A not-for-profit organisation from Cleveland recently organised a ‘Day of Beauty’ for the homeless population of Shreveport-Bossier City in northwest Louisiana in the US.

Sponsored by the Innerbeauty Foundation, which also supports similar annual events in Cleveland, 75 homeless people were bought to local salons for a haircut and manicure. The Day of Beauty was aimed at encouraging homeless individuals to regain their independence through improving their outward appearance, which can often be a barrier for many people trying to change their situation.

One of the salons that took part was Destiny’s Day Spa situated at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Shreveport-Bossier.

Aside from the mini-makeover, all those who took part also got to choose some new clothes and attend a work-readiness workshop.

Speaking to the Shreveport Times newspaper, the founder of the Innerbeauty Foundation, Shelly Thomas, said: “If homeless shelter residents’ confidence is down, how can they go to a job interview? I want them to gain a sense of hope, be motivated and be happy.”

The foundation now has plans to expand the confidence-building concept across the US.