JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville hairstylist is planning to show love on Valentine’s Day in a special way by giving away more than 100 wigs to women who are battling cancer.
“I like to make women feel beautiful,” said Tarina Akbari.
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Akbari also says she had one recent conversation that is reinforcing her mission.
“It is really hard to just go in the store and get a wig that fits you,” she said. “Also, these wigs are custom-made, but they are very expensive and some women cannot afford [them].”
All of the wigs are unique and styled differently. Akbari says they can cost anywhere from $40 to more than $1,000.
“If I can help enhance their beauty and tell them that they are beautiful on the inside and out and tell them not to give up through their hair, I’m going to do it,” she said.
The wig giveaway Drive is going to be at Platinum Cutts Salon at 1704 Southside Boulevard on Valentine’s Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Akbari says one of her clients recently told her about being diagnosed with cancer and is now in chemotherapy treatment.
After Akbari gave her a new hair-do, she said the reaction melted her heart.
“I turned her around, she felt better instantly,” Akbari said. “It just built their tenacity up and gives them a hope to fight. When you are looking beautiful, you cannot tell us anything. I was so joyful and I was telling her and telling God thank you because that is the type of fuel I want to give to these women.”
Over the last six years, News4JAX has done several stories showcasing the work Akbari is doing to help women during their cancer journeys.
These annual wig drives are expanding beyond Jacksonville as she hosted one in Atlanta at the end of 2025.
“I want to encourage other hairstylists to get involved with me and partner with me in different states and we can just do this everywhere,” Akbari said. “I want to encourage them to keep moving forward and don’t give up. You are beautiful inside and out.”
Akbari says if there are any wigs left over after the giveaway next week, she will donate them to Baptist Medical Center, the American Cancer Society and the Sisters Network Northeast Florida, Inc., which is a local affiliate of the national charity organization. It says it is dedicated to providing education, emotional support, and financial assistance for breast cancer survivors in the African-American community.