Governor Helen Kirkpatrick had her hair shampooed, cut and ‘feathered’ by inmates of Her Majesty’s Prison Fairbanks, on Wednesday, 11 December 2013.

The Governor emerged camera-ready from the institution’s salon classroom, where prisoners and teachers demonstrated their skills.

Officer Yvrose Barton, who manages the salon training centre, directed the haircut, while the female inmates showcased their talents at the sink and behind a scissors, brush and blow drier.

Thanking the ladies for their service, the Governor said she was pleased with her new look. The inmates, in turn, presented her with a Christmas card and asked for her autograph.

Other salon services include manicures, pedicures, cosmetology, massages, hair-colouring, cuts and braiding. In addition to practicing styles on each other, the women offer salon services to members of the public, by appointment with the HMP Fairbanks office.  The inmates also provide pro bono services to residents of the Pines Retirement Home.

The prisoners undertake this programme as it helps improve their chances of securing employment post-release, and thus reduces the potential for reoffending.

This training has been assisted through private sector donations of equipment and materials for the Fairbanks salon.

Photos: Photos by Lennon Christian, GIS