Portland hairdresser offering free haircuts to help with rising costs

Ukiyo, based in Easton Street, is running the offer on Saturday, February 25 when four of its workers will be handing out as many complimentary haircuts as possible.

Salon manager Karen Stone said she has been thinking of the idea for some time to help those hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis.

Joined by fellow hairdressers Lorraine Beckett, Rosie Davis and Hayley Yeoman, the group will be opening Ukiyo's doors to offer for free from 9am-2pm.

The offer is open to any person - including children - in need and who may be struggling with their bills during a tough financial winter.

Leaflets have been sent out to the local Portland foodbank group, and Ms Stone hopes to reach even more people and organisations who may be 'embarassed' to come forward.

"It is something I have been thinking about since November," she said. "It is for people who can't even afford to feed themselves never mind get a haircut.

"I said to the girls to tell me to get lost if you do not want to do it, but I thought we can all came in on one day and do all we can to make people feel a bit better.

"I am panicking a bit that people are a little embrassed to come in, but we want to be full up, and fingers crossed we are.

"You just hope that people will accept the help and just make the most of this opportunity. It is not much, but it is something we can offer."

Ms Stone said simple pleasures such as getting a haircut are 'so important' in 'these dire times'. 

"I have been a hairdresser for nearly 22 years and I absolutely love my job - I think it is so important to get your haircut, it gives you a confidence boost, and we want to help people through these tough times which are just dire," she added. 

Tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes will also be on offer in the salon to create a warm environment and 'a treat' for customers.

For more information on the offer, email ukiyo@btinternet.com