M iami Beach resident Vaso Spirou, owner of Salon Vaso at 1500 Alton Rd., Miami Beach, is doing her part to help women with cancer deal with one of the ravaging side effects of chemotherapy: hair loss.

Spirou, 36, herself a recent survivor of breast cancer, has been certified by Hot Heads and Great Lengths, two South Florida manufacturers of natural hair extensions in order to learn the application process.

''I wanted to help women who have gone through chemotherapy and have no other options,'' Spirou says. ``After meeting so many women in this situation, I recognize the importance of feeling attractive again when going through something tough like this.''

After a complimentary consultation, Spirou places an order for the client's custom hairpiece, which is usually received within three working days. In about two to six hours, she can apply the extensions in a variety of ways, including different lengths, styles and colors.

Average prices can range from $1,000 to $4,000.

Originally from New York, Spirou moved to Miami Beach 10 years ago. She was previously with The Standard Spa.

Salon Vaso is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The salon offers hair cuts and coloring, manicures/pedicures, hair-care products and a clothing boutique.

For details or an appointment, call 305-674-7470 or visit www.salonvaso.com.

THINKING PINK

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Several area businesses have special promotions to raise funds for The Susan G. Komen Foundation:

Buy any pair of pink sandals this month at Tuccia di Capri (1630 Pennsylvania Ave., Miami Beach) and the store will donate 20 percent of the sales price (sandals range from $120 to $350) to the cause. Call 305-534-5856 or visit www.tucciadicapri.com.

La Marea at The Tides South Beach (1200 Ocean Dr.) has created a Pink Passion Popsicle Martini -- featuring passion fruit juice, vanilla vodka and watermelon Popsicle garnish. Cost is $16, with 20 percent of sales going to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Call 305-604-5070 or visit www.tidessouthbeach.com.

Intimacy boutique in Aventura Mall will donate $2 for any pink Hanky Panky purchased this month. Buy the ''Breast Cancer Awareness Thong'' ($30) with a jeweled pink ribbon and Hanky Panky will donate an additional $2. Customers will receive complimentary breast self-exam cards to help with early detection. Call 786-629-9229 or visit www.myintimacy.com.

FIFTH-GRADE FOODIES

On Wednesday, culinary students-in-training from North Beach Elementary School -- with assistance from chef Michael Schwartz (of Michael's Genuine Food and Drink) and caterer/chef Ray Newlands -- will host a Florida Flavors themed dinner party for 150 invited guests in the school's cafeteria.

The event is lesson six of a seven-week after-school program called The Dinner Party Project.

Curriculum is provided by Spoons Across America, a national nonprofit dedicated to educating children, teachers and families about the benefits of healthy eating and the importance of sharing meals around the family table.

Since 2001, over 50 kid-hosted dinner parties have been held across the United States. This is the first in Miami Beach.

The 27 fifth-graders in the program have spent the past five Wednesday afternoons at school with their instructor, reading/language arts teacher Robert DeDominic -- and guest speakers including a local party planner, a nutritionist and an etiquette coach. They've learned all about putting together a dinner party -- from inviting guests and creating a menu to setting the table and preparing the meal.

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