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Braids behind bars
21 JANUARY 2026
It looks like the queue outside any old-fashioned barber: men sitting peacefully, some chatting while others relax in the shade, waiting their turn. But something looks odd.
They’re all dressed the same, regulation shorts and shirts in an unmistakable shade of green. And once they step inside, they won’t see any scissors but will notice an officer keeping watch, and an unusually high number of requests for a wash, scalp massage and braids!
This is the hairdressing unit, or barber shop, at Hunter Correctional Centre, a place where inmates can enjoy a small slice of normal life. Here, every cut, wash, and style is delivered by fellow inmates who have chosen to learn the craft of hairdressing.
Making the cut
Nicholas* is one of 12 inmates taking part in the program, with six men in the morning session and six in the afternoon. He started in the six-week beginner course and will complete 60 hours of training before receiving his Certificate of Participation.
“I cut my little brother’s hair during COVID, but I didn’t have any real experience,” Nicholas said.
“Now that I’ve done it in here and I know I have a real interest in it, this is definitely something I am going to be pursuing in the future. It brightens the boys on some days, being in here can be a bit of an ice breaker.”
Braiding and bonding
In a place where isolation can take hold, the hairdressing unit offers more than just a trim, it’s a chance for connection and confidence. Joe*, an inmate who assists trainer Abby, sees the social side as just as important as the practical skills.
“Being inside can be isolating, but coming in here for a wash is relaxing and it can be good for a chat. The boys relax and do open up about how they are going.”
Hairdresser and trainer Abby ran a similar program in Parklea Correctional Centre before relocating up to the Hunter and offering her hairdressing services to the centre.
“It took a while to get this up, but we did get it going, we got basins in and the right chairs and now we have a fresh barber shop,” Abby said.
“You will notice we don’t have scissors; I would prefer to teach them to cut with scissors because it would make things easier. But they can’t have them in any centre so what I teach them here is transferable, they learn to do scissor work with the clippers. This is a skill the guys can take anywhere.”
It isn’t only the scissors that are missing, there isn’t a drop of toner or dye anywhere, but you will see an abundance of hair ties. Today’s lesson is all about French braids, and quite a few of the men have embraced the challenge, opting to try their hand at intricate plaits instead of a simple haircut. Many are fathers and say learning to braid is about more than style – it’s about being a good dad. They want to be able to braid their daughters’ hair when they’re back home, a small gesture that means a lot.
A cut above
The program is part of CSNSW’s commitment to rehabilitation, giving inmates practical skills they can use after release. It’s a far cry from the rigid grooming rules of the past. Back in 1890, male prisoners were required to have their hair cut once a month and be shaved weekly. Those serving sentences longer than six months could only grow their hair and beards in the final two months.
Today, Hunter’s approach is more progressive, turning a routine haircut into an opportunity for learning, connection, and hope for the future – proof that when it comes to rehabilitation this program is a cut above the rest.
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