Uplifting Those Facing Breast Cancer and Hair Loss

We all have gifts, and sometimes wrapping friends and family in love reveals how we can use our gifts to uplift others. That is, in fact, the origin story behind our sanctuary haircuts.

Touched by a friend facing breast cancer and hair loss more than two decades ago, we sought to bring her a measure of comfort and care. Today, we embrace our role as a hair salon for cancer patients, offering complimentary haircuts and a moment of sanctuary to those on their cancer journey.

How it all began

“In 2003, I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” says Valerie Shano Lower. “It was a very aggressive cancer, so I had no choice but to do chemotherapy.”

JUUT founder, David Wagner recalls the distress his friend felt knowing she’d lose her hair. So, he and his wife, Charlie, gifted Valerie a spa day that included a head shave—a gesture of kindness that Valerie says gave her purpose.

“I wanted everyone to experience the sanctuary-like feel when they walked in, just as I had,” shares Valerie, “because we are poked and prodded. I suggested letting people know they could get head shaves at JUUT, and David and Charlie said, ‘Let’s do it for no charge!’“

David’s mother had breast cancer. So did his mother-in-law. When Valerie shared her experience, David says, “It clicked. We can really give something back here—and handle it with grace.”

Valerie began contacting cancer support organizations and people going through chemo, and she brought those names to JUUT.

Meanwhile, we worked with the American Cancer Society to help shape our sanctuary service, and a psychologist came in to speak to 50 of our staff about the transition people make when undergoing chemo.

We also began offering complimentary haircuts to anyone who donated their hair to Locks of Love.

While Valerie has since moved to Florida, the work we started together 22 years ago continues.

What is a sanctuary haircut?

As anyone who’s undergone chemo can attest, shaving your head can be a traumatic experience. We’ve created a ritual that helps ease that transition.

It begins with a stress relieving treatment and a beautiful shampoo, and the cut itself is very gradual. Unlike the head shaves you often see on Tiktok, we may do two or three haircuts to gradually shorten the length before ultimately shaving the head, allowing our guests time to process the transition.

We recognize the final result can be quite difficult for young children when they see a parent walk in the door changed. So, we invite our guests to bring them to the appointment and participate in the process. Putting our guests’ hair in ponytails, the children can help cut them off and keep them—helping ease the transition for them, as well.

“I lived it,” says JUUT founder and CEO David Wagner. “I went through cancer in 2010, so I’ve got photos of my daughters shaving my head with one of our artists.”

This is a service we offer to anyone experiencing cancer and hair loss, and at any time of year—regardless of whether or not you’re a JUUT client.

Would you like to receive a sanctuary haircut?

We invite you to call the JUUT salon near you and request an appointment. It’s a service that reframes the way some view the transition.

Supporting cancer patients in our communities

“When chemo caused my hair to fall out, I booked a sanctuary haircut with my stylist Courtney,” says Candee Wolf. “She treated me with such care and compassion, creating an empowering moment in my cancer journey. I felt pretty badass with my buzzed hair and was so emboldened in my new look that I chose not to obtain a wig.”

Today, we’ve provided more than 4,000 complimentary haircuts to guests, like Candee.

These services are equally meaningful to our artists.

“I want to help others on their very brave journey,” says Whitney, a master stylist and colorist at our Scottsdale salon, “to try to make the process a little more comfortable for them and get some well deserved pampering.”

Daymaking at its most meaningful

We all wish to feel seen, valued, and uplifted—especially when facing challenging circumstances. That is what our sanctuary haircuts are all about; they’re our heart-centered approach to helping those in our communities feel uplifted when they need it most.

If you are facing cancer and hair loss, we invite you in for a moment of sanctuary.

One simple way you can help give back
Throughout the month of October, Aveda will donate $10 for every $20 purchase of its limited-edition Hand Relief™ Moisturizing Creme to support cruelty-free research through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, up to $350,000. It’s just one more way that you can directly support critical research, while embracing self-care and embracing those you love.