CLARKS SUMMIT — On Aug. 30, while a Family Fun Day was underway downstairs in the Clarks Summit Senior Living, the doors of its third floor hair styling salon were open to children getting ready to hit the books.
Boys and girls of all ages could put the finishing touches on their back to school looks with a free haircut or new hairstyle from 1 to 4 p.m. at the facility.
Local stylist Ashley Koons of Ashley’s Men’s Salon, Clarks Summit, and Kim Paradiso, a stylist at a sister Five Star Senior Living facility in Mount Arlington, New Jersey, prepped the boys and girls, respectively, for opening day of the 2015-16 school year. Clarks Summit Senior Living is owned and operated by Five Star Senior Living.
Children came mostly by appointment, although they did have some walk-ins throughout the afternoon.
“The haircuts were offered as a community service to increase exposure that we do a lot of community events here at Clarks Summit Senior Living. It (the facility) is not only for the residents,” said Sue Chapin, Clarks Summit Senior Living marketing director. “We were willing to do any age.”
Although Nolan Reckless, 1, of Scott Township, is not old enough to attend school, he had his first haircut, while seated on his mom, Colleen Reckless’ lap. Tori Pensak, 11, Factoryville opted for one fish tail braid.
“Braids are popular with the younger girls and the older teens are really into doing their own hair,” Paradiso said.
The pair also talked about trends in youth hairstyles. “The old 1950s hairstyles are hot for the older teens. Some (boys) are still keeping their hair long,” Koons said.
This was the first time for the free haircuts, although Chapin said they plan to offer the service again next year.
