The Indian beauty salon industry steps up to support its community in times of need
Words: Relin Hedly
The Indian beauty salon industry, like any other sector, is increasingly stepping forward to create meaningful social impact through CSR initiatives. From uniting for industry causes and adopting sustainable manufacturing practices to educating the underprivileged and empowering them as future salon professionals, the Indian industry is doing its bit to give back to society. In doing so, it proves that beauty goes beyond the chair, to building communities, creating opportunities, and helping the industry grow with purpose.
Industry Unites for Covid
The Covid-19-induced lockdown in March 2020 saw salons and spas across India shut shop, leading to job losses for over 100,000 hairdressers, barbers and salon technicians. It was a defining moment for the beauty industry, which came together to support its own and face the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic.
Proposed by Adman Blessing A. Manikandan, then CEO of TONI&GUY South India, and beauty industry leaders, this noble initiative was put into action to offer assistance and hope to small-scale salon businesses, technicians and barbers who were severely impacted by the loss of business. Through this project, the objective of raising funds and supporting the beauty and wellness industry was achieved. BHF’s growth and success as a platform continued even after Covid, and it continues to work for the well-being of the community today.
BHF supports Flood Affected Salons
Another initiative taken by the Salon & Parlour Association Maharashtra during the massive floods in Chiplun area of the state in July 2021. With a lot of damage caused to the salons and the salon business, the Association Coordinator Uday Takke (Founder, U Takke Salon & Academy) approached the Beautiful Hearts Fund for help. With BHF support, the Association donated much needed products, tools and equipment to nearly 350 salon professionals in the flood affected district.
Uday Takke said, “The need of the hour was for everyone to come together and work towards one objective – to help industry colleagues get back on their feet again. We could assist with the right tools and help them get their businesses back in action.”
Skilling to empower the Underprivileged
One of the earliest CSR proponents Nalini Naegamvala, FounderNalini of Nalini n Yasmin Salon took interest in working for the less privileged women when she and her partner Yasmin, started their erstwhile salon ‘Nalini n Yasmin’ in 2008. “As Yasmin and I were always busy cutting hair, we needed help and decided to train underprivileged girls from the neighbourhood as their cleaners and helpers. This was the most sensible and worthy thing to do”.
“I am ever grateful to God for guiding me to help the underprivileged women” says Nalini. By doing this training, the girls got more than just a job. It gave respectability and financial independence which helped them educate their children who then could lead a worthier life! “It truly was one of the most fulfilling things I have been blessed to have done and achieved”. Nalini’s drive to help the underprivileged continues till this day.
It is not only the Indian beauty salon industry and beauty associations who have contributed to CSR activities for their community. Today we have corporate organisations like Cosmoprof India who are taking a lead in supporting and empowering the community. The company collaborated with PJC Foundation to launch the Cosmo Academy – EmpowHER in Beauty. This social initiative was designed to offer new and concrete life opportunities to young and disadvantaged girls through professional training in the beauty sector. The industry is currently marked by a significant gap between the demand for and the availability of skilled workers and such initiatives would help fill the gap.
Beauty with a Heart
Beauty is often seen as a service that transforms appearances, but in India’s salon industry, its impact goes far beyond the chair. Built on the trust and support of its community, the industry has also shown grace and generosity in giving back during times of distress and need. This spirit of care not only strengthens the bond between salons and society, but also helps the industry grow with purpose.
