Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Beyond the Burqa

An education in cosmetology can change lives. Nowhere is this more evident than in post-war Afghanistan, where a three-month course at Kabul Beauty School & Oasis Spa gives graduates the capability to earn three to four times the national average salary.

by Staff
October 1, 2005
1 min to read


An education in cosmetology can change lives. Nowhere is this more evident than in post-war Afghanistan, where a three-month course at Kabul Beauty School & Oasis Spa gives graduates the capability to earn three to four times the national average salary. Founded in 2002 by American hairdresser Debbie Rodriguez, the school provides training to both literate and non-literate Afghani women. For 1,000, Rodriguez provides technical training along with the necessary business skills to run a salon.

Lindy Walser, a Santa Barbara, Calif-based hairdresser, has made it her mission to raise the funds to keep the school going. After hearing about the program on a newscast, Walser first donated supplies, then visited the school for herself earlier this year. “Those profound three weeks of my life were powerful and immensely gratifying,” she says. “I learned that I could make a difference. But I wondered what larger impact could be made if more people knew what a few dollars could make in the lives of Afghan women.” 

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Business

A row of styling stations at JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon
Business|Articles|Mar 3, 2026

Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty

When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.

Sponsored by Amex

Ad Loading...
Business|Articles|Nov 27, 2024

Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express

The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.

Sponsored by Amex

Ad Loading...
Business|Articles|Oct 22, 2024

Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.

Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.

Sponsored by Amex

Business|Articles|Sep 6, 2024

Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business

Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.

Sponsored by Vagaro

Business|Articles|Aug 6, 2024

5 Things I Won't Do as a Nail Tech

This list of watch-outs from @jodydoesjels prompted us to reach out to her and learn more. We had already fallen for her hand-painted designs and now we wanted to know more about this list she created to help clients decide if she was the nail tech for them.

Ad Loading...