From Salon to Smile: How United Salons of America Is Changing Lives
Every ponytail has a story — and thanks to United Salons of America, thousands of those stories now end with a smile. This national movement is bringing salons, schools, and stylists together to support Hair We Share’s mission of providing free wigs to children and adults experiencing medical hair loss. What began as a simple idea — salons uniting for good — has quickly grown into a powerful force for hope, confidence, and community.
The Vision Behind the Movement: Jo Marie’s Leadership
The heart behind United Salons of America — Jo Marie, leading the charge to turn more ponytails into finished wigs.
United Salons of America exists today because of the heart, creativity, and determination of Jo Marie, Hair We Share’s Lead Wig Stylist.
She saw firsthand the growing need: more ponytails arriving than we could afford to turn into wigs. Instead of accepting that reality, she imagined a nationwide network of salons working together to close the gap.
Jo Marie spearheaded the initiative from day one — shaping the program, rallying stylists, and inspiring salons to see themselves not just as participants, but as partners in a life‑changing mission. Her belief was simple and powerful:
“If we unite the beauty community, we can change the world one ponytail at a time.”
And she was right.
Participating Salons: The heart at the Center of Every Cut
Across the country, salons are stepping up not just with their scissors — but with their hearts. United Salons of America is built on one powerful idea: when salons raise funds together, we can turn more donated ponytails into finished wigs for people who need them.
Every participating salon chooses the fundraising style that fits their personality:
A day (or week) where a portion of services supports the mission
A product‑based fundraiser
A front‑desk donation box
A Facebook or Instagram fundraiser
A raffle
Awareness is wonderful — but funding is what transforms ponytails into wigs. And salons love knowing that every dollar they raise directly helps close the gap between the thousands of ponytails already donated and the wigs still waiting to be sponsored.
Stylists tell us that clients feel proud to support a salon that gives back. It turns an ordinary appointment into a moment of purpose — and that’s the heart of this movement.
East Coast Hair Studio raised over $3,000 in one day — pure heart, pure impact.
Before & After: The Transformations That Inspire Us
Behind every donated ponytail is a person waiting for hope. United Salons of America helps make that hope possible.
We’ve seen:
A young girl with alopecia beam at her reflection after receiving her first wig
A mom in cancer treatment regains her confidence before returning to work
A teenager who stopped going to school finally feel ready to face the world again
These transformations aren’t just cosmetic — they’re emotional, empowering, and deeply human.
Why Salons Love Being Part of the Mission
Salons tell us again and again: “This is the best thing we’ve ever done.”
Here’s why:
It strengthens client loyalty. Clients love supporting salons that give back.
It boosts visibility. Participating salons stand out as leaders in compassion and community impact.
It brings teams together. Stylists feel proud knowing their work is changing lives.
It’s flexible and easy. Every salon participates in the way that works best for them — no pressure, no complicated setup.
United Salons of America isn’t just a program. It’s a movement that lifts everyone involved.
Jo Marie demonstrating professional highlighting techniques to help address our ongoing shortage of blonde wigs for recipients.
How to Join the Movement
Beauty schools, salons, spas, beauty brands, and independent stylists are all stepping up — and we welcome every one of them with open arms.
Joining is simple:
Register through the United Salons of America page on our website.
Choose your level of participation — fundraising, awareness, or both.
Use our ready-made materials to share your involvement with clients, students, and your community.
Celebrate your impact as your efforts help sponsor wigs for people who need them most.
Whether you’re a student learning your craft or a seasoned stylist with years behind the chair, you have the power to change someone’s life.
The next generation of beauty professionals — fundraising in their classroom and lending their skills to help prepare wigs.
From Salon to Smile — And Beyond
United Salons of America is more than a campaign. It’s a nationwide family of beauty professionals using their talents to bring comfort, confidence, and dignity to people facing medical hair loss.
Every salon that joins brings us one step closer to our goal: sponsoring 100,000+ unsponsored ponytails and ensuring no one waits alone.
And it all began with one stylist — Jo Marie — who believed the beauty community could change lives.
If your salon, school, or team is ready to make a difference, we’d love to welcome you.
Together, we turn hair into hope — and hope into smiles.
Closing Thoughts From Suzanne, Hair We Share Co‑Founder
I’m endlessly grateful for everyone who chooses to stand with us. Your creativity, your generosity, and your belief in our mission make United Salons of America possible. Every dollar raised, every event hosted, every act of kindness brings us closer to ensuring no one faces medical hair loss alone. Thank you for being part of this with us.
— Suzanne Chimera
Here, I speak with a Hair We Share recipient about her journey and the comfort her wig has brought her. It’s a reminder of why this work matters — and how deeply your support touches real lives.