12 Easy Ways to Get Free Hair Cuts

Free hair cuts are about more than just a quick trim. These essential services support the dignity, confidence and overall wellbeing of those who are going through a hard time.

At Low Income Relief, we understand how critical these resources can be. In the “Other Helpful Resources” section below, I share my own experience of going years without a hair cut because I couldn’t afford one. That’s why we are so grateful for these community organizations and supportive programs that help people when they need it most.

In this article, we’ll review organizations that provide free hair cuts and some other ways that you may be able to get help. Let’s dive right in!

Organizations that Offer Free Hair Cuts

The organizations in this section are known to provide free hair cuts to those who need them. Contact them right away if you need assistance!

ClipDart

ClipDart was founded on the belief that free hair cuts can support the mental wellness of people who can’t afford it, especially people with minority hair textures. They’ve provided over 10,000 free hair cuts to low income people around the country!

This organization is best-known for providing hair cuts at colleges, universities, conventions, hospitals, and senior living facilities around the nation. They bring specialized barbers who are trained in diverse hair textures to areas that are predominantly white, where culturally-aware hair cuts may not be readily available.

They also have a program called The ClipDart Giveback. This organization provides frequent free hair cut sessions to people who are experiencing poverty. These events may also offer free clothing, food, showers and other services.

There is a calendar on the ClipDart website where you can see their upcoming events. If you need a free hair cut, be sure to check the calendar for upcoming events in your area!

Clips of Kindness

Great Clips, through its compassionate Clips of Kindness program, offers a special, complimentary haircut service for adults and children undergoing cancer treatment. This thoughtful initiative empowers individuals by allowing them to choose the timing and style of their hair transformation, offering a sense of control and dignity during a challenging time.

The service is designed not just to remove hair but to provide a supportive, caring experience, acknowledging the courage of those on their cancer journey. This gesture aims to uplift spirits and reinforce the strength of those facing cancer, offering a moment of care and understanding.

In order to schedule this, the corporate office encourages cancer patients to call the nearest salon and ask to speak to the salon manager. Explain that you would like a complimentary clipper cut. They’ll help you make it happen.

Cut My City (North Carolina)

Cut My City targets low-income children, homeless individuals, and the elderly. It focuses on supporting single-parent families, veterans, and seniors who cannot afford haircuts.

They operate a mobile salon, “Cut My City Bus,” which travels to underserved areas in Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Raeford, Springlake and other locations. People in need can find out about their next stops via their website or social media platforms to get free hair cuts.

Part of the Solution (New York)

Located in the Bronx, NY, POTS provides haircuts to low-income individuals as part of their broader social services. Other POTS services include meals, free hot showers, mail services, medical and dental services, and help applying for government benefits as well.

POTS offers free hair cuts on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They can only provide 30 free hair cuts each day so be sure to arrive early!

The Kind Cut (Los Angeles)

The Kind Cut serves an incredibly diverse array of individuals facing hardship, including men, women, children, and families who are homeless or living in shelters, foster care centers, and hospitals.

The organization operates mainly in Los Angeles and expands its services to cities like San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Pasadena. Those in need can connect through local shelters or directly contact The Kind Cut to learn about upcoming haircut events.

How to Get Free Hair Cuts

Finding free hair cuts can be a great way to look and feel your best without stretching your budget. Whether you’re preparing for a job interview, a special occasion, or simply need a trim to maintain your appearance, there are several avenues where low-income Americans can access these essential services at no cost.

Let’s explore some of the generous options available.

Barber Shops

Barber shops, especially those in low-income areas, serve a crucial role in their communities that extends beyond offering traditional haircut services. They often function as community hubs where residents can feel a sense of belonging and support.

Recognizing the importance of self-care and the positive impact of looking and feeling good, many barber shops host pop-up events or offer special promotions to provide free haircut services to those in need. This includes free introductory haircuts to welcome new clients and foster a sense of community.

For instance, Modern Man Barbershop in Pennsylvania exemplifies this community spirit by offering a free introductory haircut to new clients. This generous offer is not only a smart business practice to attract new customers but also a community-focused effort to ensure everyone has the chance to experience professional grooming services, regardless of their financial situation. You just have to request a voucher on their website!

ELIGIBILITY: These free services and events are primarily aimed at local residents, particularly those facing financial hardships, although specific eligibility may vary by event or promotion.

HOW TO GET HELP: To discover these opportunities, it’s best to follow local barber shops on social media, check community bulletin boards, and stay connected with neighborhood groups.

Beauty Schools

Many beauty schools offer free or significantly reduced-price haircuts to the public. This service provides students with the opportunity to practice their skills under the supervision of experienced instructors.

For example, The Spot Barber Academy in Florida offers free hair cuts at their barber school. You just need to register in advance on their website.

