With a one-day, cut-for-a-cause event on Sunday July 17, 2011, The Hattori Hanzo Trade will be raising money to give women and girls in developing countries new hope for the future.

Participating salons around the Sacramento area have committed to donate proceeds from all July 17th business to help these women cut themselves loose from the cycle of human sex trafficking – through careers in hair styling. The public can walk into any of the participating salons and for just $35, they can walkout with a chic new hairstyle – and the knowledge that they have helped changed a life for the better.

Chris McCarley and John Klein, founders of Hattori Hanzo Shears and manufacturer of the finest Japanese-style hair cutting scissors in the world, brought this timely initiative to life. Each time a stylist purchases a pair of Hattori Hanzo Shears, they are asked to donate their used shears and equipment to the Hattori Hanzo Trade. With this generously donated and updated equipment, the Trade is able to provide women in developing countries with the tools they need to begin careers in hairstyling. And through The Trade’s educational programs in their villages and towns, these women (many of whom are former prostitutes and victims of human trafficking), are in turn empowered to support themselves and their families. Ultimately a sense of dignity and accomplishment will be gained where none existed before. “The biggest hurdle we are facing is people’s misconception of prostitution, which isn’t viewed as a form of slavery and human rights violation. They are one and the same.” Explains McCarley.

A percentage of all Hattori Hanzo purchase go to The Hattori Hanzo Trade. For a list of participating salons, please visit:

The Hattori Hanzo Trade: www.plantashear.org

For more information on Hattori Hanzo Shears, please visit:
Hattori Hanzo Shears: www.hattorihazoshears.com