Making a Difference in the Gulf

To help clean up the Gulf oil spill, Paul Mitchell Schools have partnered with Matter of Trust (www.matteroftrust.org). The California-based organization collects hair clippings and turns them into hair mats and hair booms that can surround and soak up oil.

Noting that there are more than 370,000 hair salons in the U.S. that throw away about 1 pound of hair a day, Matter of Trust suggests that it could be collected and made into hair mats instead — and Paul Mitchell Schools agree.

Paul Mitchell Future Professionals and staff members have joined thousands of volunteers in signing up to host or make booms at “Stocking Stuffers” and “Boom BQ” barbecue parties. The Academy at Austin — A Paul Mitchell Partner School in Texas and many other Paul Mitchell Schools are holding cut-a-thons and serving as drop-off centers to collect hair for the cause. Other schools, including Paul Mitchell The School — Provo, have been collecting and sending hair to Matter of Trust for the past several years.

At Vanguard College of Cosmetology — A Paul Mitchell Partner School in Slidell, Louisiana, the oil spill has literally hit home. The school sits a quarter mile from Lake Pontchartrain, where oil from the spill has begun seeping in. The school has hosted two Boom BQs, constructed more than 500 hair booms, and collected seven palettes of hair. Service Desk Coordinator Jes Latin volunteered her home as a collection and production site, but the school’s efforts outgrew the space and moved their operation to a warehouse owned by Paul Mitchell Distributor Vanguard Salon Systems.

“We are so proud that whenever something like this happens, our entire organization just jumps right in,” says Paul Mitchell Chairman and CEO John Paul DeJoria.

If you would like to be part of the effort to help clean up the Gulf oil spill, please contact your local Paul Mitchell School to find out how they’re involved. You can also contribute directly to Matter of Trust by visiting www.matteroftrust.org.