The South Coast Private Hospital director of nursing had her hair cut, coloured and styled by talented hairdresser Lisa Pennington. Ms Capp says she was happy to take the chair for a good cause.

"The great connection between hairdressing and this cause is that hairdressing salons are very positive and inclusive places where people go to feel better about themselves and sometimes to make friends," Ms Capp said.

This year's initiative features the Shoot the Hairdresser competition, which encourages photographers to collaborate with people in the hairdressing industry to capture images that celebrate great hairdressers and hairstyles.

It will raise money for Light and Hope Illawarra Mental Health Clubhouse.

Winners will be announced at the Highlights for Hope Hairdressers' Ball on October 11.

The top prizewinner will receive a cash prize of $2000.

Photographs will be featured in the Mercury throughout the competition and finalists' work will be displayed in Wollongong Central. To enter, visit highlightsforhope.org.au.

Entries close on Tuesday.