“Happiness isn’t about what you have—it’s about what you give,” Gray said. “In communities where people have little, their gratitude comes in the form of a handmade crown or a thank-you note. Those gifts mean everything.”
Corey Gray, veteran hairstylist and co-founder of Hairdustry, recently returned from Cambodia after volunteering with Hair Aid, an international nonprofit dedicated to providing haircutting education to people living in extreme poverty.
“Mission work always intrigued me,” said Gray. “But without a religious connection, I never knew how to get involved. Hair Aid gave me the chance to give back using the skills I’ve spent my life building.”
Gray joined a team of 21 international volunteers from around the world for the week-long project in Siem Reap. Together, they worked at four locations:
• A rural school village
• A prison rehab facility
• An LGBT community center
• Royal Salon, owned by a 2018 Hair Aid graduate
Across four intensive days, Gray and the team trained 117 students in six core haircuts:
• Straight cut
• Long square layers
• Diagonal forward
• Diagonal back
• Basic graduation
• Short cut/men’s cut
Each student was required to successfully complete each technique twice before receiving certification. With minimal distractions and focused guidance—supported by both hired and volunteer translators—students mastered fundamental skills in record time.
One of Gray’s most impactful moments was working alongside Sothearen Hong, a 2018 Hair Aid graduate. Since graduating, Hong has opened her own salon in Siem Reap and has trained dozens of local stylists, some of whom now own their own salons. This year, Hair Aid returned to support Hong with advanced education, including bridal makeup training led by Australian stylist and makeup artist Sue Frey.
“Happiness isn’t about what you have—it’s about what you give,” Gray said. “In communities where people have little, their gratitude comes in the form of a handmade crown or a thank-you note. Those gifts mean everything.”
Now celebrating its 50th project, Hair Aid has trained nearly 7,000 people worldwide, equipping them with practical skills to create sustainable careers. “It’s not about cutting hair—it’s about changing lives,” Gray added. “And the ripple effect keeps growing.”
Gray encourages other stylists to consider volunteering: “If you’re led by your heart, do it. If you’re led by your ego, you’re not ready yet. This work will push you physically and emotionally, but it will also fill your soul.”
Outside of volunteer work, Gray recommends these must-do Cambodian experiences:
• Mountain Elephant Sanctuary
• Angkor Wat sunrise
• Temple tours
• Siem Reap Circus
• Water blessing with a monk
• Kulen Mountain Waterfall
• $16 90-minute massages
• $6 60-minute foot massages
For stylists interested in volunteering, learning more, or supporting the mission, visit www.hairaid.org.au or follow @hairaidcharity on Instagram.
“I thought I was going to Cambodia to teach haircuts,” said Gray. “Instead, I learned what the craft can really do.”
About Hair Aid
Hair Aid Inc. is an Australian-based nonprofit working globally to teach haircutting skills to those in poverty, creating pathways to employment and financial independence.
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