Marin Activists Take Stylish Approach to Helping Cancer Patients

San Rafael resident Nicole Hitchcock and Corte Madera resident Nina Husen, owners of the NH2 Salon in Novato, are embarking on a mission to support those stricken with cancer.

It’s a project that hits home for them both.

“We lost one of our stylists to cancer four years ago,” Hitchcock explained. “She was so brave and courageous throughout her journey. When she found out she would require chemotherapy and would lose her hair, we saw her totally break down for the first time. It was one thing to be sick. It was another thing to lose her physical identify.

“The whole NH2 team rallied around her. We took care of her hair. We got her a beautiful wig and customized it for her. Our eyes were opened to how painful chemotherapy hair-loss is emotionally. We started offering the same care to others in our community. Unfortunately we didn't get the opportunity to help her grow her hair out.”

That cancer victim was Brandy Hitchcock, Nicole’s sister and Husen’s mentee. She passed away at the age of 37.

The next year, Tori Barling, Hitchcock’s dearest friend, also succumbed to cancer.

“That just pushed us to the point where we had to do something to these wonderful people that are fighting for their lives,” Hitchcock said.

So, Hairdressers with Heart was formed. The NH2 team offers a year of complimentary hair care for chemotherapy patients.

Now, however, the NH2 women (the salon is named after their initials) are looking to expand their mission.

“We are creating a nation-wide network of salons and stylists that represent Hairdressers with Heart,” Hitchcock said. “Community by community, we are building teams to offer pro bono hairdressing services and wig fitting to those suffering from hair-related side-effects from cancer treatment.”

Hitchcock, of Terra Linda, and Husen are planning their first fundraising event.

The funds, Hitchcock said, will ensure that when someone in the U.S. receives a cancer diagnosis, Hairdressers with Heart be there to support them.

“Hair loss is a side effect of chemotherapy, commonly used to treat cancer,” said Hitchcock. “Compassionate, community oriented hairstylists are being selected all over the country to join in our crusade. We offer pre-chemo haircutting, wig fitting and customization, and post-chemo hair care for one year completely free of charge.”

Hitchcock said that NH2 is trying to reach out to other salons.

“We are currently selecting kind, compassionate, community-oriented stylists all over the country to join ranks with our mission,” she said. “Hairdressers are wonderful people willing to help others. It is in their DNA. Many already do work like this. There is currently not a way to connect those battling cancer and hairdressers that want to help. Hairdressers with Heart will bridge that gap.”

NH2 is hosting its first fundraising and awareness event in May. Considering the level of success Hitchcock had with spearheading an Autism Day event earlier this month, nothing seems to slow her down.

Hitchcock issued a statement to the community: “We are looking to you to help us throw a successful fund-raising gala so we can help those fighting cancer, all over the country, to have one less thing to worry about, their hair.”

The event takes place Fri., May 17 at the NH2 Salon in the Vintage Oaks shopping center in Novato at 6 p.m. Tickets go on sale April 17.

Hitchcock said they are still seeking donations to serve as raffle and auction prizes, such as wines, vacation homes, adult parties, tickets to events, home items and gift certificates.

Hairdressers With Heart is a nonprofit agency under the MarinLink umbrella. Call (415) 897-8777 or email info@nh2salon.com for more information.

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