15 years ago, Sr. Bonnie Steinlage, a Franciscan Sister of the Poor, heard the gospel of Ash Wednesday that read, “When you pray, wash your face and comb your hair.” She felt called to provide hair care to the poor and homeless. With the permission of her order, Sister Bonnie enrolled in cosmetology school. In 1995 she opened a salon in Over-the-Rhine where she continues to provide professional hair care to those in need.

In 1997 Haircuts from the Heart created the Hair Care Voucher Program to serve needy clients throughout the city. Clients receive our hair care vouchers from a school or social service agency and redeem them at a participating salon. Haircuts from the Heart reimburses the salon for their services at no cost to the client or social service agency.

Today, Sr. Bonnie continues in her mission to nurture the dignity and self-confidence of our clients one haircut at a time.