Hampshire hairdressers team up to provide free haircuts at Winchester homeless charity

A team of hairdressers from across the county recently came together at The Winchester Beacon homeless shelter, where they provided haircuts to more than 20 guests.

Among the visitors were Laraine Rose of Chandler’s Ford’s Twelve Hair Design, Tracie Sheppard of Bishopstoke’s House of Hair, and JC of Lymington’s Guy Kremer.

Credit: Winchester Beacon

Guests also received goody bags sponsored by the suppliers of Twelve Hair Design.

Laraine said: “My local community is really important to me. I launched my salon just as we went into lockdown in 2020 and it was the kindness of my clients, who come from all over Hampshire, that kept me going and helped me make it a success.

“Every six weeks I volunteer at the Beacon to give something back. It was really uplifting to see the positive change in the guests’ moods after a haircut on Sunday, and I hope others feel inspired to do the same.”

The Beacon, which offers lodging for between 60 to 80 people experiencing homelessness each year, recently rebranded from Winchester Churches Nightshelter.

Credit: Winchester Beacon

Popular measures introduced during the pandemic have since stuck around, as the shelter is now open 24 hours a day and operates with single bedrooms.

Laraine added: “Tracie, JC and I are so pleased to have volunteered today, and we’re encouraging others to make someone’s day by helping out.

“There are so many opportunities, including being a sleep-in volunteer, preparing a meal, organising a sponsored event, or making a donation. There’s plenty of choice to suit anyone.”

Their visit has also benefitted Salon Sustainability, an organisation which make hair booms from off-cuts which soak up oil spills from waterways and coastlines.

Under Laraine’s leadership, Twelve Hair Design prides itself on recycling 95 per cent of its waste, using towels and paper made from recycled materials and opting for refill bottles over single-use plastics.

These sustainable measures were recognised at last year’s Salon Awards, where Twelve Hair Design was crowned Most Sustainable Salon.

Credit: The Winchester Beacon