UPDATE 8/15: A previous version of this article misgendered and misspelled the subjects in this post. We have gone in and corrected all information and want to send our sincere apologies to both teams at Imagine Water Works and The Trans Clippers Project.

Beauty and self-image have taken a backseat in the pandemic. With virtual hangouts and remote work, not many see a need to apply makeup, keep to a skincare routine, or cut their hair if no one is actually seeing them. 

But oftentimes, when you look good, you feel good. The Trans Clippers Project, a volunteer collective in New Orleans, believes dressing up or giving some TLC to your face and hair can positively impact your day. The collective is offering free deliveries of hair clippers in the United States to trans-identified people in isolation to help deal with misgendering. It’s no secret that marginalized communities have less access to resources, often impacting mental health. The free clippers are the resource.

“What we’re trying to do here comes down to two things: help people feel more at home in themselves, and let people know they deserve that feeling,” co-founder Klie Kliebert said in a press statement. 

The project started on a forum when a trans-identified member shared fears of not being able to cut their hair during COVID. “Hair means different things to different people. Depending on your culture, your gender expression, and other things I’m not thinking about – it can be survival for some people,” continued Kliebert. 

They decided to do something about this issue. Originally they wanted to do a swap but, after speaking to hair care professionals, they realized the safest thing would be to get new clippers as recycled or reused clippers are hard to disinfect. So far they have been able to give out over 250 clippers. They know that many houses have groups of people quarantined together so they know they’ve helped way over 250 people. 

If you’re interested in helping you can send monetary donations on their website or Donorbox. You can also enroll to be an organizer and help deliver the clippers.

Photo via Jesse Costa/WBUR