A group of beauticians and barbers are making sure students are ready to go back to school in style just before classes begin.
The 12th annual Bac 2 Skool Free Hair Day is 1-6 p.m. Sunday at the Taylor Parks and Recreation Building, 1412 Davis St.
For 11 years, the Sunday before school starts, the Braided Faded Crew has helped students get ready for campus with hairstyles and haircuts at no cost.
“We just look forward to making sure that everybody goes back with a fresh look for the new year,” said Shareeta Fairley, Braided Faded Crew founder. “If you’re looking good, you’re feeling good, and at the end of the day you’re going to do good.”
Twice in the organization’s 12 years of existence organizers had to cancel the free hair day, both times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The group offers more than just good looks.
“If you need your hair or some school supplies, come and talk to me,” she said.
While there is not a school-supply drive incorporated with the hair day, Fairley said she can direct parents where to get help.
Fairley said the kids who show up to get their hair braided or cut, like many of the Crew members, are diverse. She visited Austin, Round Rock, Hutto and other surrounding communities to invite people to attend.
Along with children from different towns, there will also be new stylists and barbers from outside of Taylor to help with the event.
Fairley expects to see some fresh faces this year after interacting with more people outside of Taylor.
“I have stepped out of that comfort zone and went to different spots, so I can continue to let people know ... this is for everybody,” she said. “I wasn’t scared to go drop off flyers and talk to parents in the community.”
In addition, she expects crew members who have their own clientele to have a following show up.
“I just feel in my gut that a lot of kids are going to need our services,” Fairley said. “I like that people go out and speak on it and bring a lot of people in.”
Longtime members of the Crew have moved on to other communities and started similar events, and Fairley said it is a blessing to see them expand what started in Taylor.
“I always tell everybody, ‘That’s your craft. That’s what God blessed you, and if you can see a way that you can help somebody else, do that,’” she said. “You have a craft, use your craft for some good.”
Growing up, Fairley said there were not events like the Free Hair Day in Taylor, and it was important for her to give back to her community.
She didn’t anticipate the annual event becoming so popular.
“I never expected it to go this far,” she said.
On Feb. 7, 2022, the Braided Faded Crew lost a key member, Frank Fields, one of the founders and organizers of several of the group’s happenings.
The Crew has honored Fields at different events since his death.
“It has been a fun ride, and I really hope I have done Taylor proud,” Fairley said. “I never in my wildest dream thought that I would even come this far.”
