Charity, Ferndown, Ringwood | Posted on January 21st, 2026 | return to news

Free haircut service launches in Ferndown

A hairdresser from Ringwood is offering free haircuts to people in financial crisis, and the project has expanded to Ferndown.

Ferndown residents facing financial difficulties now have the opportunity to get a free haircut, thanks to a hairdresser from Ringwood.

Georgia Chappels launched Community Haircuts in September 2025 in Ringwood to give back to the community and support those living on benefits or in financial crisis. Community Haircuts accepts referrals from the Jobcentre, Citizens Advice and local food banks and charities, but drop-in appointments are also available.

In Ringwood, the free service is available every Monday and one Saturday a month from 1.30pm to 3.30pm in the Oak Room at Carvers Clubhouse. The service is now also available in Ferndown every third Monday of the month from 1.30pm to 3.30pm in the Beacon Room at St Mary’s Church on Church Road.

The new service launched on Monday 19 January. Dorset View went along to speak to Georgia and see this kind-hearted community project in action. You can see it for yourself by visiting our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dorset_view.

Georgia was supported by two volunteer hairdressers, Frances and Dee, from Station Hair in West Moors.

Dee said: “It’s good to give something back to the community. It makes people feel better. It’s like going to the doctors for a tablet — getting your hair done makes a difference. “The first thing people look at is your hair.”

Emma King, a support worker with BCHA, brought two young people living in supported accommodation to Community Haircuts, and they were the first two clients of the new service.

One of the pair, MJ, asked for a mullet, while Courtney had her hair tidied and fringe cut.

Georgia took the time to get to know the pair and gave them tips on haircare and styling.

Emma said: “I heard about Community Haircuts through my colleague, who did her hairdressing course with one of the ladies who volunteers. “Georgia was very welcoming and made them feel very comfortable. They were both really happy, and this is really important as they have been through a lot in their short lives.”

She added: “This is a great idea, as a lot of people are struggling financially at the moment and feel like this is a luxury they can’t afford. We will send the details all around BCHA to let everyone know about this amazing opportunity!”

Courtney was very happy with her haircut and said: “I’ve never had a proper fringe cut like this before.”
MJ praised her haircut, saying it was “very lush” and enjoyed the experience. She added: “I’ve never had my hair like this before. I’ve only ever had my sides and my fringe cut.

“It looks amazing — I feel more confident. Georgia was amazing and did a good job.”

Georgia is looking to expand the service even further into Poole, Verwood and Fordingbridge, but needs the support of hairdressers willing to donate their time and skills for free.

To contact Georgia about using the service or to offer to volunteer, visit the Community Haircuts Facebook page or call 07510 602226.

To see the Community Haircuts project in action and hear Georgia talk about what inspired the project, check out our YouTube video https://youtu.be/Uj9ZBYPRk3I.