I am a 12-year-old professional figure skater, a two-time National Development Team Skater, ranked third in the nation at my level. Balancing the rigors of my professional pursuit with normal life is challenging, and to help my family save money, I've even taken up cutting my own hair. Haircuts should not be a luxury. They are a necessity that affects our daily lives and our presentation of ourselves. Yet the cost of maintaining regular trims can substantially drain our pockets, even more so for families that have more pressing financial requirements.

In the US, the average price for a haircut for a woman is $45- $50, and $28 for a man (USA Today). If a family of four was to regularly upkeep their hair, it would cost them approximately $146 a month, not including tipping. This is money that could be spent on other essentials, such as food, utilities, or for young aspiring athletes, equipment, and training expenses. This system disproportionately affects those in low-income families, who have to sometimes forego their self-care and appearance maintenance a result of financial constraints.

Let us take a step to ease this burden. Everyone should have access to regular professional haircuts for free. It is a service that a developed, compassionate society should offer its citizen to uphold their dignity and personal hygiene, irrespective of their ability to pay. Let us promote equality and inclusivity, making 'Hair-care for all' a reality in our society. Stand with me, sign the petition, and together, let's make free haircuts a right, not a privilege.