By Larry Updike

I don’t know about you but there’s something satisfying about getting a fresh haircut.

You end up feeling better about yourself and the relationship built with your stylist can make it a highly personal experience. Like the cab drivers I wrote about some weeks ago, the stylist’s chair can become a place of storytelling and self-disclosure.

During my last haircut, my young stylist related the experience of a deep-muscle massage session being offered at a discount — it went badly. She said she felt sore afterward and it still hurt to lift her arm. I told her of a similar experience and assured her that, like me, she’d get over it.

I was enjoying the whole conversation as she buzzed my hair until it came time to pay up. She asked if I wanted the senior’s deduction. I was aghast. Being the age-sensitive man I am, I declared rather loudly that I didn’t qualify for such a rollback.

No matter, I’ll still see her again. Even if my ego was bruised — my buzz-cut felt great.

When my son Gordon was young, he was terrified of going for a haircut. (He has autism and is not verbal.) Through the patience and sensitivity of legendary local stylist — the late Gerald McAllen — Gordon did an about-face and came to look forward to the experience.

One day, I was getting a buzz in the chair next to Gordon. My stylist finished with me first and I waited for Gordon’s cut to be completed.

Gordon looked up at me and picked up his stylist’s electric razor. He motioned to his head, indicating that he didn’t like the way he looked.

He wanted to look like his Dad. Acting upon this suggestion, the stylist gave Gordon a hair-buzz just like mine. He squealed with delight the whole time. We both emerged from the shop looking like happy cue-balls. Our new styles made us feel wonderful. A new haircut can elevate your mood and affect your outlook on life. Among the many opportunities to volunteer at Siloam Mission, haircutting is one which should not be overlooked. Yes, every week volunteer hairstylists lend their skills to Siloam. They offer haircuts at no charge to people who are experiencing homelessness.

Imagine what something as simple as a haircut can mean to a person who is living in poverty. It can help a person feel self confidence. Perhaps, it’s the motivation they need to apply for a job or do well at an interview.

At Siloam Mission, we love our volunteer hairstylists.

Stylist Dale King has been volunteering at Siloam Mission for a few years now. He says he came because of the need but ended up feeling personally fulfilled too.

Dale has heard a lot of stories as he performs his art. As he relates it, one woman came to him at Siloam because she wanted a haircut to look her best. It was for a reunion with her daughter.

Every person who comes to Siloam Mission, comes with his or her own story.

And sometimes, it’s the seemingly small things we can offer them that makes the biggest difference.

- Larry Updike is the senior communications and advocacy spokesperson at Siloam Mission.

SUN Article