Both sides benefit from this: the students gain more experience through the haircuts and those returning to school can return to school with a new hairstyle.
THUNDER BAY – Hairdressers from Trenz Hair Studio and Day Spa and students from NuWave School of Hair Design volunteered their time on Sunday to provide free haircuts to children and youth of Fort William First Nation.
Fort William First Nation students in kindergarten through grade 12 were able to register or drop by between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Cosimo A. Minnella, co-owner of Trenz Hair Studio and NuWave School of Hair Design, said this has been an ongoing event since 2018.
“We give Fort William First Nations children a haircut to mark the start of school. I do this every year and it makes me feel great,” he said.
Minnella said in past years the barbers have cut hair at Fort William First Nation, but this year they did it at the studio at 1075 Memorial Ave.
“It’s a great feeling and a great honor to do this every year. It’s good for the community and for our businesses and for NuWave and Trenz Hair Studio.”
This is beneficial for both parties, as trainees gain more experience through these haircuts and students returning to school can do so with a new style, Minnella said.
“I’d rather the students do most of the hair rather than me. Just so they have more experience and I can supervise them so they can see what they’re doing right and what they’re doing wrong,” he said.
Minnella and other instructors review haircuts once students are finished and answer any student questions about technique or execution.
He said he is working with Marnie Greenwald, who registers children and promotes the day.
If hairdressers are interested in participating in the volunteer haircuts next year, Minnella encourages them to contact Marnie Greenwald.
