Haircuts for all: Stylists, barbers come together to offer fresh looks for the holidays

LACONIA — Hair stylists and barbers across the Lakes Region are coming together to give free haircuts for children and adults in need at Faith Alive Christian Fellowship Church from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Mae Paonessa, hair stylist at Shh. it’s a Salon, is organizing the event. She wants anyone who can’t afford a haircut to feel confident in time for the holidays and the new year.

“I know if I have a good haircut, I feel better. I feel more confident. And with families, with photos, and people getting together, you kind of want to look the best,” Paonessa said.

“I don't want any child to feel like they're missing out on an opportunity to feel good.”

Haircuts will be available to children up to 18 years old, as well as adults experiencing homelessness, recent job loss or other struggles. Paonessa hosted a similar event last year at her salon, doing 24 haircuts with another hair stylist. This year, she is partnering with Faith Alive, the church she attends, hoping to have space for more people. Pastor John Sanborn said the event aligns with the values of the church.

“We have a larger facility, and I like the idea of giving back to the community, so I said, ‘Yeah let’s do it,’” Sanborn said.

Other hair salons and barber shops are participating, too. Stylists and barbers from Jennifer’s Color Bar in Gilford, Wilson’s Barbershop in Laconia and Lauren Mock from Skintastically You, a booth renter at Moderno in Tilton, will be in attendance, as well as other solo stylists. Massage therapist Danielle Rivera from Meredith will also be giving massages. Shana Drouin of Sharp-n-Chic by Shana, a booth renter at Paonessa's salon, is also volunteering. She said it is nice to help people during the holidays. She would expect no less from Paonessa.

"She’s constantly helping and doing stuff to help people, especially homeless people," she said.

While people can walk in for a haircut, attendees are encouraged to email helping_out_NH@yahoo.com to schedule an appointment.

“Last year, when I did it, my shop was fairly small, and I didn't want too many people coming at once and feeling overwhelmed, or sitting around or wasting their time on a Saturday,” Paonessa said.

Paonessa asks eventgoers to wash their hair prior to arriving, as hair washing will not be available Saturday.

The event will also have an activity station with coloring pages and ornaments for kids waiting for haircuts. Paonessa's three kids will help with the activities. A free lunch of hotdogs and hamburgers will be served.

Paonessa also will provide free hair accessories, like shampoo, conditioner, brushes, combs and hair ties. She is also accepting gently used winter gear donations including boots, gloves, hats, mittens, ski pants and jackets. People can drop off items at the salon ahead of time at 360 Union Ave., or at the event.

Paonessa's husband Eric Landry will drive people from the warming center on McGrath Street to the church. He is looking for at least one more person, preferably with an SUV or van, to help. He can be reached at 603-584-1710.

The event's creation comes partly from Paonessa's personal experience growing up with a single mother. Her mother would cut all five of her children’s hair, and Paonessa didn’t like it.

“I despised it. I always hated picture day. I never wanted a picture of myself,” she said.

That prompted her to become a hair stylist, to provide good haircuts to lift people up. Now, she hopes to use her passion to help those who need it.

“I feel like it's the one thing I can potentially give back to the community. I could do a lot of things, but I feel like this is the one thing I have skill in,” she said.

“And to make people smile and laugh and feel good, It's just, if I could pay my bills that way, I would totally do that.”