HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) — Dozens of Triad-area hairdressers are gearing up to travel to western North Carolina to lend a hand with their trimmers and shears.
With so much on their plates, Helene victims in Swannanoa haven’t had time to think about self-care.
That’s where the hairdressers come in. Hairdressers are artists, scientists and counselors all rolled into one.
“That’s part of our job. We make them feel better. We make them look better,” said Gina Massa to her client.
Blinda Williams and Massa run Bella and Company Salon together. Williams says when she saw the footage of the devastation in North Carolina, she cried.
A call from Williams’ dear friend Renee Mays, who started a nonprofit called Grassroot Boots, got the ball rolling on a way they were uniquely suited to make a difference.
“She got in contact with me and said, ‘You want to come do some hair?’ Before I could even think about it, I said, ‘Yes,’” Williams said.
“And the next thing I know, I posted it online, and we have 50 volunteers already,” Massa said.
The team has worked together to crowdsource tents and generators to operate a free haircut day in Swannanoa.
“They can’t get their hair done,” Massa said.
They’re also collecting donations.
“They need heaters, sleeping bags. We’re going to take some hygiene products up there,” Williams said.
The convoy of comfort will head west on Dec. 8 to offer storm victims and volunteers a free dose of self-care and compassion.
“People like to talk, and we like to listen, and we like to offer hugs and make people feel good,” Williams said.
With every hot tool and stroke of a brush, they’re taking support to the west the best way they know how.
“They need love, and they need to know we are going to be there for them and nobody’s forgotten about them,” she said.
Donations can be dropped off at the Bella and Company Salon until Dec. 7.
