Pink strands—all the way!

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month—kicking off in October — the women from Z100 decided to take a little detour and ended up in Bay Ridge, where Pilo Arts Day Spa & Salon gave them a warm welcome and a new look.

Producer of the Elvis Duran Show and The Morning Show, Loren Raye, as well as talk show host Danielle Monaro, Carla Marie, Elvis’s assistant Elizabeth Fazio, and Bethany Watson decided to have some fun while promoting and increasing awareness of breast cancer. Watson partially dyed her hair pink, while the rest got pink extensions added onto their hair.

The proceeds — $15 per pink strand — were donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation providing funding for research into the cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. They each received from 50 to 70 extensions.

Monaro, who struggled personally with thyroid cancer, thinks, “It’s just good to get the word out.” As a representative of a media outlet, she will be telling millions about her pink strands and informing them about the disease. She believes the pink strands are a great idea, as she will be looking at herself in the mirror and be reminded that they’re a part of the effort for the entire month.

One of her close friends was diagnosed with cancer twice, and she had an aunt die from the disease, so she is also showing her respect for them, she said.

You don’t have to go too far to find a survivor or simply someone close who has had a close brush with cancer. Raye’s 41 year-old cousin was recently diagnosed.

“I’m getting pink hair for you!” Raye recalled telling her cousin over the phone. The notable action is for a good cause, not simply because it looks fashionable.

Nickolas Ligorano, master stylist and colorist at the salon for the past seven years, explained that what the women were receiving is called “Remy hair.” It is 100 percent human hair that blends in with all types of hairs. It lasts about nine months.

Danielle Pietroluongo, also a hair stylist at Pilo, said meeting Monaro was “phenomenal. Danielle is just like everyone else,” she said. “She’s got a great sense of humor and she’s a very sweet person.”

Helaine Zagaro, president of Alpha J. Travel and a survivor herself, stopped by the salon to check out the commotion. She will soon be a grandmother for the first time and is thrilled to have survived to live this precious moment. She participates in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer every year.

“My daughter-in-law Catherine walks for me!” Zagaro said.

Besides their pink strands, the women also got complimentary make-up sessions and shot a brief video speaking of their experience that will be going on the station’s website the first few days of October. Check out what they had to say about this inspiring event at www.z100.com.