Birmingham barber offers free cuts as cost of living bites
A local business owner is providing free haircuts to low-income students, illustrating how persistent inflation is forcing communities to devise grassroots solutions for basic needs.
Razwan Amin, a 27-year-old barber who runs Razortrim Studio in Birmingham, is offering free haircuts to low-income students at his former school, Erdington Academy. The initiative, run in partnership with the school's parent teacher association, targets pupils who would otherwise go without due to the rising cost of living.
The offer highlights the deepening financial strain on European households, where inflation continues to erode disposable income. At Erdington Academy, more than 50% of students are eligible for free school meals, a stark metric of deprivation in the surrounding area.
Small businesses are increasingly stepping in to fill gaps left by stretched household budgets. Amin originally planned to offer a single free haircut as a raffle prize before deciding to open the service to all low-income children. "At first, we thought about offering a free haircut for prom as a raffle prize, but I wanted to do more and extend it, so that every child from a low-income background could have a haircut. I said, bring them all in," Amin said.
The pressure is particularly acute during school holidays when families lose access to free school meals and must fund activities independently. Amin drew on his own experience growing up in a low-income household to shape the policy. "My family was low-income when I was growing up. I used to be on free school meals and my parents struggled to get me into a barber shop because of the cost of living," he said.
Beyond direct financial relief, the scheme underscores the link between household economics, mental health, and educational engagement. Amin argues that personal grooming directly impacts a student's participation. "A simple haircut really does help a child's mental health â looking fresh for school can really raise their confidence and eagerness to learn. It's just a small change, but it goes a long way," Amin said.
Nicki Kansara, chair of the school's Parent, Teacher and Friends Association and a governor, noted that the economic pain extends beyond those officially classified as deprived. She emphasized that the broader community is feeling the pinch of persistent inflation. "The cost of living has been affecting so many people, not just pupil premium students," she said.
Kansara also pointed to the value of local entrepreneurs as tangible examples of social mobility in deprived economies. For students, seeing a former pupil run a successful business provides practical motivation. "That's why this link with Razwan is so powerful. There's potential for Razwan to inspire the children as an Erdington alumnus â he shows them that they can go from the school and make it in the real world," she said.
Students have already begun using the service. Esa Kansara, a current pupil at the academy, said the practical support carries psychological weight and shapes future ambitions. "Razwan went to Erdington Academy and now he's a successful businessman, so he makes me realise I can be successful as well. It's empowering," he added.
