Day Of Beauty Dimensions Hair Salon Donates Time, Products To Give Ogden Hall Women A Self-Esteem Boost

Last December, Janell accidentally dyed her hair green.

“I kind of went color happy at Albertsons,” she said.

She made up her own directions for a home hair-coloring kit, and the results were awful.

“I had forest green hair,” said Janell, a resident of Ogden Hall Women’s Shelter who asked to be identified by first name only. “My nickname was green bean.”

A salon tried to fix the mess and charged her $100, cleaning out her savings account.

But last Wednesday, Janell had her hair highlighted with two shades of blond - for free.

She was one of 11 women from Ogden Hall who visited Dimensions Hair Salon, 14201 E. Sprague, for a “day of beauty.”

The women from the shelter, most of whom are victims of domestic violence or alcohol and drug abuse, were pampered by 12 employees at the Valley salon.

Some had pedicures and manicures. Others chose massages, haircuts, perms, colors, waxing and facials. All the services were donated by the hair salon’s staff.

“It’s a good feeling,” said owner Pat Moore, who started the salon eight years ago. “They’re going to leave here smiling, I can guarantee it.”

Moore decided to organize the project after attending hair shows in New York City and San Francisco. There, she was inspired by Paul Mitchell and other prominent stylists who donate their services to benefit people living with AIDS.

“That gave me the thought,” Moore said. “And I realized that we have the ability to make people feel good about themselves, so why not share it?”

Her stylists suggested helping the women of Ogden Hall. Amy McAdams, a stylist at the salon, coordinated all the details of the project.

The women were thrilled.

“My massage was fabulous,” said Susie, who has lived at Ogden Hall for the past year. “I’ve never had a massage before. It’s good being pampered here because we’re so stressed.”

Susie ended up at the shelter after trying to commit suicide. She credits God and the women’s center for turning her life around.

“After I went to Ogden, I got off all my depression medication and I found the Lord,” Susie said.

“For most of us this is a real luxury,” said Jeri, who enjoyed a manicure at the salon.

Salon employees found fulfillment, too.

“Giving back a little is a thank you to all who have received,” said Dimensions pedicurist Carol Krum. “I’ve been in a place when I needed to be served, and it taught me how to give to other people.”

Donating her salon for the day to the women of Ogden Hall cost about $1,500 in potential business, Moore said. But it was well worthwhile, Moore added, and she has already begun planning future “days of beauty.” Next, she hopes to bring in cancer patients of Sacred Heart Medical Center.

For Beverly, who has been at Ogden Hall for about six months, getting a perm at the salon also provided a boost in self-esteem.

“Whenever I get my hair done, it makes me feel better and perks me up,” said Beverly. “I’m changing my life and wanted to change my hair too.”

, DataTimes