On 19th July, a new chapter began in the lives of a select group of youngsters in Mumbai. Wella India has joined hands with the Salaam Bombay Foundation (SBF) to introduce basic hairdressing courses to young aspirants with limited access to opportunities, making them aware of a possible career path. This initiative was not just a corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity but a heartfelt commitment to empowerment, skill-building, and long-term livelihood creation for the city’s youth force.
WHY HAIRDRESSING?
For countless young people growing up in challenging circumstances, the path to a stable livelihood is often limited by lack of access to skill-based training. Recognising this gap, Wella India identified hairdressing as a profession that offers both creative satisfaction and steady income opportunities. Hair salons are among the fastest-growing businesses in India’s beauty and wellness sector, and trained stylists are in constant demand. By introducing a structured training programme, Wella India and SBF are together planting seeds of sustainable employment.
Through this partnership, students are chosen from SBF’s Beauty and Wellness Skilling Programme, which introduces ninth standard students from across the municipal and government-aided schools to the basics of the beauty industry. So far, more than 10,000 students across seven locations have completed this entry-level course. From this pool, motivated girls aged 16 and above are shortlisted and guided into the next phase, which is the advanced hairdressing training with Wella Professionals.
A COLLABORATIVE VISION
“I would encourage everyone in the beauty community, from brands to salons and fellow professionals, to see such social programmes as an investment in our shared future,” said Pravesh Saha, General Manager – South Asia, Wella Company. “Our industry has always been an active part of the community, and this partnership is just another small step to give back in a fulfilling way. Beauty is about transformation, and what’s more powerful than transforming lives through opportunities and education.”
From SBF’s perspective, the partnership with Wella India has significantly amplified the foundation’s ability to deliver on its mission. “Wella, as a global brand, brings in technical depth, industry relevance and aspirational value that strengthens our programme and inspires our students,” said Gaurav Arora, Chief Growth Officer and Senior Vice President, SBF. “Together, we’re not only training young people, but opening doors to dignified, long-term careers in beauty and hair,” he added.
“At
WELLA
, we believe
BEAUTY
has the
POWER TO TRANSFORM
not just appearances but
LIVES
.”
— Pravesh Saha, General Manager - South Asia, Wella Company
The first batch, which started on 19th July, brought together underprivileged youth with a common dream: to learn, grow and earn through hairdressing. The course covers the essentials of basic hairdressing from shampooing and blow-drying to fundamental cutting techniques. Beyond skills, it instils discipline, creativity and confidence, equipping students with both professional and life tools.
For many, simply entering a formal training environment feels like a breakthrough moment. The joy of holding a pair of scissors, practising on mannequins and receiving mentorship from industry trainers is a world away from the struggles of their daily lives. Each day of the course marks a step towards dignity, independence and hope.
A POSITIVE RIPPLE EFFECT
The initiative is designed to be more than just a training programme. It is a launchpad for careers. Once students complete the basic course, they will be guided towards advanced learning opportunities, apprenticeships in partner salons and even entrepreneurial avenues. The idea is not just to create hairstylists but to create professionals who can thrive in the competitive beauty industry.
This ripple effect will extend beyond the participants themselves. When a student acquires a skillset that ensures financial stability, the benefits cascade into their families and communities. Over time, the initiative could become a model for how corporate partnerships can create sustainable social change.
CONCLUSION
The Wella India X Salaam Bombay Foundation partnership is a reminder that beauty goes far beyond appearances. By bringing professional hairdressing training into the lives of underprivileged youth, this initiative ignites hope, dignity and independence. A haircut can change how someone looks but this programme is changing how these young people see their future. With every snip, a new story of resilience and empowerment begins.