Local stylists and barbers are ready to get students’ heads right for school.
The Braided Faded Crew will host its 10th annual Bak 2 Skool Free Hair Day, Sunday Aug. 14 at the city’s Parks and Recreation building, 1412 Davis St. in Taylor.
The event will be from noon to 7 p.m. with the last check-in at 6 p.m. Similar to previous years, there will be free food and snacks available.
After a two-year hiatus, the crew is back to celebrate year 10.
“I think a lot of people forgot about us, be we haven’t gone anywhere,” said Shareeta Fairley, founder of the Braided Faded Crew.
She said the only reason the free hair day event has not been held is because of COVID-19. The crew would still host Easter egg hunts and other activities, but when it was time for back to school events, COVID-19 numbers would increase causing cancellations.
“I never wanted anyone to get sick,” she said. “Not just the kids, but I didn’t want anyone from the crew to get sick either.”
Fairley said some crew members have ventured to other endeavors, so there will be new faces helping with the event this year. Shalamar Rivers, one of the braiders, makes coming to the event a priority.
“I don’t live in Taylor anymore, but I make it a priority to get with the crew for the special events we host for the kids,” Rivers said. “I have become more aware that my contribution has an impact to the community, and that is important.”
The success of the local Bak 2 Skool Free Hair Day has spawned the creation of similar events in surrounding communities.
“I’m starting to see different communities branch out and do Bak 2 Skool Free Hair Days,” Fairley said.
Chrisha and Tasha Jackson, owners of Jackson Soul in Elgin, is hosting Cuts and Curls, a variation of the local hair day.
“That’s awesome,” Fairley said. “They told us whoever we can’t get (their hair done), to send those kids their way.”
Donations and volunteers are still being accepted for the free hair day. Anyone who would like to donate can contact Fairley on her Facebook page.
