“A simple haircut really does help a child’s mental health.”
A former Birmingham academy pupil has returned to support students from low-income families by offering them free haircuts.
Razwan Amin, who attended Erdington Academy, set up Razortrim Studio after leaving the school in 2015.
He launched the initiative to help families struggling with the cost of living while inspiring young people to believe they can achieve their goals.
Erdington Academy serves an area with high levels of deprivation, with more than 50% of students eligible for free school meals.
Amin said a simple haircut can make a major difference to a child’s confidence and wellbeing.
He said: “A simple haircut really does help a child’s mental health.
“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.”
The barber has partnered with the school’s Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA), who will refer eligible students to his salon.
The idea originally began as a one-off prom haircut giveaway, but Amin wanted to expand the support.
“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 his own childhood experiences motivated him to give back.
“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 added that school holidays can be especially difficult for families, as they lose access to free school meals and face extra costs.
Amin hopes his offer can provide some additional support during these periods.
Nicki Kansara, chair of Erdington Academy’s PTFA and a school governor, praised the partnership.
She said: “In my roles at Erdington Academy, I’ve seen many of the different struggles the children face first-hand.
“The cost of living has been affecting so many people, not just pupil premium students.”
Kansara said Amin’s journey could also inspire current students, adding:
“There’s potential for Razwan to inspire the children as an Erdington alumnus – he shows them that they can go from the school and make it in the real world.”
One student who has already benefited from the initiative is Esa, Kansara’s son.
“When I get my hair cut, I feel like a new man, and it makes me feel more confident in general.”
Esa added that seeing Amin’s success has encouraged him to believe in his own future:
“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.”
Amin’s initiative highlights how local businesses can support communities while creating positive role models for the next generation.
Loading ...