General Info

Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart's mission is to enhance the dignity and self-esteem of poor, homeless or disabled men, women and children by providing them with professional hair care. 15 years ago, when Sister Bonnie Steinlage, a Franciscan Sister of the Poor, heard the Ash Wednesday gospel, 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 and began providing hair care to the poor. In 1995, she opened a hair salon in Over-the-Rhine where she continues to provide professional hair care to those in need. Soon after opening the salon, Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart created the Hair Care Voucher Program to serve needy clients throughout the city. Clients can receive a hair care vouchers from a participating school or social service agency and redeem it at a partner 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 her mission to nurture the dignity and self-confidence of our clients by providing hair care to the poor and homeless.