Beauty college students gain experience while offering free haircuts to community

Published 8:37 pm Wednesday, November 30, 2011

EVERETT — Colten Hess knew his hair was getting too long.

That’s why his mother took him to Evergreen Beauty and Barber College on Saturday to cut the curls that were covering his eyes.

“I like it now,” said Colten, 11, of Granite Falls, after a buzz cut. “It was getting in the way. I couldn’t see.”

His mother, Stephanie Mandeville, took advantage of free haircuts given by the college by taking five children with her.

Santa Claus was also there, so the kids planned to take pictures with him as well.

“It’s pretty awesome,” Mandeville said about the event. “It’s very convenient when times are tough, and haircuts and Santa pictures take money.”

Colten was only one of dozens of kids and their parents who filled the beauty college. Santa was also very busy early on with a long line of children waiting.

Besides haircuts, children also enjoyed face painting. Girls could get their nails done.

About 100 students and staff were at hand to give the haircuts, college president Joe Trieu said.

The event was also beneficial for the students, because it provided them with clients so they could practice their skills, Trieu said.

In total, the students gave $4,000 worth in services that included about 200 haircuts, he said. There were also 210 Santa pictures taken.

The college also had a toy drive and received donations to help the Everett Gospel Misson’s women and children’s shelter.

Despite the rain, a long line formed before the college opened.

Colleen Martin was impressed with how fast the line moved.

The Everett woman came with her two children, her adult daughter and her granddaughter.

“I think it’s great, especially for many parents who can’t afford it,” Martin said.

For some of the staff, it was the first time they’ve had real customers.

“I’m ready for more,” said student Ryan Johnson, while waiting for his next customer.

Spirits were high, although the floor was hectic and some haircut stations had lines of children waiting for their turn.

“It’s fun,” said student Rebekah Sharkey, who was putting makeup and glitter on kids’ faces. “This is to get experience and it goes for a good cause.”

Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.