Salon gives free back to school haircuts

ARDMORE, Ala. (WHNT) — 3rd Avenue Salon in Ardmore was buzzing on Monday, both with the sound of clippers and excitement for the start of back-to-school.

When News 19 stopped by, the Dingley boys were getting their back-to-school trims. While they made sure to tip, their cuts were free.

That’s because for the 10th year, hairstylist Bethany Payne has offered a back-to-school free haircut giveaway.

“It’s a way to give back to people that are going back to school without the added expense,” Payne said.

Payne now offers the free cuts at 3rd Avenue Salon in Ardmore. However, she originally started this as an act of service for lower-income families in Tennessee.

She said the first year, when she gave cuts to kids who needed them most, she realized that this was something she wanted to continue to offer.

“That was my ‘I’m going to do this forever’, just to give back,” Payne said. “Just because there are so many children who have never had their hair touched by a stylist.”

In the last few years, Payne has teamed up with fellow hairstylist Jaclyn Hogan. This year, the two women gave 40 free cuts over the two days of the giveaway.

Hogan said when a child feels good, it can set the tone for a great school year.

“I believe it does help them out, it makes them feel more confident,” she said.

Both women say that as moms, they know how one less expense on the back-to-school list can make a big difference.

They tell News 19 that they hope all of their clients have a great school year.

“Just have fun, and learn all you can learn,” Payne said.

Payne said that on Monday, she had clients from both Alabama and Tennessee. They traveled as far as Decatur (AL), Elkton (TN), Taft (TN), and Pulaski (TN).

Payne advertises the free haircuts on her Facebook page “Hair by Bethany.”