Having hair troubles? Co-op Tech’s barber students are looking for practice.
On Thursday, Feb. 26, Bronx River students were offered free haircuts of any kind by Co-op tech barber students, who are working on obtaining their official licenses by completing training hours. Many students were skeptical of the skills of the novices, but as students realized that the hairstyles were surprisingly sharp, students flocked towards the signup sheets to get a fresh and free haircut. However, the intention of these college barber students is much deeper than a cool stunt.
The students volunteered to give free haircuts as a way to support their community, as they realized just how important looking fresh and put together matters to students, especially ones who can’t afford to pay prices from 30 to 40 bucks every other week for a good haircut. They understand that what they are doing lifts up and empowers students, and they hope to increase interest in school, as last week’s services attracted many to stop by just for the cut.
Jalen Martin, a barber student at Co-op Tech is happy to lend a helping hand. He’s completed most of the process to obtain his license, and only needs a few more practice hours in order to finally start working. But in the meantime, he’s proud to be part of an act to support his community.
“All of the barber students are really out here to help our people out and gain experience at the same time,’’ he said. “We really just wanna make someone’s day, you know, the slice of life stuff.’’
Alexander Lyons is one of the many students that took the opportunity to get a free haircut last week. He’s very satisfied with the quality of his haircut, and sees a whole lot of potential in these trainees when they enter the field.
“Yeah, they are definitely on their way to being certified,’’ he said. “They took care of my fade, and most importantly, didn’t push back my hairline.”
If you missed the free services that Co-op Tech offered at school, you still have an opportunity to get a free haircut. Simply go to their location at 965 Longwood Avenue on any Tuesday or Wednesday and any available barber will be happy to help anyone out with a restyling or haircut.
