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- * Can I book a shave time with my group?
Absolutely! This makes the time spent waiting in lines a lot less. Try to do this as early as possible to get your preferred time. We will happily book a time slot to fit your group in, making pictures easier to grab when you are together. Besides…it’s way more fun as a group! Reservations start on January 11, 2010.
- * Can I collect pledges both on & off line?
Yes, if you register for the Hair Massacure online you will be provided with a page that donors can safely make donations on.
- * Can I donate my hair at the event?
YES! Hair must be at least 10 inches, not treated. We will provide braiding stations close to the shaving area and a donation time will be pre-booked for you.
- * Can I issue a friendly challenge with another team, group or school?
Absolutely! It's fun. Many do it! It is much easier on-line to do this to track your competitors.
- * Can I pink long hair?
We ask that you don’t. Our participating salons will pink short hair only due to the time involved and amount of product used. Please confirm pricing for a shorter hair cut with the salon. Why not consider donating instead? If you purchase pink at the store, you are free to do what you like, but we still ask that you donate long hair. Pink streaks are another option, but that is not a service we offer with our stylists.
- * Can I purchase pink at a store instead of going to a salon?
YES! KALI PINK by Manic Panic is available for retail purchase at participating salons and stores. This product is a very convenient and a popular choice for many participants. Check our Merchandise page for more information.
- * Can I register as a group (friends, teams, co-workers or family)?
Yes. Plus you can still register individually & collect pledges. When you register, specify what group you are from. Include both your name & your group name on your registration form. We will then be able to keep track of the amount your group raised along with your individual total.
- * Can I still donate if I have pink hair?
YES! But you will have to donate your hair BEFORE you go pink. If you are getting pinked at one of our participating salons ask them about donating first. There may be a charge for getting a cut so make sure to check with the salon. A short cut will be perfect to pink, even if it’s just long enough to spike! If you would like to cut your own hair for donating, please braid it, tie it off at both ends and place it in a zip lock baggie with your name & phone number. Remember that hair needs to be at least 10 inches in a braid.
- * Can I volunteer for this event? How far ahead of time is this required?
Yes, please do! We warmly welcome friendly volunteers with big hearts! Please visit our volunteer page for more information.
- * Can my school or group hold its own “Hair Massacure?”
This is especially convenient for those who live out of town. This has been done with tremendous success by our participating remote schools! We will provide your school with posters, pink hair colour (if necessary), pledge packages, a DVD, and toques. Hairdressers and food will be the responsibility of the school. Smaller incentives can not be provided by us at off site locations. We have created this event to create unity within schools and communities and we highly recommend attending the event at West Edmonton Mall if possible.
- * Do I have to be a certain age to shave?
No! Our youngest participant was a 2 month old baby, with the oldest at 78. We have an impressive age range for this event, so grandparents…..this includes you too!
- * Do I have to bleach first prior to pinking?
Bleaching removes pigment and allows colour to adhere better. Some products such as Loreal will adhere to blonde hair.
- * Do I have to pink my hair prior to shaving?
NO. There is no requirement to do so….it’s just more fun!
- * Do I have to shave once I go pink?
The idea is to create awareness. A pink head sends a message that it will soon become a shaved head. We ask that participants fully understand the reasons behind shaving, and remember it is not a hair dying event. This would take away from participants who are shaving. Having said that, some participants ("fundraisers") do not feel comfortable with shaving, but wish to be pink and raise pledges. As long as donors are informed prior to pledging, it's cool. "Pinkers" raise a lot of money for the Massacure and they too are valued and appreciated! Remember, once pink…you are stuck with it until it fades or it is bleached out.
- * Do you have t-shirts and souvenirs available for purchase?
YES, t-shirts, hats and Massacure items are available. Kali Bears will be awarded for incoming pledges that raise over $500. All bare heads will receive a hat or Toque. School orders are available for pink t’s and long sleeve t’s, as well as a variety of merchandise new for 2010! See our merchandise page.
- * How can I inspire my school to do this?
Talk to your teacher and principal about your idea. Make your intentions known around your school including your own plans to participate. Use the website as a tool for information. Once curiosity arises, inform your teacher or principal that school presentations are a great option and they can contact Tammy at info@hairmassacure.com to do one at your school.
- * How many wishes have been granted at Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta?
In 2008, Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta made a total of 44 wishes! So far, the Northern Alberta chapter has granted 392 wishes since it’s inception in 1998.
