FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. — As the back-to-school season kicks into gear, parents often face the financial strain of purchasing supplies and new outfits for their children. However, The Ruby Beauty Company in Franklin County is offering a unique way to ease some of the financial burden by providing affordable haircuts for students.
While the cost of books, binders, and school supplies can add up, The Ruby Beauty Company is stepping in to ensure that a fresh haircut doesn't have to be another expensive item on the list.
The salon opened its doors on Monday, Aug. 12 to offer a special "pay-what-you-can" event for parents, allowing them to pay what they could afford for their kids' haircuts.
Jessica Lahr, the owner of The Ruby Beauty Company, emphasized the importance of confidence and a fresh look as students return to school. Recognizing the financial challenges many parents face, Lahr opened the salon on a day it is usually closed to provide an opportunity for families to save money on haircuts.
“Everyone knows everything is just so much more expensive than it used to be [like] sneakers, supplies and book bags. I think every kid deserves to go back to school with a fresh cut,” said Lahr.
The salon's stylists also demonstrated their dedication by volunteering to work on their day off to support the initiative. They highlighted that, in addition to supplies, a new hairstyle contributes to a student's confidence as they start the school year.
McKenzie Branchman, a stylist at The Ruby Beauty Company, expressed her empathy for parents facing financial constraints and stressed the importance of confidence for students. The stylists acknowledged the financial burden facing many families and aimed to meet them halfway by offering affordable haircuts.
“We all grew up with siblings and we know how expensive we can get when you have multiples to pay for so I think this definitely helps less than that price and it’s not too much of a worry for them,” said Audrey Garling a stylist at The Ruby Beauty Company.
For those who were unable to attend the event, The Ruby Beauty Company also provided an option for community members to pre-pay for a haircut, ensuring that every student could start the school year with a fresh look.