Introducing habb: the hairdressing industry's charity

Hair and beauty are such fun industries that it can be hard to imagine them as ever being anything other than creative and exciting. But if you had financial difficulties or your circumstances changed due to illness, would you be able to carry on in the job you love? HABB (The Hair and Beauty Benevolent) is the professional hair and beauty industry's charity; an independent service dedicated solely to helping fellow professionals if they find themselves facing challenging times. Since it launched in 1853, HABB has always been there for hairdressers just like you, many of whom had nowhere else to turn. It still sees more than 200 applications each year - including students. Janice, 25, Birmingham Janice qualified in Hairdressing in 2009 and began working in a salon. She suffers from Crohn’s Disease and soon found her day-to-day work very hard. She just could not keep up with the demanding physical side of hairdressing. She tried to limit the number of her clients and began to work from home, but found this increasingly difficult to fit in around hospital appointments. She wanted to complete her education and felt teaching hairdressing would be a better option for her and her health. HABB provided funding for her teaching course. Caroline, 24, Cardiff Caroline is a single parent to two young children. She was struggling financially trying to obtain a qualification that would enable her to get a job to support her young family. She enrolled onto an NVQ Level 3 nail course, but had no means of purchasing the kit needed. HABB provided funding for her NVQ Level 3 nail kit. Jake, 23, Edinburgh Jake was referred to us by his housing association officer. He became homeless as a result of fleeing domestic violence. He is also HIV+. He is estranged from his family. He had qualified as a hairdresser in 2011 and wanted to set up a small mobile business, but needed equipment for this. HABB provided a basic hair kit for him. Feeling inspired to help HABB? Here's three ways students can help raise much-needed funds. 1) Do you charge a small fee for your model cuts? Some academies donate half the money of each cut to HABB. It only represents £1 or £2 per cut, but it makes a difference. Not currently charging? Ask for a voluntary donation to the hair industry charity. 2) Turn your end of term showcase into a paid-for fashion show. It’s great experience, a perfect opportunity to team up with other departments and a fun way to raise income. 3) The stats say you're more likely to stick to something if there’s a financial penalty at stake. Request a HABB collection box for your classroom and each time someone is late or the homework isn’t handed in ask them to make a small contribution - every penny counts! Need help from HABB? Find out more about applying here.