- * I am moving out of the province. Can I start a Hair Massacure where I am going?
Contact the director, Tammy (info@hairmassacure.com) and we will get you the information on how to do that. It’s a lot of work, but we can help.
- * I am nervous to shave my head. Is it scary?
It has been noted over the years that the experience is fun and very rewarding. Many have this fear and are pleasantly surprised once they have committed to the chair. Our friendly stylists will help you feel relaxed, and knowing that you are sharing this great experience with others around you, we believe you will walk away with great memories and much pride. Besides, a bald head is a beautiful head! Check out “Bald is Beautiful”.
- * I am not certain about shaving my head. Any other options on how I can help?
Pinking and shaving is not for everyone. Sponsoring a friend, donating to the cause, volunteering or inspiring someone to shave are alternatives to bringing in pledges. Donations are welcomed for our event year round, and are not restricted to Valentine’s Day. Volunteering is always needed and appreciated, as well as promoting the cause to others. Finding potential sponsors are again appreciated.
- * If we have an in house school or group shave, does it HAVE to take place on the 14th?
No, many of these smaller events including some in the past have taken place prior to or shortly after.
- * Should I come to the mall if I am just fundraising and not shaving?
Absolutely!! We would like to give you your Dilly bar and if you raise over 250.00 a Massacure baseball cap!! You never know who you will see there!
- * What about Pink Mowhaks?
Totally fun and acceptable! Over the years we are seeing weird and wacky hair dos show up at the event! Please let your stylist know before she pinks you hair!
- * What about pink streaks?
This is a very popular choice for those not shaving but supporting and raising awareness for the event. In past, many have rallied for those shaving with pink streaks to show their support. Unfortunately this is not a service we offer through our salons. Streaking can be done at home, or as a regular service through your hairdresser. Pink streaks are another alternative if you are shaving and are not comfortable with a full pink head. Kali Pink Hair extensions are available where Kali Pink is sold.
- * What happens if I am moved to shave just prior to, or during the event? Is it too late to participate?
NO! Walk-ins are always welcome! We will find a way to accommodate you. Offering your hair to help a child is never taken lightly. A chair will be made available for you as quickly as possible (there may be a bit of a wait) and a minimum of $25.00 is required as a donation upon registration. If you like you can also collect pledges after the event.
- * What is the thermometer for on my personal page?
This will show the total amount of on line pledges you have received and how close you are to your goal. You can enter off line pledges in your profile page as well and they will accumulate on your thermometer. You still have to write off line pledges on the paper pledge sheet that you bring to the event. Please note that just because you enter the off line pledges in your profile, tax receipts will not automatically be issued to them. A tax receipt will be mailed to them after the event.
- * What’s happening with research at the Stollery?
2 labs that the Hair Massacure is funding have made impressive findings recently while 2 papers have been written and shared internationally. The MacDonald family was privileged with an invitation to take in the latest research and to see the money raised going toward the people who need it.
- * What’s involved in the hair donating process?
The hair is sent to Alfred’s Hair in Edmonton. Alfred sends the hair overseas and has wigs made for kids in Canada. Priority is placed on Northern Alberta kids who cannot afford a wig, but wish for one.
- * When is it recommended to initiate the pink awareness campaign?
We start our Pink Campaign on January 11th! This time period is recommended as pink fades quickly, so unless you love it and are prepared to maintain it by reapplying with Kali Pink often, we suggest that your awareness is one month or less. Salons are not set up to pink until January 11th, after our televised Pink Kick off on City TV.
- * Where is the money going and how is it divided?
Funds raised here in Edmonton stay here and are split evenly between Make-A-Wish® Northern Alberta and the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation® (towards Pediatric Oncology - childhood cancer).
- * Why a headshave?
This experience will help individuals realize and appreciate what cancer patients endure with their hair loss. This is a gesture of honor.
- * Why pink hair?
Pink hair is trademarked to the Hair Massacure. Pink is a Valentine’s color, a recognized color representing cancer, and just happens to be Kali’s favorite color! Pink hair initially resulted from a dare, and quickly snowballed into its popularity today.
- * Why Valentine’s Day?
It originated 6 years ago as the "Hair Massacre" to be intended as a catchy play on words. “St. Valentine’s Day Hair Massacre” switched to "Massacure", and being on or near the day of Valentine's Day, it’s an appropriate time for the event 'cause it's all about LOVE!
