Style

This Generous Barber Gave Free Haircuts to Kids Who Were Willing to Read Him a Story

This Iowa barber gave out free haircuts to kids who read him a story during a local Back to School Bash.

Photo Removed
Blank pixel used during image takedowns
Complex Original

Barbers are like modern-day superheroes.

Over the course of a year, we’ve reported on a few men who have used their hair-cutting skills to give back to the community. Nasir Sobhani and Mark Bustos are two barbers who have taken it upon themselves to provide fresh cuts and clean fades to the homeless. And recently, an Iowa barber has made headlines for giving free haircuts to kids in exchange for them reading stories to him.

The man, named Courtney Holmes, came up with the idea specifically for his town’s Back to School Bash earlier this week.

“I just want to support kids reading,” he told the Associated Press.

And he did it the best way he knew how. He attended the annual event, which is intended to help local families prepare for the upcoming school year, with a pair of clippers. He then told parents he would give their kids a haircut if they would read him a story; he even helped the kids sound out the words they weren't familiar with. Pretty damn heartwarming.

Over 100 people took advantage of the bash, which provided free resources and information about after-school opportunities.

Caitlin Daniels, a reading coordinator with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, said the haircuts were a big hit among the families.

"It's great. All the kids, they want to have a good haircut to go back to school," she said. "They're paying through reading."

Related Stories

Not Available Lead
Style

Watch This Short Documentary About a Barber Who Gives Free Haircuts to the Homeless

Check out this documentary on Nasir Sobhani, aka the Street's Barber, who spends his free time giving haircuts to the homeless.

Joshua Espinoza4051 days ago
Not Available Lead
Style

This NYC Stylist Gives Homeless People Free Haircuts

A NYC-based stylist gives back by offering free haircuts to the needy every Sunday.

Frazier Tharpe4388 days ago
Not Available Lead
Style

A Barber Is Giving Kids Old-Man Haircuts to Help Parents Discipline Them

Would you shame your misbehaving child with an "old-man" haircut as punishment?

Cameron Wolf4219 days ago

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App