Hair cuts aid oil spill cleanup
Staff Report ~ 6/2/2010

They may live in the high desert of Arizona, but the stylists at Sonoran Salon in Cave Creek won’t let that stop them from helping save the waters, coastal areas and fishing industry in the Gulf states.
From 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday, owner Nanette Cicinelli and six hair stylists will be offering a free shaved head or clipper cut.
The cut hair will be sent to Excess Access.
“We have an opportunity to help the Gulf states stop the oil from reaching their coast lines, fishing waters and pristine areas,” Cicinelli said. “By saving the clipping of hair and sending them south to be used in the booms stopping the oil, we can do our part.”
There are more than 370,000 hair salons in the United States that collect an average of 1 pound of hair a day. Recycled hair clippings can be made into hair booms, which are sausage shaped. Hair is stuffed into recycled nylon, with a mesh providing a strong exterior. The booms are tied together and used to encircle and contain oil from spreading, protecting fragile coves and habitats.
Sonoran stylist Dawn Marie Yensen came up with the idea when a client said, “If you’re so passionate about helping, why not shave your head?”
Yensen accepted the challenge.
That prompted Cicinelli and staff to create the hair-raising day.
Sonoran Salon is located at 6501 E. Cave Creek Road, Suite 2 in Cave Creek. For information or to make an appointment call 480-595-1700.