Wahl Launches Effort To Reduce Ramen Noodle Consumption Among College Students

- Project 180 to provide economic relief for those who cut their own hair -

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Sep 17, 2012, 11:01 ET

STERLING, Ill., Sept. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The bad news for those starting college this year: The average debt at graduation is $25,000 and rising. The good news: Every day doesn't have to be a struggle. A new initiative from Wahl Clipper Corporation called Project 180 is helping college students remove the economic shackles that often lead to poor diets and prolonged stacks of dirty laundry.

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Under the mantra of "man up to save up," Project 180 is helping guys keep more cash in their pocket by giving them the tools and know-how to cut their own hair—something that can save the average student $180 or more each year.

"With all the attention on the rising cost of tuition, it's easy to forget about the everyday expenses college students have to deal with," said Bill Gassman, marketing manager for Wahl Clippers. "Project 180 is about helping students take control of one of those monthly expenses so they can live a little more comfortably."

Students who join the 'free-haircut movement' will be entered to win a new Wahl Lithium Ion Clipper, the latest in home haircutting technology. Those interested must visit collegenews.com and share what they would do with an extra $180 dollars for a chance to win. Wahl will award five winners each week over the next three months based on creativity and uniqueness.

New Perspective on Cutting Costs

While this savings generated from cutting your own hair won't pay the tuition, Wahl believes the concept should hit home with today's students, who are both paying more of their college expenses and seeking ways to cut costs wherever they can.

"Research shows that college students consume about 15 tons of ramen noodles per year," said Gassman. "That amounts to about 160,000 packages, which if stacked up, would be higher than 10 Empire State Buildings. The good news for anyone who can't bear to look at another noodle is that help is on the way."

In addition to helping college students save $180 or more each year, Project 180 is about changing perspectives—180 degrees—on how easy cutting your own hair can be. As part of the Project 180 initiative, Wahl will share haircutting tips and styles. Those participating can also post images and share haircutting tips.

"Technology today is making it possible for guys to cut their own hair, and experiment with different styles," said Gassman. "All of our hair clippers feature a variety of guide combs and how-to instructions to make it an easy process. We also offer online resources that offer tips, advice and demo videos."

To enter Wahl's Project 180 Challenge, visit collegenews.com. For more information on home haircutting, check out a new infographic from Wahl titled, Cut Your Hair like a Man. Or follow Wahl on Facebook and Twitter.

About WAHL
Now in its 93^rd year, Wahl Clipper Corporation is an international industry leader in the manufacturing of products for the professional beauty and barber salon trade, consumer personal care and animal grooming. Headquartered in Sterling, Ill., Wahl currently employs some 2,000 people worldwide in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Spain and the United States. Wahl products are available in 165 countries around the world. For more information about Wahl, visit www.wahl.com.