as over the years, so many of my clients and their families have suffered from cancer, emotionally and physically. Beauty businesses love to help people feel and look lovely. To create awareness and support people going through treatment is a way we can help,” Kylie tells Professional Beauty.
Style For Cancer fundraising activities will continue to take place in participating businesses Australia-wide during the month of August, however the Style Maker directory and registration in the initiative are available year-round.
All funds raised through the Style For Cancer initiative will directly support the Look Good Feel Better program, with each $100 raised allowing one participant to benefit from the program, free-of-charge.
How to become a Style for Cancer Style Maker:
- Register your business via the Style for Cancer website. A tax-deductible donation of $89 is requested.
- Receive your Style for Cancer Starter Pack. The pack includes: strut cards, window and mirror decals, badges, a poster, and downloadable assets to share on social media.
- Access resources to guide your team in how to best support your clients.
- Let your clients know that you are a Style for Cancer-affiliated business. All bookings for the month of August will go toward supporting the campaign.
- Go live with the Style for Cancer campaign between August 1-31 2024.
Check out the Style for Cancer website for ideas on how to fundraise.
See more snaps from the Style for Cancer launch event below:
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