Stylists at Afterglow Hair Lounge have set a specific day aside in order to give back to their community.
During regular business hours from 10 am-6 pm on Wednesday, November 8, four stylists will be on hand at 7075 Alberni Street to offer haircuts at a charity Cut-a-Thon for a minimum $25 donation. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Grace House.
“We've been wanting to do something that involves what we do on a daily basis to give back to the community, and this is the best fit,” says owner and lead stylist Holly Lowes. “We’re all pretty excited to do something we do every day for a really worthy cause.”
Although there is no age limit, a few simple rules apply for anyone interested in participating in the fundraising event.
“We ask that everyone comes with clean, dry hair, so washing and styling is not necessary, which allows us to accommodate more people,” says Lowes.
Under the umbrella of Powell River and Region Transition House Society, Grace House offers safety, temporary housing, support, referrals and resource information for women and children who are in danger, physically and mentally, of spousal/partner violence. Grace House also offers telephone support to women who are not ready to leave their home situation.
“We have a very specific mandate to help women and children who are fleeing domestic abuse,” says society executive director Julie Chambers. “They can call the non-emergency number, 604.485.4554, if things are worrisome for them; our staff is very adept at talking people through things and possibly giving them the information they need to stay at Grace House.”
Grace House’s emergency number is 604.485.9773.
The organization also has one recovery bed for women who have been through detoxing at the hospital.
“We can take a woman in and she can take some time to look at ways to not fall back into the same lifestyle,” says Chambers.
Anyone interested in booking a time at the Cut-a-Thon can make an appointment online at afterglowhairlounge.com, but appointments are not necessary, says Lowes.
“You can walk in and we will have half-hour appointments available, or call us to book, too,” explains Lowes.
Afterglow specializes in hair colouring, men's and ladies' haircuts, makeup, threading, bridal styles and makeup and on-location services for weddings.
“We will travel from Saltery Bay to Savary Island and Desolation Sound,” says Lowes. “We’ve done some really beautiful weddings and have seen some pretty amazing locations; we’re pleased to offer that service.”
Threading services are also offered as a hair-removal alternative to waxing; the ancient method originated in the Middle East.
“We are the only place in Powell River to offer it,” says Lowes.
Threading removes short lines of hair instead of single hairs, provides more precise control for shaping and is gentler on the skin.
Product lines carried at Afterglow include Morrocan Oil, MilkShake, OPI, Wella, GO24-7 and Unite, a professional salon system created by hairdressers that uses quality ingredients.
“Unite does a lot of great charity work and in addition to products for people, they also have a dog shampoo called Unite Doggy 'Poo,” says Lowes. “100 per cent of its proceeds go to two organizations, the San Diego Humane Society and Shelter to Soldier, which pairs shelter dogs with war veterans; it is such a great program.”
In addition to hair products, two clothing lines are prominent at Afterglow. Lowes’ brother Isaac Barnes, an Edmonton-based BMX rider, created THEM, a line of BMX apparel, and items from her friend Lana McDougall’s brand, Lady Wood, are also on display and available for purchase.
For more information:
• 604.485.2075
• info@afterglowhairlounge.com
