By Marina Andalon
The holidays are here, and this time of year many people enjoy giving back and donating to the communities who are less fortunate.
On Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., RandomActsofLipstick.com, which launched in March of this year, will host their first annual Holiday Hair Drive.
Alexis Farah, owner of RandomActsofLipstick.com, has previously worked as a beauty editor and is thrilled to bring this event to Santa Monica during the holiday time.
Farah said, “I had always been interested in beauty products and how it brings confidence to many people.”
Farah incorporates simple and random acts of kindness into her daily lifestyle. Her actions show truth, as the motto for RandomActsofLipstick.com, is beauty forward, give back.
“This is the first event of our kind, so I am glad beauty is giving back,” said Farah.
She began donating her hair to various charities during her college years. It became an annual donation every winter season, she would chop off inches and donate but this time Farah wanted to incorporate her beauty insider knowledge and team up with Locks of Love.
Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children who suffer from a medical issue causing hair loss.
“Donating hair is giving children the opportunity to have a fun, festive and joyful holiday,” said Farah.
The Holiday Hair Drive will take place at Saulino Smith Salon, and will only be open to those donating their hair. There will be seven stylists volunteering their time to help make this Holiday Hair Drive a success.
Whether it’s a simple smile or donating hair, Farah hopes people can come out and donate. Anyone who donates ten inches or more will receive a free cut and style, along with a luxury gift bad. Inside there will be products from Bumble & Bumble, Oribe, RandomActsofLipstick.com, Saulino Smith Salon, and much more.
Appointments are suggested. Call Saulino Smith, (310)451-4443 to reserve a spot.
RandomActsofLipstick.com is not the only Santa Monica business giving haircuts this holiday season. Oeste Barber Shop on Main Street is hosting a Toy Drive this year to help raise gifts for the less fortunate children of the community.
Owners of Osete Barber Shop, Arutro Arce, Adrian Lizarraga and Hugo Valaquez decided to team up with Pico Youth & Family Center to put this toy drive together.
“Last year we were able to really raise a good amount of gifts for these kids, which is why we are doing it again,” said Arce. “People can come by and drop off an unwrapped toy worth $25 and receive a haircut that is $35. It is ten dollars you don’t have to spend, and you are doing good for the community at the same time.”
Osete Barber Shop opened August of this year and barbers from Pacific Barber Shop, will be there to help and volunteer their time.
The holiday toy drive will take place on Dec. 10 at Osete Barber Shop (1923 Main St.) from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Toys can also be dropped off anytime before then at PYFC (715 Pico Blvd). For more information, visit www.picoyouth.org .
“This toy drive is all about giving back to our community and being able to help out the kids who could use extra love,” said Arce.
