Jefe’s Barbers, located in Manchester city centre, offers complimentary cuts to boost local graduates’ confidence as they embark on working life.
Jefe’s Barbers, a Manchester city centre barbershop, recently supported dozens of local graduates. This initiative provided young people with a much-needed confidence boost as they took their first steps into working life. The team ran the initiative in early July, inviting university leavers to book in for a complimentary cut ahead of interviews, placements, and first jobs. The response proved overwhelmingly positive, with the team fully booking with students. For many, this was more than just a haircut; it represented a pivotal moment for increased confidence. The team at Jefe’s Barbers created a welcoming space, allowing students to talk, reset, and ultimately walk out feeling like their best selves, ready to take on the next chapter.
Facing Financial Realities
This timely offer arrived when new graduates faced an increasingly harsh financial reality. According to the Student Loans Company (2025), the total higher education loan balance in England soared from £54.4 billion in 2013–14 to £266.6 billion by the end of 2024–25. This significant increase represents a £30.4 billion rise (12.9%) in just one year. Furthermore, Statista reports the average graduate now leaves university owing around £53,000, making the burden of student debt heavier than ever before.
Innovation and Community
The idea originated from owner Jefe, who wanted to do something practical to support young people facing the pressure of job hunting and rising costs. He stated, “Graduating should feel exciting, but so many students leave university with huge debts and an uncertain job market. We cannot fix that, but we can offer a sharp haircut, a confidence boost, and a friendly space. I’ll definitely be doing it again in September. I think it’ll be a great way to reach out to students who are at the very beginning of their journey – new city, new routines, new friends and maybe not much money. A good haircut can go a long way.”
While the initiative to support graduates is a first, it’s far from the only time Jefe has used his expertise to support others. In the past, he’s offered £5 haircuts to support men’s mental health and ran a ‘pay what you can’ scheme during January – a notoriously tough month financially for many.
Streamlining Operations
The initiative also highlighted Jefe’s commitment to using smart technology. He built his own zero-fee booking app, streamlining operations, reducing admin and no-shows, and consequently freeing up time and resources to reinvest into the community. Jefe explained, “I built the app because I was tired of giving up a chunk of my income to third-party platforms. I wanted a system that worked for me, and now it does. However, it also gave me the flexibility to do things like this. To help people. To give something back.”
More Than a Barbershop
Jefe’s Barbers is more than just a barbershop. It stands as a growing business built on sharp cuts, smart technology, and a strong sense of community. Jefe is proving innovation does not just happen in labs or offices; it can genuinely start in a chair, with a clipper and a bold idea.