NEW YORK — Griselda Nunez had never paid more than $35 for a haircut, but after more than a year of unemployment, she was sorely in need of a confidence boost. That is how Nunez found herself seated in a high-end salon in Manhattan, waiting for a man who charges $300 for a cut — color or highlights not included — to work his magic on her copper-colored mop.
This styling, however, was on the house, courtesy of Cristiano Cora.
The “unemployment haircuts,” as he calls them, have become a weekly fixture at Cora’s studio for people lucky, or unlucky, enough to qualify. All it takes is an appointment and some proof — be it a pink slip or unemployment check — to join the growing list of job-hunters hoping for a spot.
It began as a one-time-only offer last month, but the turnout was so great and the response so effusive that Cora has extended it indefinitely.
“As long as the recession lasts,” he said.
