Statement from Hair on Wheels regarding election 2010 and The Green Party
Although Hair on Wheels is not normally a politically interested company we were overwhelmed that the Green party managed to take the seat in Brighton Pavilion on May 6 2010. Caroline Lucas the leader of the party seemed absolutely overjoyed that she had won the hearts of the Brighton people.
At Hair on Wheels we displayed a banner outside because there was one policy that we were particularly interested in and that is the banning of the use of size 0 models. On training days in London Karen is often confronted with size 0 models, regularly the demonstrations end up with the student hairdressers having to inspect the hairstyles in close proximity. The models are always wearing high heels; this means that Karen herself, being a short person, gets a perfect view of the models' very minute slim waist. 'I can tell you', says Karen 'these girls look anorexic'. This sends out such a negative message to young teenage girls who witness these images through the magazines on every newsagent's shelf.
Hair on Wheels is well known for its ability to recognise that natural hairstyles are much easier to look after. Trained at Vidal Sassoon Karen always cuts using the natural movement and growth patterns of the hair. Hair on Wheels is also a recommended outlet for colour herb organic hair colour. This is not tested on animals. This has become very popular with customers travelling far and wide to us. These natural ethics seem to sit very well with the Green party especially being in Brighton, we also have a policy not to use hair extensions as they do not necessarily have a natural appearance. However, Karen will be attending a training session with Trevor Sorbie later this year to facilitate a wig cutting service for people who have hair loss due to medical reasons such as cancer patients.
All of the models on the Hair on Wheels website are normal people and not paid models; they are students from Sussex and Brighton Universities as well as regular clients. The photographs are all taken by Karen and no airbrushing has taken place, giving confidence to clients coming into the salon or looking at the website because the creations and looks are much more achievable. The photographs are very popular.
It seems a brilliant coincidence that the Body Shop opened its first shop in Brighton in 1976 and has now become a worldwide chain following those green fair trade ethics much like our efforts here at Hair on Wheels.
From Caroline Lucas:
I appreciate both your support and encouragement, special thanks to Karen too for the prominetly displayed banner and for your support for products that have not been tested on animals.
On the specific issue of size zero models, I am delighted that this struck a chord and hope it is something I can make some progress on now I am an MP.
Best Wishes
Caroline Lucas
MP for Brighton Pavilion. The House of Commons, SW1A OAA
