An Edinburgh hairdresser is to offer free haircuts to those struggling financially or with anxiety around visiting salons.
Working class Steven Henderson, from Clermiston, opened his salon, Steven Henderson Hair, around four years ago in the heart of Roseburn on Roseburn Terrace.
Since then the 34-year-old has not looked back, employing others in his salon and winning awards for his service. But now, the successful business owner wants to give back to those who are less fortunate.
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Steven has noticed that hair cuts have become a luxury for many as the cost of living crisis impacts households across the capital. Believing everyone should get to look and feel good, regardless of their financial situation, he has launched a trial event that will see his salon offer free trims on Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2.
“It’s important now to give back and I feel I want to because I am able to,” Steven said. “There are a lot of less fortunate people out there who deserve to be able to look after themselves just as much as the next person.
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“I was sat there thinking I have staff here capable and qualified of cutting hair, so why not have them help people who are less fortunate. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not costing me anything, but what we can be doing for people’s well-being and mental health is huge.
“We also have some younger members of our team who could benefit from the practice and improve their own confidence. People are really struggling right now with the cost of living and getting your hair cut is no longer a necessity for everyone.
Steven is trialling the free haircut days.
“It is sadly becoming a luxury for people and to me that is just wrong. Everyone should be able to look and feel good regardless of their financial situation.
“Having your hair done should not be a luxury for those who can afford it.”
The offer will run this coming Thursday and Friday week and if it goes well, Steven plans to run the offer once a month moving forward. He said he will harness the power of social media to reach the communities who may be able to benefit from his offer the most.
“I really hope we can make a difference to a lot of people,” he said. “We will get a lot of satisfaction out of this with the younger stylists also getting to hone their skills.
“I’m just happy we can offer a nice relaxing experience to people who may be struggling. I do not want to limit this solely to those hard up on their luck.
The free haircuts will be offered on Thursday May 1 and Friday May 2.
“We are also welcoming anyone who has anxiety about entering a salon as we have a private section we can take them to. Ultimately it is for anyone who is struggling financially or mentally to come in and get a cut and blow dry for free.
“This is also a way for us to say thank you for the support we have received since we opened the salon. It has been incredible, people come in from the local area and also travel some distance to use our services.
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“We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for all those wonderful people believing in us and trusting us with their hair. So it is thanks to them that we are able to do this.”
How it works:
• Thursday: Book with Milly for a trim and blowdry
• Friday: Book with Erin for more complex cuts
• Simply add code “FREECUT” in your booking notes to claim your appointment.
You can book online here, or phone the salon direct.