Polyfest50: The free haircuts uniting a community, culture

A standout feature at this year’s Polyfest is the Cut Above Academy, known for offering free haircuts to those attending the celebrations.

For over five years, the initiative has involved students studying barbering and hairdressing. They offer haircuts like fades and braids.

Kristian Charles, a barbering instructor at the academy, says the event is not just about practising their skills but also about giving back to the community.

“We just see Polyfest as a beautiful way to give back to the community … so we’re offering our services for free,” Charles says.

Cut Above Academy has been a top training school for hairdressing, makeup, and special effects in New Zealand for over 40 years.

They prepare students with the skills they need to succeed in these exciting fields.

Polyfest allows students to showcase their abilities while celebrating their cultural heritage.

Eli Adlington, another team member, shares his enthusiasm for Polyfest.

“It’s just a good way to express yourself. Everyone here is from different places, but just in a sense, we can all come together as one in this vicinity, especially with us doing this to help everyone feel good about themselves as well as their culture,” Adlington says.

Through these efforts, Cut Above Academy is helping everyone look and feel their best while embracing the joy of Polyfest.

The lively energy of the crowd waiting for their turn for a haircut shows just how popular the initiative is.

To learn more about Cut Above Academy, visit https://www.cutabove.ac.nz/

Cut Above Academy has been a top training school for hairdressing, makeup, and special effects in New Zealand for over 40 years. Photo/PMN News/Sariah Magaoa.