Free Valentine's Day Makeovers for Military Families

Photo: Salon owner Lynn Eliopoulos embraces her son Cpl. George Eliopoulos after his return from Afghanistan.

WEST ROXBURY, MA - A local military family is hoping to make Valentine’s Day special for the loved ones of fallen heroes and those serving their country.

Unique Hair Salon of West Roxbury and Beauty and Main of Wellesley will shut their doors on Sunday to give free makeovers to local military families.

The heartfelt event is being hosted by Lynn Eliopoulos, co-owner of Unique Hair Salon, whose son Cpl. George Eliopoulos returned from Afghanistan last November and will soon be serving in Iraq and Syria.

“My son came home in one piece but there are so many whose loved ones did not,” Lynn said.

Lynn’s daughter Lauren, who owns her own public relations firm and is helping her mom publicize the event, said the day her brother returned was a bittersweet occasion.

“There were a lot of faces that weren’t there because they didn’t make it home,” Lauren told Patch.

Lynn and her sister-in-law Cathy Varetimos, owner of Beauty and Main, are hoping to provide makeovers to as many military families as possible.

“I think it will be an overpowering experience. I think it will be overwhelmingly emotional,” Lauren said.

In the future the family plans to provide makeovers to military families twice a year. They are also thinking about doing similar events for domestic abuse victims and homeless women.

The family hopes their efforts will encourage businesses around the country to follow in their footsteps. 

The family is hosting the event with help from the Arredondo Family Foundation and received generous donations from businesses including: Jack Davis Florist of West Roxbury; Salem Food Market of Dedham; Hint Water; Joico; Lumnishine; Cosmoprof; and Ghirardelli Chocolate.

The event will take place at Unique Hair Salon located at 432 Baker St. The day will include professional makeup applications, blow-outs, colors, haircuts and more.

Any gold star or military family member can sign up for an appointment by emailing lauren@triplicityeventgroup.com or calling 508-631-4758 by Saturday night.

(Lauren Eliopoulos and brother Cpl. George Eliopoulos pictured in second photo)