A hairdresser in Deptford has been giving 'pay what you can afford' haircuts long before the cost of living crisis hit.
Stylist Tuttii Fruittii, 33, crowdfunded to open their own shop on Douglas Way in 2017 after they were evicted from a nearby carpark in 2016.
Every Thursday they run a pay what you can service, because "self care is so important".
They began the business in 2013 by cutting hair from a caravan sat in the carpark of the old Tidemill School, off Frankham Street, reports My London.
They were forced out after plans for a contested development ploughed on despite fierce opposition from some Deptford residents.
In October 2018, the Old Tidemill Wildlife garden was swamped with bailiffs and police as things came to a head.
Speaking to My London, Tuttii said: "I'm still getting over that. I spent six years of my life living there, it was the best experience of my whole life, it's so sad."
Although they managed to move on, Tuttii is still uneasy about the developments.
"Deptford has got so gentrified. Things have changed so much, we do not see places like that anymore," they said.
Deptford has a vibrant artistic and tight knit community which prides authenticity over 'corporate influences'.
A lot of businesses have welcomed high footfall and less crime, however some residents worry about being priced out, as wealthier home buyers and landlords cause rents to rise.
According to data from Rightmove, terraced house prices in the area have nearly quadrupled since the 2000s.
But for the moment, Tutti is focused on their customers.
They said: "I wanted to create salon where everybody could get their hair done.
"I wanted to be there to create a society that everyone can get their hair done.
"We just feel self care is so important, it really makes you feel good.
"People on low income are not able to work due to disability can still get their hair done."
Their shop uses a "sliding scale" which starts from £10 for short cuts and £20 for medium to long cuts.
Sadly the strain of Covid means they can't afford to do 'PWYCA' for colour anymore.
They explained people preferred to email ahead to explain their money problems, rather than talk about it in the chair.
"People keep their money issues quite private," they said.
They continued: "People always explain their situation if they are unemployed.
" I think it's important to be able to talk about our struggles in order to change our situation.
"It's not something we should hide and all work together, it's good to talk about these things because people get inspired by it."
You can find out more about the PWYCA haircut here.
