By Camelia Juarez
Roughly 150 kids received a free, fresh haircut from local barbers Sunday at the Krug Activity Center in Kyle.
The number of kids receiving new hairdos, part of the Kutz for Kidz event, has tripled since Chris Ortiz, owner of a Kyle-area barbershop, first coordinated the event in 2018. Ultimately, Ortiz hopes the effort gives parents a financial break, while also giving kids confidence to look their best in class.
On average, a haircut for a child can range from $10 to $20 and the cost can be difficult for parents who have multiple children.
“I know what it’s like to grow up in a single-parent household. Some parents don’t have the funds to give their kid the type of haircut that makes a kid feel better about himself. We’re trying to give quality cuts and put love into it,” Ortiz said.
Last year, Ortiz had six volunteers who helped to give 50 children free haircuts. This year, 17 local barbers heeded the call for volunteers, forcing Ortiz to expand from his salon near the corner of Main and Miller streets to the Krug Activity Center.
Barbers from Buda, Kyle and Austin brought their own equipment. They also donated dozens of backpacks and salon chairs for the event.
Barber Avery Galvez traveled from Buda to help with the event.
“Your hair is your most important accessory and it’s important for kids to feel good at school. That’s why I am out here ... for the kids,” Galvez said.
Danielle Tapia, a local area mom with four boys, said her sons get a haircut every two weeks, which can be taxing on the wallet.
“Haircut places are usually booked this time of year and there are so many things to buy,” Tapia said. “This is a great financial relief.”
Ortiz said he plans to have another free haircut event for kids prior to the start of the 2020 school year.
