Outdoor haircuts bring out the smiles

Charles Darwin University’s hairdressing students took their training salon into the great outdoors recently to mark National Homelessness Week.

Hairdressing lecturer Jasmine Martin described the event on the lawns of Parliament House in Darwin as a “fantastic and eventful day”.

“Seven of our students and two staff cut the hair of many people,” Ms Martin said.

“It was a great real world experience that will enhance our apprentices’ appreciation of client relations and, in particular, reinforce the value of good communication. 

“They put into practice the skills and knowledge they’ve acquired from countless hours of training and theory in a simulated salon.”

Ms Martin said the benefits flowed both ways.

“Not only were the clients happy to have a nice fresh haircut, it is rewarding to think that we had a positive impact in the lives of people who are affected by disadvantage.

“One gentleman commented that it was nice to feel fussed over.

“The smiles of appreciation, and the disbelief that we provided a quality service without charging for it, was payment in itself.”

Ms Martin said it was the second consecutive year that CDU had partnered with Somerville Community Services, which organised the event.