Sandahl Taylor
Cosmetology Instructor, South Hills Beauty Academy;
Pageant Winner

When Sandahl Taylor was 17, her father had a heart attack and stroke that left him paralyzed. The family lost their Dormont home and was essentially left homeless.

Then at 19, she had to flee an abusive relationship, facing homelessness for a second time. These experiences have shaped who she is today.

She has been an advocate for the American Heart Association for 19 years. Because of her community service, she was recruited into the pageant circuit, where she’s won titles for years.

Taylor is the first woman to represent Pennsylvania for three years in a row — 2021 through 2023 — as Mrs. Pennsylvania Galaxy. A cosmetologist and instructor at South Hills Beauty Academy, she has given more than 1,500 free haircuts to veterans, clients at men’s and women’s shelters and more.

“Giving someone a haircut can build confidence. If I can help somebody get a job to potentially turn their life around, that’s a beautiful thing.”