Hairdresser on Fire

Hairdressers Against AIDS comes to Philly on May 15 when Salon Vanity donates 100 percent of profits to the L’Oreal Foundation for the fight against AIDS. Stylist Danielle George helped to organize the event here in Philly this year at the Rittenhouse Square salon, which she says will be open (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) to provide free power conditioning with each cut.

Folks who take a turn in the chair will enjoy live music, food and refreshments – and free admission to SUNDAE, an after-party at Silk City – for a great cause.

George sat down with G Philly to discuss why the issue is important to her and what everyone can do to pitch in.

How did the event get started at your salon?

When I started at Salon Vanity, I also started to use L’Oreal color. They created the program Hairdressers Against AIDS with the L’Oreal Foundation. The more I learned about it, the stronger I felt about doing something to help. I spoke to salon owner Emondo Blondo and he was all for it.

What’s your goal as you host for the first time this year?

To raise a considerable donation for Hairdressers Against AIDS, an advocacy program that empowers us around the world to interact, education and help prevent the spread of HIV. There’s a website that provides helpful resources about how people can take care of themselves, get tested and educate others.

How can people help out here in Philly?

They can make an appointment on May 15 for a hair cut. For each $60 cut, 100 percent of profits will go to the organization. Or you can just stop by and make a donation.

Who’s participating at your salon?

Edmondo – the owner – has been so supportive of the cause, along with all of my co-workers. Slice pizza will also be donating food. And we’ll have live music by DEL (philaDELphiaSOULmusic). It should be an amazing day!

Why is this issue important to you?

This horrible disease has stolen so many talented people from my industry alone, and created unfair stereotypes and fear. We need a world without the HIV and AIDS virus.

Hairdressers Against AIDS, Salon Vanity, May 15 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), 1701 Walnut St., Third Floor, 215-925-2211.