A year of floppy locks, headbands and several extra bottles of conditioner; that’s the story of one Sheffield businessman who swapped his usual formal attire for a more natural look, undergoing a dramatic transformation for a unique ‘One-Year-No-Haircut’ challenge. 

Paul Hardy, 65, owner of Hardy Transactions, celebrated his 65th birthday on February 7 by finally visiting the barber, marking the end of his year-long endeavour. 

He said: “I just wanted to do something to raise money for charity. I’m not going to cycle to Paris, I’m not going to swim 150 lengths, nor am I going to sit in a bath full of custard, so this was the line of least resistance.”

His efforts were rewarded with a £5426 fundraising total for Ben’s Centre, a local charity which provides a safe space for people suffering from substance misuse.

“Surprisingly, people have said it looks alright, it doesn’t look silly or embarrassing at all,” Paul said.

The businessman’s hair-growth challenge even sparked a family-affair after his eldest son joined him and got his hair cut during half-time at the Super Bowl. 

Paul openly admitted to holding unkind thoughts in the past about men in business with unkept hair. His mission was just as much a personal challenge in overcoming past judgement as it was a charitable act.

He said: “Washing hair which is very long involves a great deal of physical effort which I hadn’t anticipated at all.”

It’s no surprise then that Paul’s main motivation was supporting a charity that helps others in a non-judgmental way.

“We see people in the street everyday who we assume are homeless because they’ve become addicted to substances, and I know that’s not always the case,” said Paul. “All of us are only a few bad decisions away from being in the same situation.”

Donald Beedham, Marketing and Communications Officer at Ben’s Centre, said: “We appreciate all fundraising efforts. It really helps us.”

Recognisable by its blue door, the charity provides a daily drop-in service for those suffering with substance abuse, welcoming nearly 40 people every day.

The charity provides clients with a hot meal and access to clothing and washing facilities, as well as support with well-being and housing. It is the only ‘damp’ centre in Sheffield and surrounding areas, meaning people can access their services while under the influence.

Mr Beedham explained this approach is vital to ensure people are not cut off from other services in the city.

“A lot of our clients don’t have the capacity to get up in a day without having a drink,” he said. “We don’t want to prevent their access to food, clothing and hygiene just because they need to have a drink beforehand.”

However, the generalisation of homeless people presents one of the biggest challenges. Many clients of the Ben’s Centre are in some form of accommodation but have experienced trauma in their early lives and out on the streets, some even suffering brain injuries. 

Mr Beedham said: “We just want it to be a happy and welcoming environment where they can forget about the chaos of their lives for a few hours every day.”

As the cost of living crisis continues, the number of people accessing the Ben’s Centre may well further increase. Paul’s fundraising efforts will hope to alleviate some of the financial pressures, ensuring their vital work continues. 

But Paul’s hair growth journey isn’t over yet; he now has his sights set on a ponytail!

You can donate to Paul’s endeavour via his GoFundMe.

Watch the full story here.