The kindest cut: Stylists get snipping with free haircuts at Gathering Place

A countrywide effort to provide freehaircuts to people in need came to St. John's on Tuesday, where local stylists from First Choice Haircutters trimmed locks at the Gathering Place.

The First Choice Cares initiative is a way for the company to give back to communities like St. John's, where they have been for 30 years, said brand director Athena Kalkanis.

"For people that have challenges in their lives or are underprivileged in certain ways a haircut means so much to them," Kalkanis said.

The initiative began 18 months ago, and about 500 free haircuts have been given across the country so far, she said. Just more than 100 haircuts were provided at the Gathering Place on Tuesday.

A haircut might seem like a simple thing, Kalkanis said, but the cost can be out of reach for many people. The benefits of the free cuts not only to theappearance of those who get them,but their mood, is noticeable right away, she said.

"When your hair looks good, people just feel good."

In St. John's, the cuts were provided by four stylists from the local community. About an equal number of men and women come for the cuts, Kalkanis said, and they were also available to children.

Ron Walsh said the cut was a nice break from his struggles with kidney disease.

"This haircut made my day," Walsh said.

When you have a low income, something like a haircut can be a difficult thing to do for yourself, said Whoopi Nutarariaq.

"Ican feel it," she said of the difference made by the fresh cut, which she hadn't yet seen in a mirror.

"It's so comfortable, because my neck can breathe."

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