FAQs International Project

 

✂️ What does a typical project week look like?

If you fly in on the Saturday before the project, you can choose to:

  • Enjoy some personal sightseeing,

  • Head straight to the accommodation to meet the Project Leader and early arrivals, or

  • Explore the nearby city areas.

On Sunday morning, we do food shopping for breakfasts and lunches, followed by lunch together. In the afternoon, once all volunteers have arrived, we hold an induction session which includes:

  • Cultural briefing

  • Uniform distribution

  • Training manual overview

  • Team formation

  • Resource packing

Volunteers are grouped into teams of 2–4 and assigned a training location.

From Monday to Friday, we deliver a five-day training program:

  • Monday: Tool handling, head shapes, sectioning, and straight haircuts

  • Tuesday: Diagonal cuts (forward/backward) and layering

  • Wednesday: Graduation cuts / bob styles

  • Thursday: Men's haircuts

  • Friday: Advanced styles, followed by a graduation celebration with certificates and a Hair Aid scissor kit for each trainee

Training runs 9am–4pm daily. We work on live models from local communities, with a break for lunch when convenient for the group.


📍 Where is the training held?

Training sites vary and may include:

  • Church halls

  • Community centres

  • Inside slum areas

  • Under tarps or in parks

  • Roadside setups

  • Air-conditioned rooms

All are within a 30–40 minute drive from accommodation.


🔐 Are the training locations safe?

Yes. Hair Aid works closely with local government and partners to ensure safety. Community leaders and translators are present at each site. Your Project Leader also visits your location during the week.


🛏 What type of accommodation is provided?

All volunteers stay together in shared, secure accommodation. While it’s not 5-star, all places have:

  • Security

  • Private bathrooms

  • Comfortable shared rooms

Private rooms can be requested at an extra cost.


👥 Who can join the project?

  • Hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, and supporters are all welcome.

  • Not yet qualified? No problem—emerging stylists are paired with experienced professionals.

  • Not a hairdresser? Absolutely welcome! You’ll still be part of a team and assigned helpful tasks.


💰 Project Costs

  • Indonesia: AUD $2,117 per person

  • Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam: AUD $2,345 per person

What’s Included:

  • 7 nights’ accommodation

  • Resource/tool purchases

  • Ground transport + drivers

  • Project insurance

  • Team t-shirts and cap

  • All admin/logistics (hall hire, translation, certificates, graduation celebrations, etc.)

What’s Not Included:

  • Flights

  • Private medical insurance (mandatory and must include COVID coverage)

  • Food and drinks

  • Personal expenses

  • Travel to/from airports in your home country


💳 Payment Timeline

We offer Laybuy via our website:

  • Pay in full or in four instalments

  • $500 non-refundable deposit due at sign-up

  • Final payment due one month before project start


🧁 Can I fundraise to cover the costs?

Yes! Hair Aid is a registered charity with deductible gift recipient (DGR) status. You can raise funds through:

  • Crowdfunding

  • Raffles or Tricky Trays

  • Wine & cheese nights

  • Other creative events


👕 What do we wear on projects?

  • Hair Aid team t-shirts and cotton harem-style pants during training

  • Caps/hats for sun protection (provided)

  • No: low-cut tops, leggings, visible cleavage, shoulders, or midriffs

  • No makeup or excess jewellery during training (plain wedding bands are fine)

Evening wear should still be modest—especially when out in groups. Please dress conservatively to respect local customs and protect team safety.


💄 Why is makeup not allowed?

Makeup and bling can be intimidating for trainees and may impact learning engagement. We ask for no makeup, though tinted moisturiser with SPF is fine. Only nude or pale pink nail polish is permitted.


💉 Do I need immunisations?

Please speak with your doctor for tailored medical advice. You’ll be travelling to tourist-friendly locations, but checking vaccinations is essential.


🛬 Will someone meet me at the airport?

Yes! Once you send us your flight details, we’ll arrange:

  • Pickup on arrival

  • Drop-off after the project ends (if you’re flying home immediately)


🧴 Any extra precautions?

Yes. Daily essentials:

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent (apply morning, lunch, night)

  • Mosquito coils will be provided for your bathroom


🚰 Is the water safe to drink?

No. Please only use bottled water for:

  • Drinking

  • Brushing teeth

  • Making tea/coffee

We recommend buying a 5L filtered bottle and decanting into a personal drink bottle.


🧳 Can I extend my trip?

Yes! You’re welcome to travel before or after the project. Just coordinate your flight plans accordingly.


💵 How much spending money should I bring?

Budget for:

  • Food and drinks ($6–$10 per meal)

  • Snacks, bottled water

  • SIM cards or internet

  • Souvenirs or personal shopping


💳 Should I use cash or ATM cards?

Both work. We suggest:

  • Bringing AUD $100 converted into local currency before departure

  • Using ATMs at the airport on arrival

In rare cases of ATM issues, your Project Leader can help with a short-term loan for essentials.


📶 Is internet and phone access available?

Yes. We recommend:

  • Buying a local SIM card at the airport for instant internet access

  • This is at your own expense


💊 Can I bring prescription medications?

Yes—but bring either:

  • A doctor’s letter confirming your prescription, or

  • The original prescription itself

Always carry this documentation with your travel papers.


✂️ Should I bring my own scissors or tools?

No. We use the tools we provide to trainees so you can:

  • Check and quality-control their kits

  • Keep your own tools safe at home