Former hairdresser Betty Dunns, 92, snips into action at Glastonbury Court care home in Bury St Edmunds

A 92-year-old care home resident is proving she can still cut it as a hairdresser after she picked up the scissors and snipped into action.

Betty Dunns, 92, of Glastonbury Court in Glastonbury Road, Bury St Edmunds, trained as a hairdresser in London and spent a decade honing her craft in salons across London and Harrow.

While she particularly enjoyed cutting children’s hair, Betty paused her career to focus on raising her family — though she continued to keep her skills sharp by cutting the hair of her husband, family and friends.

After the care home team became aware, they surprised Betty with a hairdressing session at the home’s beauty salon where she was able to give Sophie Johnston, a lifestyle team member, a fresh trim by taking two inches off her hair.

Betty said: “I had so much fun and I really enjoyed the chance to cut hair again.

“The best part was chatting and seeing that I could still cut hair – I was confident and not nervous at all.

“I miss hairdressing and I would like to cut hair again if there are any more volunteers.”

The morning was part of the home’s ‘Wishing Tree’ initiative which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with their past careers or try something completely new.

After the haircut, Sophie said she has had many compliments on her trim and that she hopes Betty will cut her hair again.

She said: “I love my new haircut — Betty always comments on how long my hair is and says that I need it cut, so after she told me about her hairdressing career, I thought this would be a fantastic opportunity for us both.

“It’s great to see activities like these bringing such comfort and joy to residents and bringing back so many fond memories for them.”

Home manager Ana Mihai added: “Betty loves to talk about the years she spent hairdressing when she was younger, so when she shared that she would love to get back into the salon — the team knew they had to make it happen.

“Our wishing tree initiative is a great way for residents to reconnect with their careers and interests, or fulfill a dream, and it’s so rewarding to be able to make these experiences a reality.

“Betty had a wonderful time and she hasn’t stopped smiling since. She is already talking about Sophie’s next chop.

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to Sophie for making Betty’s wish come true — and a huge well done to Betty, who really is a cut above.”