Barber Jacob Sevek, left, from Columbiana Barbershop takes a little of the top back of Nash Walker’s hair as he gives the 12-year-old Rogers youth a haircut Tuesday afternoon. Sevek owns Columbiana Barbershop, and this week through Saturday is giving area school-aged youth free haircuts Monday, Aug. 19 through Saturday, Aug. 24, as a way to give back to the community. There is no geographic restrictions to participate. Sevek hopes his team will give out 400 haircuts during the week-long event. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

COLUMBIANA — In the spirit of giving back, the Columbiana Barbershop is hosting its inaugural Back to School Haircut Week for area school-aged youth.

Owner Jacob Sevek explained the shop, which is located at 95 TownCenter Ave., Suite B in the Firestone Farms area of Columbiana, is offering complimentary haircuts to all kids from kindergarten to 12th grade.

His team hopes to cut 400 heads of hair between Monday, Aug. 19 and Saturday, Aug. 24.

No adults will be scheduled for haircuts that week and there will be no appointments. The week’s haircuts are all via walk-ins during the shop’s hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday as time allows.

“We believe every child deserves to start the school year looking and feeling his best,” Sevek explained. “This initiative is our way of supporting families and ensuring that students in our community have one less thing to worry about as they prepare for the upcoming school year.”

Design work on the free haircuts won’t go beyond a simple fade because of the number of haircuts that barbers are expecting to service that week.

The effort is made possible by more than 20 different sponsors. “Our goal is to do as many youth haircuts as possible; so your patience will be key especially with this walk-in format,” Sevek explained.

This is not just limited to Columbiana and Crestview school district participants. There is no geographic residency restrictions.

Columbiana Barbershop also is offering $2 off all its in-shop products to either adult or youth clientele during that week, Sevek added.

Recipient kids also will receive coupons for a free meal at Sespe Burger and save $2 on a smoothie at Pulp, when they show off their haircuts.

If everything goes well, Columbiana Barbershop is looking to a similar event like this for veterans in the fall.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com