Ginger Meggs & Psoriasis Association form unique partnership

MEDIA RELEASE – 04 December 2013

Ginger Meggs and Psoriasis Association form unique partnership

Other hair salons encouraged to increase awareness and education of psoriasis

A ground-breaking partnership between leading hair salon Ginger Meggs and the national organisation representing people living with psoriasis, Psoriasis Association Southland has been formed to raise awareness of psoriasis and the impact it has on everyday lives.

Mike Hamel, founder and owner of Ginger Meggs salons in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, says Ginger Meggs is delighted to join forces with Psoriasis Association Southland to increase awareness of the condition and help break down some of the barriers those with psoriasis encounter on a daily basis.

He says as many as one in 50 adults in New Zealand are living with psoriasis, and close to 80 percent of people experience the scaly, inflamed, red or silver plaques on their scalp - which can make a visit to the hairdresser extremely daunting.

“Far too often I hear about cases where stylists simply don’t understand psoriasis and are even reluctant to service the customer. This is really concerning. Psoriasis should not stop people living their lives to the fullest, feeling good about themsleves, looking great and enjoying a relaxing visit to the hairdresser.

“The level of awareness and understanding of psoriasis, both among the hair stylist community as well as the wider public is clearly not as high as it should be, particularly for a skin condition that affects so many people.

“For Ginger Meggs, this partnership is about breaking down barriers; educating hair stylists, providing a relaxing and friendly environment for clients, and educating people about psoriasis as well as suitable hair products and styling techniques.”

In addition, Mr Hamel says people with psoriasis often feel comfortable talking to their hairdresser about their condition.

“A recent survey found 60% of the women surveyed said they feel most comfortable talking to their hairdresser about their psoriasis than any other person outside of immediate family.[1] This shows the incredibly valuable role hairdressers can play in supporting clients with psoriasis and providing them with a postive experience – listening and understanding without judging,” says Mr Hamel.

Patricia Officer-Young, President of Psoriasis Association Southland says psoriasis can be a chronic and socially isolating skin condition and can have a devastating effect on people’s everyday lives.

“A partnership with Ginger Meggs is so fantastic for educating the community about this condition and helping people living with psoriasis feel less isolated. Knowing that this partnership could be the start of a network of psoriasis-friendly salons is extremely exciting,” says Mrs Officer-Young.

Three educational booklets, developed by Psoriasis Association Southland, in partnership with biopharmaceutical company AbbVie, have also been developed.

The booklets are the first of their kind in New Zealand to provide information on psoriasis, the available treatment options, as well as tips and support for living with psoriasis and associated conditions. They are being distributed in Ginger Meggs and Vivo Hair and Beauty salons throughout New Zealand. 

For more information on psoriasis in New Zealand and to download the three educational booklets, Psoriasis Understood,Psoriasis Controlled and Psoriasis: More than a Skin Thing, visit www.psoriasis.org.nz.

ENDS

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