Community Hair Clinic Volunteers Provide More Than a Haircut

For those who perhaps can’t afford a haircut or are unable to visit a salon, The Salvation Army Kemptville Church came up with a cutting-edge solution: a free community hair clinic for food bank clients.

Vincent Walsh from Spa Garage was the first stylist to volunteer his time to the clinic, which is more than just about cutting hair both for him and the client. Many of the clients he sees are people who have never had their hair professionally styled.

“It is a powerful experience to do that for the first time. There is an enormous surge of energy that comes off of people that are receiving a gift. I didn’t realize how much power it had to change them,” Vincent explains. “This gives people who are not able to afford it the opportunity to pamper themselves and to feel better about life.”

Local volunteer stylists give their time and talents to celebrate personal individuality in a way that many people are unable to afford. It is meant to help food bank clients boost their confidence, mental health and self-esteem and to help them look their best for a job interview.

Stephanie Richardson, owner of Richardson Hair Design in Kemptville, is another program volunteer helping Vincent meet the increased demand for the service.

“The haircutting clinics are important to provide people with the opportunity to feel good about themselves and be empowered.  Often these clients wouldn’t be able to obtain these services on a regular basis. Having your hair cut can increase your confidence, your success rates when looking for employment, and enhances your self-esteem,” Stephanie says.

“It also gets clients into our chairs where we can chat and connect with them as service providers often do.  It’s a pleasure to be involved with the Salvation Army and their efforts to assist those in need within our community.”

Kemptville Pastor and Community Ministry Director Erin Wong says the feedback on the program from participants has been incredibly positive and encouraging. “We couldn’t make this clinic possible without the volunteer stylists that offer this service and it’s been tremendous for us to be able to see the impact they have had on the clients,” Pastor Wong says.

The Salvation Army Kemptville Church hosts three to four clinics each year in the church basement and every appointment slot is usually filled. Each of the volunteer stylists are able to cut and style the hair of 12 people per day.

For more information about the community hair clinic, please call the Kemptville Salvation Army at 613-258-3583.