I complain that my split ends are too plentiful and schedule myself a hair appointment. I go to the salon and chat with my stylist as she shampoos my hair and asks me about boys and school. I rave about my haircut and leave a nice tip. Then I schedule my next appointment, taking for granted how blessed I am to have the resources and the time for a haircut every few months. A haircut is more than just a statement or style. Every time I have a fresh cut, I feel empowered, respectful of myself, and professional. How ignorant of me to take this luxury for granted. There are many who cannot afford this blessing. Fortunately, Salisbury, Maryland is helping the world to see the beauty and importance of sharing the experience of a haircut with anyone who desires so.
On the ordinary Sunday of May 15th, 39 Stylists gathered at the location of Headquarter's Live, in Salisbury, Maryland. Their mission? To provide quality and stylish haircuts to those who could not afford to pay for one on a regular basis. Throughout the day, the location flooded with citizens of all ages, excited to feel empowered and express themselves from a fresh haircut.
"Haircuts 4 Our Homeless" did not just provide a quick cut and then send people on their way. Men relaxed as their beards were trimmed. Women smiled as their hair was washed. Children ate donuts while waiting their turns. Babies laughed through their first haircuts. Connections were formed between clients and volunteers, melting together the community, into one, cohesive unit. The barrier between a client in need and a volunteer was broken.
Looking around the crowded room, the faces of pure joy and thankfulness were equally visible from both volunteers and clients. The haircuts themselves were wonderful and well-appreciated, but "Haircuts 4 our Homeless" provided much more than the work of a pair of scissors and a comb. These haircuts were slight, but momentous, pushes in the direction of confidence, human connections, and self-empowerment.
The power of a haircut is incredible and truly inspiring. Children will go to school and feel superb about the way they look. Men and women will make a fantastic first impression at a job interview. These are not side effects of the actual haircut necessarily. These are side effects that come from the confidence and self-love that stems from the gift "Haircuts 4 our Homeless" has shared with these eager and kind people of Salisbury, Maryland. I am proud and excited that Salisbury, and many other places, are breaking down barriers between those in need and those who have enough to give, making communities everywhere cohesive units.
