The healing touch of beauty

The Indian beauty industry marked International Women’s Day 2025 with a noteworthy initiative at the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. Priyanka Parshurami shares a first-hand report.

India’s hair and beauty industry joined hands with the Tata Memorial Hospital to brighten up a day in the lives of women cancer survivors and to applaud their fighting spirit. And what better day for this noble initiative than 7th March, the day leading to International Women’s Day.

The initiative was the brainchild of Zingranwong Shatsang, Co-founder, Zido Salon, who collaborated with Blessing Manikandan, CEO, Paulsons Group and Founder of Beautiful Hearts Family.

A JOURNEY ROOTED IN EMPATHY

For Shatsang, the cause of cancer survivors has always been close to her heart. “From the very beginning of my salon journey, I wanted to highlight and support those who do not always have access to self-care and grooming. Many survivors hesitate to visit salons, feeling self-conscious or uncertain about how they will be received. This is something I have witnessed in my own family and social circles. My aunt, a cancer survivor, and a close friend’s wife who battled cancer at a young age inspired me to take action.”

Hair loss and texture changes due to chemotherapy can deeply impact one’s self-esteem. “Survivors already battle so much—illness, emotional turmoil and self-image issues. I felt that they were being overlooked,” Shatsang shared. Her initial efforts revolved around raising awareness about hair donation. Over time, she developed close connections with doctors at Tata Memorial Hospital, who recognised her passion for this cause. One such ally, Dr Soumya Mathews, Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Tata Memorial Hospital, encouraged her to bring beauty professionals to interact with and support cancer survivors.

Three years ago, when Dr Mathews first invited her to a survivor event, Shatsang hesitated. “It was difficult to get salon professionals to step away from their businesses, especially after COVID-19. However, when I attended, the impact was profound! Around 150 women attended the event, and one of them told me, ‘We just want to feel normal for a day.’ That statement stayed with me.” Determined to rally industry support, she promised the survivors, ‘One day, we will build an army.’ In 2025, that promise became reality—with 90 beauty professionals stepping forward to participate in this heartwarming initiative.

POWER OF COMMUNITY AND COMPASSION

Manikandan highlighted the significance of such events: “Shatsang was the angel who connected Beautiful Hearts to Dr Mathewss at Tata Memorial Hospital when she learned about the Women Cancer Initiative’s Women’s Day celebration programme. Organising such grooming sessions benefits everyone involved. Our Beautiful Hearts core team and volunteers develop leadership skills and experience the joy of giving. The hospital staff received a refreshing change from their daily routine. Most importantly, the survivors find a renewed spark through these activities. A simple act of grooming, touch and kindness helps them feel heard, appreciated and celebrated.”

Such initiatives also raise awareness about cancer, the support structures around it and the institutions working tirelessly to assist patients. Additionally, it strengthens the image of the salon industry as one that is not just about beauty, but about confidence, care and healing.

Manikandan also shared how the event inspired others: “Our selfless efforts moved many, including Miss India 2025, Nikita Porwal. Thanks to Sonal Basu and the Miss India Organisation, she joined us in making this event special. We created a ‘Beautiful Baba’ campaign, along with special badges and frames, which were well received.”

TEAM EFFORT

• Team Tip n Toe Salon set up a nail art and pedicure counter

• Team Streax Professional offered hair services

• Team Richelon provided pedicure sessions

• Team Asbah offered mehndi art and other beauty services

• Team Olivia created makeup looks

Beautiful Hearts Family gift hampers for the cancer survivors included products by brands such as Skin Amore, R K Aroma, Streax Professional and Olivia Beauty. The volunteer hampers included products from Beauty Garage and Olivia Beauty.

PARTICIPATING AND CONTRIBUTING

Eminent hair and makeup professionals, who were part of the programme, shared their experiences:

Atharva Takke, Creative & Education Director, U Takke’s Salon And Academy On working with cancer survivors “Grooming the survivors was an incredibly humbling experience. These individuals have endured unimaginable challenges, yet their resilience is inspiring. Beauty, in this context, was not about vanity—it was about empowerment and self-love. Seeing their faces light up when they looked in the mirror reminded me that beauty is as much about confidence as it is about appearance.”

On personalising the experience

“Each survivor’s journey is unique, so we approached their grooming with sensitivity and care. We used gentle, hydrating products for their skin and personalised their hairstyling—some wanted bold transformations, while others preferred a soft, natural look. The goal was to make them feel valued and comfortable in their own skin.”

On personalising the experience

“I focused on using gentle, skin-friendly products to ensure comfort while enhancing their natural features. The goal was not heavy makeup but a soft, radiant look that made them feel like themselves again. More than just makeup, it was about giving them a moment of happiness and self-appreciation.”

On the most rewarding moment

“The best moment was when a woman looked at herself and said, ‘I feel like myself again.’ That was everything this initiative stood for—restoring confidence and joy.”

Shine Janarthanan, Director And Founder, Time Machine Salon And Academy

On working with cancer survivors

“Seeing their courage and resilience was incredibly moving. The joy and confidence they exuded after their grooming session reaffirmed the transformative power of self-care.”

On personalising the experience

“We began with personal consultations to understand their preferences and comfort levels. Each individual had unique needs, and our focus was on enhancing their natural beauty in a way that made them feel empowered.”

Nikisha Bhatia, Academy Director, Shyam’s Salon and Academy

On working with cancer survivors

“Being part of this initiative was an incredibly emotional and meaningful experience. Every survivor carried a story of strength and resilience, and to contribute even in a small way to their joy was truly special. It wasn’t just about beauty—it was about making them feel seen, valued and confident in their own skin.”

Healing with love and compassion

The event kicked off with a high-energy Zumba session, setting the perfect tone for the day. The survivors, many of whom were undergoing chemotherapy, danced to iconic Madhuri Dixit numbers with infectious enthusiasm. It was a heartwarming sight—these women, despite their battles, embracing life with such vigour and joy.

Following the grooming sessions, the event continued with a spectacular fashion show. The showstopper was actor Heena Khan, a cancer survivor herself, who inspired everyone with her confidence and grace.

To end the day on a joyous note, Uday Takke, Founder & Owner, UTakke Salon and Academy, and Ratendra Bhaduri, an expert in beauty and salon business, conducted a karaoke session. The survivors sang along, laughed and celebrated themselves, making for an emotionally uplifting finale.

Manikandan concluded with a powerful reflection: “Only love and compassion can heal people. Grooming and wellness are unique industries where professionals spend over 45 minutes with a person—touching, speaking, listening, complimenting, consoling and rebuilding confidence. When this interaction happens at a low moment in someone’s life, it leaves an everlasting impact.”

The grooming drive at Tata Memorial Hospital was not just an event—it was a movement of hope, resilience and the unwavering belief that beauty can be a source of healing. Thanks to the collective efforts of the beauty industry, cancer survivors were reminded that they are seen, valued and deserving of joy, love and self-care.