Our hairdresser will see you now

“It’s something uplifting, something positive and something you’d never expect to happen in a hospital.”

Our hairdresser, Flo, visits wards twice a week, seeking out long-term patients who need a pick-me-up. She provides a free wash and haircut and even paints nails to improve patient wellbeing. 

Honey had been in the Royal Free Hospital for months with complex health conditions when Flo first visited her. 

She explained: ​“My hair was a huge, big knot. I was really down. I was so exhausted, in a lot of pain and I was vulnerable. Then a nurse said I could get a free haircut. 

“I felt bad asking for a haircut because it seemed like a frivolous thing in hospital but it’s not. It’s important to feel good when you’re in hospital.

Honey had five inches of hair cut off and has since enjoyed having her nails painted. 

Ana Sanchez, therapy assistant in the complex medical and surgical team who has referred many patients to Flo, explained the benefits of Flo’s work from a staff perspective. 

She said: ​“Some patients have long admissions. They might have limited strength or motivation to care for their appearance.

“To get a compliment because you look like you, you look like you want to look. 

“Positive feelings contribute to patients being proactive towards their health management and, during a hospital stay, it goes beyond having procedures and taking medications. It’s also about self-care.” 

Flo is able to help patients like Honey because of donations from our supporters. 

Flo previously said:​“I’m very grateful to the Royal Free Charity for giving me this opportunity to help. It means a lot to the patients. It helps them to feel themselves again and to have pride in their appearance.”