Haircuts have become a "luxury" for some children heading back to school, a charity volunteer has said.
Kelly Arthurs, who offers free haircuts to low income families in St Mellons, Cardiff, said she was "overwhelmed" by the demand.
It comes as the cost of living adds extra strain on parents when paying for school uniforms, meals and transport.
The Welsh government said there was support available for families struggling to afford school costs.
Ms Arthurs, of Community Cuts, collaborated with community space St Mellons Hub to host a back to school event this week.
The 37-year-old hairdresser said that haircuts have become "a luxury within the family household".
Ms Arthurs said she had previously helped out neighbours, but when she was told by a local mother that she had to choose between getting her children's hair cut or doing the weekly shopping, she realised "this is much bigger than my street".
