Calgary hairdresser offers free services for women in need

For many, waking up and doing your hair and makeup is routine.

But Calgary hairdresser Caterina Russo is highlighting how impactful it can be, hoping to change lives one hairdo at a time.

Russo saw how hard COVID-19 hit her community and felt like she needed to do something to help.

“I know that a lot of women are having a difficult time especially after COVID with getting jobs, getting housing, or even getting a new relationship,” said Russo. “So, I decided to give back to the community, to Calgarians.”

Once a week, Russo offers free haircuts to women in need… but this day was a little different.

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Mariah was her first client that will not only receive a free new hairdo but new clothes and a fresh face of makeup.

The makeover is not complete without a photo shoot. The pictures will be used to help Mariah’s new business venture as a violin teacher.

“I feel that it’s been a very fun experience,” Mariah said. “I’m definitely very impressed with the work that everyone involved did.”

The makeover is local through and through, with all the artists being from Calgary.

Even the clothes were donated by Calgarians and thrifted by local stylist Nadia.

“You feel lighter, you feel better, you can conquer the world, like literally,” Nadia said. “And you receive compliments, and isn’t it nice to just walk down the street and receive compliments, ‘oh I like your outfit where did you get it?’”

Russo’s inbox is filled with women sharing their stories of hardship, explaining how a makeover could help change their life for the better.

Russo says it’s difficult reading some of the stories but is grateful to help in any way she can.

“Even a new expensive set of underwear makes women much more confident and act differently with confidence. The same with clothing, the same with hair and even like nail polish, like everything can make you see yourself different and more confident and get more success with whatever you want.”