How Barbershops Are Making a Difference Through Charity and Service
Barber shops have long been pillars of their local communities, but many are now looking to give back in bigger ways. From charity fundraisers to free haircuts and mentorship programs, barbers across the country are finding creative ways to positively impact people in need.
Charitable Cut-A-Thons
One of the most popular charitable efforts organized by barbershops are cut-a-thon fundraisers. These events involve barbers donating their time and services by providing haircuts to the public in exchange for donations to a specific cause.
Cutting for a Cure
In 2016, the Proper Barbershop in Charlotte, North Carolina hosted a cut-a-thon that raised over $8,000 for Susan G. Komen breast cancer research. Barbers gave more than 100 discounted haircuts over 9 hours, inspired by two clients who were battling breast cancer. The event was a morale booster for the women fighting cancer and a chance for the barbershop to help the larger cause.
Clippers for Kids
Barbershops like Sport Clips locations across the U.S. have organized annual cut-a-thons on Father’s Day weekend to benefit children with hair loss from medical conditions. Donating their services and teaming up with St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a nonprofit that funds childhood cancer research, Sport Clips has raised over $16 million dollars since 2005.
Cutting for Veterans
Many barbershops fundraise for veterans organizations through charity cut-a-thons. Rookies Barbershop in Idaho raised $4,000 for Operation Comfort, providing adaptive homes for wounded veterans. Rookies barbers donated haircuts for donations all-day during the event.
Offering Free Haircuts
Some barbers use their skills to give free haircuts to those in need in their community. This act of service helps the underprivileged look and feel their best.
Cuts for Kids
The Hair Cuttery salon franchise has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for their Share-A-Haircut program. On one designated Sunday per month, Hair Cuttery locations provide free haircuts to children under 18, with all tips donated to the charity.
Clips for the Homeless
Individual barbers such as Mark Bustos of New York City have made it their personal mission to give free haircuts to the homeless. Bustos seeks out those in need in the streets and provides grooming to help restore personal dignity and compassion to the displaced.
Cuts for a Cause
Some barbers use their mobile setups to bring free haircuts to those who otherwise have limited access. Alabama barber Jaime Castillo founded non-profit Cuts for a Cause which organizes pop-up events to offer haircuts to homeless youth, abuse victims, and the impoverished, helping restore confidence and hope.
Barber Mentorship Programs
Many barbers are paying it forward by mentoring the next generation of barbers and grooming entrepreneurs.
Behind the Chair
Master barber Will Williams of Kentucky founded non-profit Behind the Chair, which provides free 8-week barber training to disadvantaged youth seeking a skilled trade and career opportunity. By teaching both hair cutting and life skills, Williams helps get young barbership apprentices off on the right foot.
Shear Artistry
Detroit hair stylist Phil Lee created the Shear Artistry non-profit which offers a 12-week cosmetology program to give teens and young adults from underserved neighborhoods pivotal job skills, confidence, and connections in the beauty industry. Lee and other volunteer stylists teach hairstyling while also emphasizing professional etiquette.
Clipperkids
In Harlem, professional barber Robert Wallace uses his own barbershop as a training venue for Clipperkids, his non-profit that provides free barber education, gang prevention guidance, and employment assistance to at-risk young adults seeking a better life path.
Why Barbers Want to Give Back
For many barbers, using their skills to aid their community provides a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. Beyond the core role of grooming clients, being able to lift up others in need through their barbering craft allows these professionals to change lives in very tangible ways.
As trusted pillars in their neighborhoods, barbers are uniquely positioned to tackle tough issues impacting their cities when they engage in outreach. By leveraging their personal relationships with clients, media spotlight on their shops, and their own financial success, barbers can truly pay it forward in ways that strengthen communities. Their hands and tools are helping cut a brighter future.