Pastels Salon Dubai is set to become the first UAE-based salon to join forces with global nonprofit Hair Aid, taking part in a vocational training mission in Cambodia this summer. The initiative will see the salon’s team volunteering their time and expertise to teach essential haircutting and business skills to up to 150 individuals in prisons and low-income communities.
The five-day training project, run by Hair Aid, aims to equip participants with the practical tools they need to begin earning immediately offering a route to financial independence, self-reliance, and brighter futures. Training covers everything from straight-line cutting and layering to pricing and client communication, with each graduate receiving a certificate and a professional toolkit to kickstart their new career.
Since 2010, Hair Aid has reached over 6,300 people across Southeast Asia and Latin America, with more than 80% of participants generating income within a month of completing the program. Many go on to launch micro-businesses, contributing to their communities while building a sustainable livelihood.
Inspired by the impact of the initiative, Pastels Salon is calling on fellow salons, freelance stylists, and educators in the UAE to get involved. Ruksher Malik owner of Pastels Salon said "This is a truly beautiful initiative—a powerful way to pay it forward and uplift the lives of those less fortunate. Our team and business have proudly partnered with Hair Aid for the past eight years, and it has been nothing short of life-changing and soul-fulfilling for all of us. Together, we are changing lives—one haircut at a time.". Whether by volunteering, sponsoring a trainee or toolkit, or helping to connect Hair Aid with local partners, there are many ways to contribute—no fundraising experience required.
To find out how to participate in future Hair Aid missions, email [email protected]. As Pastel’s involvement shows, one small act from the salon community can spark lasting change across the world!
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