Wella Company’s Hairdressers at Heart Announce New Scholarships and Initiatives

Hairdressers at Heart, a community founded by the Wella Company’s commitment to support and celebrate hairdressers at every stage of their career, introduced three new programs kicking off in November, designed to improve the lives of professionals in the industry and their clients through scholarships, childcare services and fundraising.

Carole Protat, Senior Director Brand Education at the Wella Company, said the next three months will be critical to supporting both hairdressers and their clients, and Hairdressers at Heart has selected three organizations filling major gaps in the industry.

Fabio ICAN Scholarships: $1,000 Scholarships For Continuing Education

“Starting today, we are excited to open applications for Fabio ICAN Scholarships, where we will award six salon professionals across the US and Canada with $1,000 scholarships to continue their education,” Carole said.

The Fabio ICAN Scholarships were created in tribute to the late Fabio Sementilli, Wella educator and mentor to many in the hairdressing profession. A total of six scholarships will be awards, with two winners announced each quarter (Dec. 15, 2020; March 15, 2021; and June 15, 2021). Salon pros can enter on a rolling basis now through June 1, 2021. To enter, click here.

Pretty Ponytails: Products and $5,000 Donation For Hair Care Kits To Young Girls

In December, timed to the holiday season, Hairdressers at Heart is pleased to support Pretty Ponytails, a community-based organization in Charlotte, N.C., that offers hair care kits to at-risk and under-served girls ages 1-18 years old, with a $5,000 donation. Wella Professionals and Sebastian Professional, two brands under the Wella Company, are also donating products to fulfill 500 haircare kits.

Pretty Ponytails relies on donations to provide kits to their community. “At Pretty Ponytails, we believe that when girls feel good about themselves, they will perform better in school and social settings. We strive to help them succeed and excel academically, socially and in the future,” said founder Glenisha Thomas. “We are so appreciative of this donation from Hairdressers at Heart, as we know these kits will have a meaningful impact on our girls.”

Polaris Project: $10,000 Donation To Fight Human Trafficking

For National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January, Hairdressers at Heart will continue fighting against human trafficking with a $10,000 donation to the Polaris Project, for the second year in a row.

“Salons are a common venue for trafficking victims to pass through,” said Carole. “As hair and nail professionals, it’s our job to do everything we can to recognize the signs and help in the effort to shut down human trafficking.”