STROUDSBURG, Pa. — The capes are on, and the barber chairs are filled inside DKutz Evolution on North 9th Street in Stroudsburg.
Owner Daniel Ortiz knows how a fresh haircut can boost confidence.
"It can change the way they talk, the way they walk, and the way they act," said Daniel Ortiz, owner of DKutz Evolution.
Ortiz opened his shop for a day of free haircuts for students returning to the classroom.
"It makes me happy because back then, when I was going to school, I was excited and ready, and the night before, I could hardly sleep. So it makes me happy to be able to give back and do these things for the kids and put smiles on their faces," said Ortiz.
"My hair was long, and now it's short! I feel good," said Ava Thomas, a student at Pocono Mountain Elementary.
Ava Thomas is getting ready for her first day of 4th grade. She says there's a lot to look forward to.
"Meeting my teachers and, like, probably making new friends there," said Thomas.
Deborah Petrella from East Stroudsburg brought her three grandsons to get their fresh cuts. She says this is a big help for the back to school budget.
"It's a good thing that he is doing this for free because for uniforms, food, and everything, it's expensive, and 20 dollars a pop for a haircut is a lot for her," said Petrella.
As soon as one cut was finished and the hair was swept off the floor, another kid jumped into the barber chair.
Families tell Newswatch 16 something as simple as a haircut can go a long way for these students.
"You know, be fresh and ready for the upcoming school year, and they don't have to feel like they are different than anyone else. They can be ready for a new school and be proud of who they are," said Petrella.
DKutz Evolution will also be giving free haircuts for students this Saturday.