A Dunedin hairdresser sacrificed her ''busiest day of the year'' to give free haircuts to people in need on Christmas eve.
Sax Hair Design owner Natalie Parry said she had been inundated with support since opening the salon about five weeks ago and wanted to give back to the community.
''I can sit and eat my Christmas lunch without feeling guilty, knowing that I have made people feel good.''
The new salon owner ''crammed'' other appointments in to make sure she could keep Christmas eve free of appointments so she could carry out her acts of kindness.
''In most salons it is the busiest time of the year but I really wanted to do this.''
The offer of free cuts was given to Dunedin residents using agencies including the Women's Refuge and Family Works Presbyterian Support.
Among those to get a free cut were Family Works clients Theresa, Aiden and Adam (13) Sinclair.
Ms Sinclair said the family had had ''a very trying year'' and the free hairdos were a literal fresh start for herself and her sons.
''Like a lot of families we were very lucky to get a Christmas food parcel.''
The cuts were not the only lifestyle changes the family had made, she said.
''2017 is looking much better.''
Eight people received cuts and treatments on Saturday, worth about $1000, Ms Parry said.
She would repeat the free cut day on New Year's eve with the help of another hairdresser, so twice as many people could have new hairdos.
''I feel really good to be able to do this and give people haircuts when they may not have had one in ages.''
