Big-hearted barber connects with former school to give free haircuts to students from low-income families
Erdington Academy students from low-income families are being offered free haircuts by a former pupil – who wants to inspire the next generation of local business owners.
Razwan Amin, 27, founded the busy Razortrim Studio after leaving Erdington Academy. Now, after teaming up with the school’s PTFA, he’s providing free styling to students at his old school, to help with the cost of living.
Raz said: “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!
“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.
“With schools about to break up for the summer, families can feel the cost of living more, with no free school meals and activities to find, so this gives them a little more support and a fresh new look for the summer.
“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.”
Erdington Academy serves an area which experiences higher-than-average deprivation levels. Approximately 56% of students at the school are eligible for free school meals.
Nicki Kansara, chair of Erdington Academy’s Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) and a governor at the school, 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.
“That’s why this link with Razwan is so powerful. He’s helping them out by providing a free service that will raise their confidence and connect them with the community.
“And at the same time, 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.”
Nicki’s son Esa, a student at Erdington, has already taken advantage of the offer.
He said: “When I get my hair cut, I feel like a new man, and it makes me feel more confident in general.
“This offer is great and lots of people at the school will take it up.”
Students will be referred to Razwan for a free haircut by the PTFA. Haircuts at the salon usually cost £18.
Razwan left Erdington Academy in 2015 and set up the shop in 2022. It is now one of Birmingham’s busiest hair studios, where students from his old school regularly do work experience.
Esa said: “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.”
Razwan added: “As someone who left Erdington Academy and went on to become a successful businessman, I also want to inspire the students and show them they can go on to start their own business and flourish.”
On Thursday, 16 July, Nicki presented Razwan with a certificate recognising his ongoing support of Erdington Academy.
