Parks Library hosted its third free haircut clinic Friday, providing barbers and stylists who specialize in all types of hair.
The clinic was one of the Basic Needs programs through Cyclone Support Central. For this event, Cyclone Support Central partnered with ClipDart, an organization that brings barbers and hairstylists from all over the country to different areas to give free haircuts.
Charlotte Hampson, one of the assistant directors of Student Wellness and an organizer of the event, commented on the stylists’ ability to cut different hair types.
“The stylists through ClipDart specialize in different textured hair,” Hampson said. “They can cut ethnic hair, long hair. It’s a basic hygiene need so being able to have your hair cut and look good and feel good is important for overall wellness and so we wanted to bring that here for our students.”
John Martin, a barber from Des Moines, volunteered to work the event. Martin described it as a cool experience and said he enjoys giving back to the community.
“I feel like every barber should be able to cut every type of hair,” Martin said. “If your barber doesn’t know how to cut any type of hair, you might need to find a new barber.”
Six barbers and two hairstylists volunteered for this event. These stylists are experienced in all types of haircuts such as fades, layers and bangs. Students who attend this event have chosen a range of styles, from trims to eight inches off their hair.
Sheriff Ogunfemi, a junior studying mechanical engineering, attended the previous Oct. 22 free haircut clinic and came back to the clinic for his second haircut.
“It was no different from a normal barbershop experience,” Sheriff said. “It was really nice. I got to get to know a little bit about the barber who was cutting me as well.”
He added that the experience from the clinic was no different than any other barbershop experience.
“The familiar setting is not really lost,” Sheriff said.
Stylists and barbers for this event are sourced from the Des Moines area. Cyclone Support Central coordinates with ClipDart to determine the number needed and works with local barbers and hairstylists who want to donate their time to come up and give free haircuts.
For more information on Cyclone Support, visit their website.
