Salon Offers Unemployed Free Haircuts

It's pretty unusual to see people lined up outside a hair salon, but these are unusual times. Fairfax, Va., salon owner Alexandre de Paris says he wants to be the "upside" in an economic downturn. So he's opened up his eponymous salon doors for three days, offering a free haircut to anyone who needs one.

De Paris especially wants to help job-seekers, and he's constantly cheering on his clients in their searches.

"You have to feel inside that you are strong, then you go for an application," he said. "Don't think they're not going to accept you. You have to try. Confidence is the most important, that's the key."

Joycette Wimbush waited over an hour for her turn in de Paris' chair. A $65 cut and style is usually beyond her means, and that's not a good feeling. But hairdresser Kristine Kim's gentle touch changed her mood. "It means a lot to me because I'm on a fixed income," Wimbush said. "Maybe I can go out looking like a new person."

Instead of tips, the salon is collecting donations for Dress for Success, a charity that helps women re-enter the work force. The salon hopes to re-style and energize 1,000 people during the three-day special event. Kim said the new haircuts will help them boost their confidence. "I always tell them this is the lucky haircut, so they're going to get the job," she said.

The recession is hitting salons too, as people cut back on spending. And if customers walk out of this event with smiles on their faces, there's a good chance they'll come back when the economy improves.