Hair & beauty pros called on to support colleagues in need

With a whopping 1200% rise in young professionals seeking financial assistance over the five years, The Hair & Beauty Charity has launched its Supporter's Campaign to gain regular monthly contributions.

In addition to the huge rise in young people (aged 18-30 years) requesting help, there has been a 300% rise in male applicants aged 31-40 since 2019 plus an influx of requests from beauty therapists. Prior to this, majority of applications came from older professionals unable to work due to illness. 

Data from 2020-2024 also shows a120% rise applications requesting financial help after fleeing domestic abuse, or being unable to work due to the trauma resulting from a sexual attack. 

The Hair & Beauty Charity is run by sector volunteers and accessing their assistance is often a last resort for hair and beauty professionals requiring support for them and their families. This could be financial contributions to every day home running costs, clothes, toys and furniture. The charity does not repay any debts and each application is considered on merit by a committee.

To meet as many requests as possible, The Hair & Beauty Charity Supporter's Campaign encourages a monthly donation of £5 every salon/freelance/self-employed professional. This is supported by corporate sponsorships and fundraising activities.  

Natalie Merola, Manager of the charity, explains:

“The work of the Hair & Beauty Charity is vital in helping friends and colleagues in the industry, and we know we are only scratching the surface.  As a female-dominated industry the rise in domestic abuse cases is particularly shocking as is the number of young people in serious financial difficulty. Thankfully for most people we offer temporary support when they need it the most, helping them to get back on their feet into permanent work. For others we are there to help at their most difficult times – through the loss, both mentally and financially, of a partner, and providing days out for children to make memories before losing a parent.“