“So Noble”: Mzansi Reacts to Barbers and Hairdressers Offering Free Back-to-School Haircuts
- Bonteheuwel stylists in Cape Town offered free haircuts and styling services to children before schools reopened
- The viral initiative highlighted the importance of community support during the back-to-school season
- The noble campaign showed how dignity and confidence start with simple acts of care, especially for the youth
- Briefly News reached out to Ashton Touch, a barber based in Kempton Park, as well as The Last Barbershop in Xabane, Eastern Cape, after South Africans praised barbers and hairdressers offering free back-to-school haircuts
Sometimes, a fresh haircut is more than just clippers and braids. It’s a quiet, powerful reminder that a community is standing behind its children, offering care, dignity, and a sense of belonging. In small moments like these, confidence is restored, spirits are lifted, and a child is reminded that they are seen, valued, and supported.
Source: UGC
A group of barbers and hairdressers from Bonteheuwel in Cape Town came together to offer free haircuts and hairstyles to children ahead of the new school year. The initiative was shared in a video posted by @pangbangercpt01 on 12 January 2026 and took place on 11 January at the Bonteheuwel Civic Centre. The footage shows multiple stylists working with children, ensuring learners were trimmed, styled, and braided, and ready for their return to school, with the service offered completely free of charge.
Back-to-school season often places financial pressure on families, especially when uniforms, stationery, and transport costs add up. Haircuts and braiding, while sometimes overlooked, play a significant role in a child’s confidence and readiness for school. Community-led initiatives like this highlight how local support can ease the burden on parents while restoring dignity and pride for learners.
Bonteheuwel stylists step up for learners.
User @pangbangercpt01's video spread quickly online because it reflected the spirit of Ubuntu. Viewers appreciated seeing professionals give back using their skills rather than donations. The collective effort and visible care shown to each child made the moment relatable and uplifting.
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Public sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, considering that it was completely free. Many praised the barbers and hairdressers for investing in the community, while others noted that small acts can have a lasting impact on children’s self-esteem.
Ashton spoke to Briefly News and highlighted the confidence-boosting power of haircuts and styling, especially for learners.
“Styling builds a lot of confidence, not only in students but in everyone. They say a haircut is a man’s make-up, so it really impacts one’s confidence in a positive way.”
He explained that giving free haircuts is often motivated by community support and gratitude.
“What motivates barbers to offer free haircuts is the support we receive from the neighbourhoods we work in. Giving back is a sign of appreciation. At the same time, it helps market your profile because people recognise you and recommend you to others. I’d advise upcoming barbers to stay consistent and invest in their skills. That’s how passion grows.”
The Last Barbershop echoed similar sentiments, particularly around learners’ self-esteem.
“Hair and personal haircuts play a very important role in a student’s confidence and self-esteem. When young ones feel good about how they look, they are more comfortable expressing themselves and showing up confidently at school, especially on the first day.”
They added that a fresh haircut, while seemingly small, can have a lasting impact.
“A fresh cut sets the tone for a positive start to the year. It helps learners feel prepared and excited about the new school year.”
The barbershop said giving back is rooted in shared community experiences.
“Many barbers and hairdressers are motivated by a genuine desire to give back. Most of us come from the same communities we serve, so we understand the challenges families face during back-to-school season.”
They noted that while free haircuts may not bring immediate profit, they build long-term value.
“Offering free haircuts builds trust, strengthens community relationships, and creates goodwill. It also makes business sense in the long run because loyalty and reputation matter.
They ended with advice for young people interested in the trade.
“Stay committed to learning and improving your craft. Consistency, professionalism, people skills, and ethical self-marketing through social media can really set you apart.”
Source: TikTok
Here’s what Mzansi said
Mrs Williams said:
"It didn’t take a political party to do this. People did it on their own. 🙏🙏🙏"
connieadams682 said:
"God bless their hands and their businesses. You are all shining stars. Those who give to the poor lend to God, and they will surely be rewarded."
Van de Caab said:
"These are the people keeping our communities, culture and history alive."
Amanda Lawrence said:
"Wow, Gereldine, may your business grow from strength to strength. Thank you for being an amazing human being. To all the barbers and the other ladies, thank you. This was a great initiative."
Sheldon said:
"Now this is what will make our communities great!"
Mastura said:
"Bonteheuwel people are always ready to help. To everyone who went the extra mile for the kids, may your business flourish, grow and stay blessed."
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Debbie said:
"Wow, thanks for your beautiful hearts. I can’t afford haircuts for my boys yet, so this really touches me. Many blessings."
sunshine1515150 said:
"May you all stay blessed and successful. I hope other Cape Flats communities see this and take the initiative to help our people without any political party affiliation. Thank you for showing compassion."
Check out the TikTok video below:
3 Other Briefly News stories related to back to school
- A local woman shared her stationery price comparison journey after visiting multiple stores in Pretoria to find the best deals for the new school year.
- Grammy award-winning DJ Black Coffee has given back to the community through his school foundation, winning hearts online.
- South African socialite Inno Morolong has announced her back-to-school initiative aimed at underprivileged children.
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Source: Briefly News
