Local Barbershop and Lawmakers Team Up to Give Students Free Back-to-School Haircuts

​As students gear up for the new academic year, Kim’s Hairmate Dot Comb owner Jess Pantaleon and several community leaders have stepped up to ensure the island's youth head back to the classroom looking—and feeling—their best.

​For the second year in a row, Pantaleon suspended regular business operations last August 15 at his largest salon and barbershop to host a full-day, free back-to-school haircut event for K-12 students. Running from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the shop's team of dedicated barbers and hairstylists provided free trims, fades, and even custom hair designs to local youth.

​"We wanted to make sure that we could accommodate all the students, which is why we closed [to regular customers] for today," Pantaleon explained. "We want everybody to concentrate entirely on providing these free haircuts for the community."

​While organizers were anticipating a turnout of around 100 students this year, the event ultimately served 75 children—matching the strong community response from last year's inaugural event. To handle the volume, Pantaleon deliberately chose his most spacious location, though he also operates Ambience Salon and Spa in Oleai and Rejuvenate Salon and Barbershop on Middle Road.

According to Pantaleon, the motivation behind the day of service is twofold: supporting the mental well-being of the youth and easing the financial burden on local families.

​"Our primary inspiration behind putting together community back-to-school free haircut events—like those hosted locally by the Saipan Unity Lions Club and the Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club—is to build student confidence while providing financial relief for our hardworking parents," he said.

​The community-driven initiative was a direct collaboration with Precinct 1 Representatives Diego Camacho, Roy Ada, Vincent Aldan, Joe Flores, and Ray Palacios. Pantaleon expressed deep gratitude to the lawmakers for their hands-on support in making the event a reality.

​"I would like to personally say thank you to our very supportive representatives from Precinct 1 for making our back-to-school free haircut for our youth possible," Pantaleon said.

​For Pantaleon, whose business has been a fixture in the community since the aftermath of Typhoon Soudelor, a fresh haircut is about much more than personal grooming—it is a tool for youth empowerment.

​"I strongly believe that students who feel supported by adults outside their immediate family report lower rates of anxiety and a higher sense of belonging," Pantaleon noted. "Last year, I personally witnessed how this group of students appreciated having a very nice haircut. They even requested our dedicated barbers and hairstylists to put designs on their hair, and they stepped out of our barbershop with confidence and a big smile on their faces."

​By stepping up for the youth today, organizers hope to inspire the civic leaders of tomorrow.

​"Engaging youth in local projects early creates future adults who volunteer and actively invest back into doing the same when they are able to or become successful," Pantaleon added. "I think we should always put our best efforts forward for our children."