ELIGIBILITY: Generally, these services are available to anyone willing to help students learn.

HOW TO GET HELP: Find a local beauty school or cosmetology program and inquire about their public service days or student salon services. Appointments may be required, so it’s best to call ahead.

Community Support Organizations

Community organizations often step up to fill the gap, providing free hair cuts to those in need through various programs and initiatives. These organizations, ranging from local nonprofits to faith-based groups, aim to support individuals and families facing financial hardships by offering personal care services as a form of dignity and relief.

Here are a list of community organizations that we have confirmed offer free hair cut vouchers:

• The Waymaker Project (Kentucky)

ELIGIBILITY: While specific eligibility requirements can vary, these services are generally targeted towards low-income individuals, families in need, the homeless, and other vulnerable groups within the community.

HOW TO GET HELP: To find these services, reach out to local community centers, churches, and nonprofit organizations. Social services agencies and shelters can also provide referrals to programs offering free haircuts.

Hair Donation Programs

Organizations that collect hair donations often provide free hair cuts to individuals who are willing to donate their locks to make wigs for people experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions.

ELIGIBILITY: Donors typically need to meet certain hair length and condition requirements.

HOW TO GET HELP: Research hair donation organizations, such as Locks of Love or Wigs for Kids, and contact them to see if they provide free hair cuts.

Resource Fairs & Events

Community resource fairs and special events sometimes include free hair cuts. These events are designed to support low-income families and individuals by providing access to a variety of services, including health screenings, legal advice, and personal grooming.

ELIGIBILITY: Eligibility can vary, but these events generally target low-income community members.

HOW TO GET HELP: Keep an eye on community bulletin boards, social media, and local news for announcements about upcoming events. You can also subscribe to Low Income Relief’s YouTube channel or check out our most recent Resource Recap to be notified of upcoming events.

Veterans Day Deals

In honor of Veterans Day, many salons and barber shops across the country offer free hair cuts to veterans and active military members as a token of appreciation for their service. For example, both Great Clips and Sports Clips typically offer free hair cuts to veterans on Veteran’s Day.

Don’t forget to check out our dedicated list for more Veteran’s Day freebies and deals!

ELIGIBILITY: This offer is typically available to military veterans and active-duty service members.

HOW TO GET HELP: Check with local salons and barber shops about any Veterans Day promotions, and be prepared to show your military ID or proof of service.

Workforce Programs

Some workforce development programs provide free hair cuts to job seekers to help them make a strong first impression during job interviews.

ELIGIBILITY: Individuals actively seeking employment who are enrolled in job readiness or workforce development programs.

HOW TO GET HELP: Contact local job assistance centers or workforce development organizations to inquire about available grooming services and eligibility criteria.

Other Helpful Resources

I still remember the first time that I had to learn how to cut my husband and children’s hair myself. We couldn’t afford a hair cut and I didn’t know that there were services that could help us. With the cheapest clippers the store offered, I embarked on a journey that was both humbling and enlightening.

Those early attempts at barbering were far from perfect. Picture uneven lengths, accidental patches, and the occasional nick here and there. It was a learning curve steeped in love and necessity, a testament to the lengths we’d go to care for each other when resources were scarce.

The years passed, and those homemade buzz cuts became a part of our family’s story. They weren’t just haircuts; they were moments of laughter, of gentle teasing, and of learning to appreciate the imperfections that made our lives uniquely ours. Through this, we discovered resilience, creativity, and the importance of self-sufficiency. Yet, despite mastering the art of the buzz cut, my own hair remained untouched, growing longer with each passing year because I wasn’t brave enough to pick up the scissors.

It wasn’t until we stumbled upon a local community event offering free hair cuts that I realized there had been support available all along.

That’s a recurring theme around here. There’s a lot of help out there but a lot of us don’t know where to look when we’re stressed out and struggling. That’s why I started Low Income Relief – so I could report on the resources I find and help other families like mine, who just need a little extra support when they’re going through a hard time.

If you’re interested in how to get free hair cuts, there’s a good chance you may be interested in these additional resources as well:

• How to Get a Free Car (or Free Vehicle Repairs)
• How to Get Help with Rent
• How to Get Additional Cash

You can also subscribe to our email list or our YouTube channel for additional support.

Relief Recap

In a world where appearance can significantly impact one’s confidence and opportunities, access to free hair cuts emerges as a small yet profoundly impactful gesture of support for those in need. Organizations across America, such as The Kind Cut, Cut My City, Haircuts For Hope, and many others, are stepping forward to fill this niche, providing not just a haircut, but a boost in self-esteem, a moment of care, and a symbol of community support. Contact the organizations nearest you to schedule your free hair cut today.

Nicole Thelin

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.