'Share a Haircut' Program Lets Customers Help Out in Style

What's better than getting a fresh haircut? Getting a fresh haircut and helping underprivileged children.

That’s exactly what area residents have been doing the first two weeks of August at the two Hair Cuttery locations in Tinley Park.

Each of the two locations—17121 Harlem Ave. and 15958 Harlem Ave.—have been participating in the Hair Cuttery's 12th annual Share a Haircut Program. The program donates free haircuts to disadvantaged kids 18 years old and under for every haircut a paying customer gets between Aug. 1 and Aug. 15.

“We expect more than 60,000 haircuts to be donated in communities across the country to children in need,” said Dennis Ratner, founder and CEO of Hair Cuttery. “We’re proud to offer this program that gives children the opportunity to help other kids in the community. A simple haircut can make a big difference in a child’s appearance and gives students more confidence as they start the school year.”

For recent Tinley Park High School graduate Tim Motz, 18, the program was an unexpected bonus to getting a fresh ’do.

“This feels excellent. I mean, got a great hair cut and I'm helping out those less fortunate,” he said. “When I heard about the program, it felt great knowing I was helping out.”

As for what employees think of the program, stylist Lisa Garren said it's a great feeling knowing she's helping those in need even though she's just doing her job.

“It's a great program. It's amazing to help out,” she said. “Some people might not be able to afford a great haircut, and this way they can have a great cut that makes them feel great and look good, too.”