Barbering Students Give Back with Hair Aid

Supporting Hair Aid’s Community Cuts program, students and teachers volunteered their skills and kindness, delivering haircuts that made a real difference.

“It’s more than cutting a person's hair – it’s about asking them how they’re doing, what they need, and helping them feel good about themselves,” said Jenny Lynch, Hairdressing Teacher.

Held at the Brisbane Showgrounds as part of Brisbane City Council’s annual Homeless Connect, the event offered various essential services to people experiencing homelessness.

The event also offered essential services, including medical care, housing and employment support, immunisations, grooming items, non-perishable food, meals, and live entertainment.

“A haircut is something many of us take for granted, but for the people we met today, the choice between getting food for the week or a haircut can be very real,” Jenny said.

TAFE at School barbering students gain hands-on training in a simulated salon environment, learning technical skills and modern salon operations.

Their course is designed to work within their school commitments, often replacing one senior subject and aligning with Queensland school terms.

Students gain a nationally recognised qualification while they’re still at school and graduate job-ready, giving them a head start on their career or future study plans.

Certificate II in Salon Assistant (Barbering Stream) (SHB20216) student Lucas Cumming jumped at the chance to take part in the Homeless Connect event, offering free haircuts to those in need.

Studying at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus, Lucas saw the experience as a great way to put his skills to the test while giving back to the community.

“It’s good fun, and a good way to test out my skills and do something nice for people who need it,” he said.

Over the course of the day, Lucas delivered over a dozen haircuts, his biggest day yet and saw firsthand how something as simple as a fresh cut can lift someone’s spirits.

“Just the before and after - they come in with long hair, and afterwards they look way fresher. They feel good and more confident going out.”

“It’s that feeling you get from a fresh haircut and being able to give that to someone else for free,” he said.

Already cutting hair from home and planning a future as a full-time barber, Lucas was proud to be part of a team that brought good vibes, connection, and practical support to those doing it tough.

“It feels awesome to have the skills to help people like that. And I know I can keep getting better at it.”

While a haircut might seem like a small gesture, the TAFE team saw their positive impact on those doing it tough first-hand.

“If we can help people feel better about themselves, then it’s a worthy cause,” concluded Jenny.