HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) — As the back-to-school season approaches, many parents are checking off their lists with school supplies, backpacks, and new wardrobes. However, the financial strain of preparing for the school year can extend beyond just these items.
In response to this challenge, Hair Unlimited stepped in on Sunday to offer free haircuts to students from kindergarten through 12th grade, providing a much-needed break for families facing the high costs associated with back-to-school preparations.
Danielle White, a local resident from Seminary, expressed her gratitude, stating, “It’s just a blessing because haircuts are one of those things that everyone wants to get.” For many families, especially those with multiple children, the added expense of haircuts can be a significant burden amidst other back-to-school costs.
Parent Audria Bishop shared her perspective: “For a family the size of five like we have, this is a very big deal for us. School supplies cost a lot. You know, when it comes to haircuts, everything is expensive.”
Leslie Luter, a stylist at Hair Unlimited and one of the event’s organizers, noted the importance of giving back to the community. “That was a lot of the give back as well,” Luter explained. “A lot of people take for granted other people’s pockets and their money. This was a chance for me to be able to give back to them. So, if you have four or five kids, that’s $100 apiece for $20 haircuts. $25 average.”
The event was made possible by the collective effort of the salon’s team. “And it was just allowed, this opportunity,” Luter added. “I work for an awesome salon. I brought it to the salon manager, and she was game. All my coworkers were game. We’re just here to serve the people.”
Thanks to the dedication of these stylists, dozens of children in the Pine Belt region will start the new school year with a fresh look. “They loved it, actually,” Bishop said. “Her (daughter’s) was to the middle of her back when we got here, so, now it’s above her shoulders. She is excited.”
Fifth-grader Carson White also expressed his satisfaction, feeling “refreshed” after his new haircut.