As an artist (did you know I have an art minor background?) I have an appreciation for color. As a stylist and even before then I’ve had hair that has been nearly every color of the rainbow – blue, purple, varying shades of brunette, red, teal (at one point), copper and most notably blonde. I am drawn to very bold saturated color. The quest is also on to create subtle variances in my guest’s formulas when they ask for something new. And yet, for all my love of Technicolor, three is one shade that causes very few stars to form in my eyes….
It’s pink.
I don’t know that I’ve ever been a pink fan. I always turned my nose up at the bubblegum hue. Even as a child, I liked Sleeping Beauty’s dress best blue – or better yet, the flame like purple and black robes worn by Maleficent (she’s my FAVE Disney character). Pink was never my thing. As an adult I believe I own a grand total of 2 pink items both worn very infrequently (both sweaters – although now that the eternal summer has taken a break, they may be dug out of hibernation)
Now don’t get me wrong. There are tons of pink things that are cool – cherry blossoms, lemonade, roses, Jem’s hair color, raspberries, valentines and flamingos to name a few. However, the color has always given me an adverse reaction. I equate it with being overly precious and girly – two things I don’t equate myself with at all. It also seems like such a princess soft color…at least that is what I used to think. Now I view the color as a symbol of courageousness and strength.
In August of this year my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was early detection with absolutely zero family history of the disease. As you can imagine, this was a shock to my family. Yet, her prognosis was good. Her surgeon was confident of a smooth and easy surgery and this would be followed up by chemotherapy and radiation. Curious like me, my mum began researching her options, especially for wigs. She marveled about the sheer amount of information about breast cancer on the internet, as well as the overwhelming support from the doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital. I have shared my mom’s diagnosis with several clients to the same type of support. Everyone knows someone who is impacted by breast cancer, or who has had it themselves. I had no idea there was such a network of women offering love, support and positivity.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month – a month where pink has never been more prominent. Aveda also joins the fight against Breast Cancer with their limited edition Hand Relief. This year’s it iteration is house in a (what else?) pink tube with Aveda’s signature calming Shampure scent added to the mix. Since 2001 Breast Cancer fundraising via Aveda has raised more than 4.3 million dollars.
Five dollars from the purchase of each tube is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) a non-profit organization founded in 1993. In traditional Aveda fashion proceeds from all BCRF Hand Relief sales are used to fund cruelty free research looking for environmental links that lead to the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Pink no longer evokes Pepto-Bismol to me or screams prissy princess to me, but rather warrior queen. I can proudly say I have been sporting pink all month. Yes it is a tiny ribbon on the front of my colorist’s apron however I display it proudly (baby steps!). I stand with all the fierce females who have battled or may be battling the disease. I may never say pink is my favorite color, however my view point has changed – Pink is power, pink is passion, pink is hope for a cure.
