Getting a haircut is usually either a love-it or hate-it type of experience for most people.
Some love the feel and smell, while others hate the sound and sensations.
For those who don’t like getting haircuts, it can seem like a traumatic event.
This is how it was for 7-year-old Ellison Eubanks, a boy with Down syndrome who had always hated getting his hair cut.
His mother, Julie, says of the experiences, “It’s always been so stressful, a lot of the time I’d have to bear hug him in the chair to get through it.”
That was until they met barber and owner of ‘Noble Barber & Beauty’ Vernon Jackson.
Vernon knew that some kids, especially those with disabilities, hated the experience of getting their hair cut, and he wanted to change that.
He knew that different kids would need different accommodations, and he was ready to do whatever needed to be done.
Vernon set aside one day every month where he schedules free haircuts for children with disabilities.
“Every child is different,” Vernon says, “and I need to be present with them and meet them in the moment.”
For Ellison, that meant listening closely to the boys ‘stop’ and ‘go’ routine, and only going when the boy said he could.
Ellison’s mother describes him as having a ‘class clown’ type of personality, so as soon as he realized what he was doing was getting some laughs, he continued doing it.
At one point, as soon as Ellison started giggling about the situation, Vernon started laughing too, and Julie could also be heard laughing from behind the camera.
Vernon says that he understands what it’s like to not fit in and need a little extra attention here or there, and he doesn’t mind giving it at all.
Ellison now actually enjoys his hair appointments and, as he walked into the shop, was heard chanting “Haircut! Haircut! Haircut!”
The boy laughed and smiled throughout the whole appointment, a huge change from before they started seeing Vernon when Julie says he would try to slap the clippers out of the barbers hands.
Vernon says that he will do whatever it takes to ensure that his clients have a good experience in the chair and that everyone can walk away happy.
“I’m so blessed,” the barber said, “to be in a position to relieve that stress and anxiety for them.”
The Noble Barber & Beauty shop has tons of great reviews online, many of them mentioning how kid-friendly the salon is, and how kind all the barbers and stylists are.
They are located in central Cincinnati, quite close to the Cincinnati Zoo, and have a large spacious location with plenty of TV’s and comfy chairs to enjoy while you wait for your appointment.
With Vernon’s kind nature and determination to accommodate his clients, Ellison and Julie will surely be regulars.
“It’s a haircut – it shouldn’t have to be traumatic.”
Meet Vernon, Ellison, and Julie in the sweet video linked below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
