Social movement No Strings Attached (NSA) gave back to the community for the sixth straight year, offering haircutting and barbering services to those who don’t usually have the means to access them. NSA was founded by Adelaide salon owner Marcela Lastra in 2017 and works with volunteer hairdressers to make people feel good, give back and showcase the transformative power of hairdressing.
“I receive all year, whether it be through the love from my family, the success of my businesses, or the people in my community who support everything that I do. No Strings Attached is a way for me to give back to the community who supports me,” Marcela shared.
“The cornerstone of NSA is ‘making an impact’. We’re not just offering haircuts but also sharing our passion and expertise, allowing us to make a meaningful contribution to someone’s life. This is an incredibly impactful and empowering experience, particularly for those who may not always have the opportunity to feel this way,” she added.
The 2023 event welcomed 22 volunteers from the hairdressing and barbering industries to deliver 300 haircuts throughout the day. Supporting brands included De Lorenzo Haircare, Hairjamm, The French Beauty Academy and Donoso & Sons, as well as local businesses within the Adelaide community.
Salon clients also got involved by bringing in donations of personal care and sanitary items to be given away, helping with a day of pampering for those in need. All those receiving a haircut also receive a goodie bag to take with them. Anyone is encouraged to donate food, coffee, clothing donations, sanitary items, or any other relevant item to these events.
The organisation works with inclusive community hub The Junction Community Centre to organise the yearly event. The initiative is built on the work, time and skills of the generous volunteers.
Well done to this year’s volunteers – Claudia Annese and Maria Gaspar of Organic Ministry, Mel Liddle of Hive Community, T. Smith, Robin Tredrea and Alex Mesologitis of Barber Boys, Theo Van De Heuve and Lou Fimmano of Get Chopped, Sarah Barrow of Serenity Hair Body & Beauty, Jo Hall from De Lorenzo, Suzie Ereiz of Amani Hair, Anne Marie Britvec of Hair By Rebecca, Nicole Abela of Hairjamm, Have Zhjeci, Amy Rankin, Victoria Diana, Marcela Lastra and Kristy Falconer of Longko Salon, Jessica Wood, Marni Phillips and Kimberly Algie of Orbe and Paul Turnball of Daly Salon.
“I am so grateful to be offered to join the No Strings Attached Movement this year,” Mel said. “I felt honoured to make a small impact on people’s lives by giving them a little of my time. To hear the stories of the clients and to be able to listen and hopefully bring them a little joy was truly inspiring. Thanks to Marcela for creating this opportunity for the hair community.”
“No Strings Attached connects people from all walks of life in a positive inclusive and fun way,” Jo added. “I’ve met beautiful, grateful people from different social, ethnic and financial backgrounds, some of them having their first ever professional haircut. This event is a fantastic way of giving back to the community and bridging the gap.”
For more information follow @nsathemovement
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