We’ve given 50,000 haircuts to homeless people – here’s how a simple trim can change everything

Charity Haircuts 4 Homeless has given more than 50,000 free haircuts to people experiencing homelessness and has warned that it is “needed more than ever” as it reaches its 10-year anniversary. 

The charity, founded in 2014 by professional hairdresser Stewart Roberts, claimed that reaching the 10-year milestone was “bittersweet” as it is needed more urgently than ever due to rising levels of homelessness in the UK. 

Roberts explained that he started the charity 10 years ago while he was cutting hair at a Salvation Army shelter, claiming it was there that he realised “just how powerful a simple haircut could be for someone experiencing homelessness”.

“It’s more than just the haircut itself – it’s about human connection and dignity,” he told the Big Issue.

“I was inspired by the actions of hairdressers in various parts of the world cutting hair for the homeless, and wanted to build a whole community of skilled hairdresser volunteers who wanted to give their time free of charge to give haircuts for homeless people.”

He explained that what started as “a few volunteers offering haircuts” has become a national charity with over 600 volunteers across 70 locations in the UK and Ireland. The charity has provided over 50,000 haircuts to people experiencing homelessness, “each one a chance to make someone feel valued and visible”.

He added that, while he is thankful for “each and everyone of the volunteers” who have worked with the charity over the last 10 years, “we would all prefer that homelessness be eradicated”.

• These before and after photos show the power of a haircut for people experiencing homelessness
• How young people in prison are getting a fresh start by giving free haircuts to homeless people

Haircuts 4 Homeless’s Roberts explained that volunteers for the charity have taken part in pop-up events in “shelters, soup kitchens, women’s refuges, ex-services, ex-offenders, addiction centres and places catering for people struggling with mental health issues”. Haircuts have helped people when going for job interviews and even reconnected them with family members, the charity boss said.

“A haircut can have an incredible impact because it’s not just about appearance – it’s about restoring dignity and self-worth,” Roberts told the Big Issue.

“Many people who experience homelessness feel invisible, disconnected from society. When someone takes the time to offer them a service like a haircut, it’s an act of care and respect. We’ve seen that a haircut can boost confidence, help people feel more like themselves again… It’s a small gesture, but it can change the way someone sees themselves and how the world sees them.”

Roberts explained that while many of the stories he hears on a day-to-day basis from people experiencing homelessness have “touched me deeply”, he was particularly moved by a client named Anne, who was made-over for her birthday by the charity.

“I went up to speak to her and found out it was her birthday soon, so we offered her a beautiful makeover,” he said. “The women we see who are victims of domestic violence is a subject very close to my heart, it is incredible to see once we have treated them they can feel like they have some dignity back.”

Roberts explained that the charity is needed more than ever, as “the cost of living crisis, rising rents, and economic instability have driven more people into homelessness than we’ve seen in years”.

In October, government figures found that there had been a 10% surge in homelessness in England over the past year. Statistics showed that 324,900 households across England had been assessed as homeless after contacting their local authority for support.

Additionally, a total of 117,450 households were living in temporary accommodation on 31 March 2024 –  higher than at any other point since records began in 1998.

“Many are struggling to afford basic needs, and services like ours offer a lifeline,” Roberts added. “The demand for Haircuts 4 Homeless has increased because more people are finding themselves in vulnerable situations and often feel forgotten by society.

“People can support us by donating to the charity, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about the work we do. Every little bit helps, whether it’s through financial contributions, raising awareness, or giving time.

“The need is great, but together, we can continue to offer hope and dignity to those who need it most.”

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