Local hairstylist Laura Reed spends her free time offering free haircuts to the homeless in shelters. Reed has been cutting hair for over 20 years and currently works at 4&Co Salon in Rockville and Ricks Chop Shop in Mount Airy.

For Reed, this isn’t some spur of the moment decision, she’s been cutting hair for over a decade and cutting hair for the homeless for five years. Though Reed tries to give the homeless haircuts on the streets where she can find them, she also volunteers at local shelters providing free haircuts at the Rockville Homeless Center and Interfaith Works – Wilkins Avenue Women’s Assessment Center.

Not only does she provide free haircuts, but she also treats these clients no differently than she does regular, paying customers.

“When I come out here, I give the same quality haircuts that I would give when I have a client paying $75 for it,” Reed said in a statement to the localdvm.com. “I want to do the exact same haircut. I’m kind of known for that, and that’s why people trust me.”

Because of her continuous help over the last five years, Reed has made many friends among Maryland’s homeless population.

“I want to give them encouragement. I want to give them hope. I want to give them love,” Reed told FOX 5 News.

And love she has. Reed documents her cuts on her Instagram page, @lauraonthestreet, telling the stories of the people who have been forgotten in society.

“I feel like I look better,” said Robert Woollard, a man who she’s cut hair for, in a statement to localdvm.com. “It makes interacting with people, especially outside of the homeless area, on an everyday basis a lot easier if I’m at least looking somewhat nicer and not all long hair, raggedy or anything like that. So, a nice haircut is definitely a benefit.”

Giving back to the community is always a positive thing to see. Rain or shine, Reed has never failed to offer people a free cut. Reed has even been kicked out off public places for performing her kind deed. Sophomore Sarah Kimmel is amazed that she still puts in her best efforts to help people in need and believes that WJ students should follow that example.

“It’s really amazing how selfless she is being to try to help others, and I think it really provides a good model for us teenagers to try to be like,” Kimmel said. “Especially in light of recent events, this exemplifies how we should all strive to be our best selves and help others in need, because even the smallest thing can really make a difference for people.”

Freshman Oliver Pham agrees with this as well, and thinks giving back is a role that comes with being a part of a community.

“Giving and caring is the first step of a community. Our school in itself is a community of learning people,” Pham said.

Being part of clubs like It All Matters, Best Buddies and Heart in Hand are ways for students to give back to the community. Additionally, as temperatures continue to drop, Reed has set up a GoFundme page giving people the opportunity to donate for winter necessities like jackets, gloves and hats to people in need.