Xandon Sewap, 7, gets a trim from Destiny Starblanket. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

A cut above

Local hairdressers give back

Aug 28, 2019 | 4:49 PM

Destiny Starblanket says seven years ago, as a new mother, the Prince Albert Grand Council’s parenting classes were a huge help to her.

Now she’s found a way to give back.

Starblanket was one of several hairdressers offering free cuts on Wednesday at PAGC’s back-to-school barbecue at Parkland Hall.

The idea was born in her stylist’s chair, while she was cutting her former teacher, now PAGC Director of Urban Services, Geoff Despin’s hair.

“I know when I was a kid it was a little harder for my mom to afford haircuts and I don’t really have a lot of memories of getting my hair cut by an actual hairstylist,” Starblanket said. “So, I kind of wanted that for the kids around here, you know to have that special experience.”

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Amber Daniels, 7, in the stylist’s chair (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

Just two hours into the event, PAGC estimated 50 kids received hair cuts, with plans to continue well into the afternoon. More hairdressers, on top of the initial five, were called in to keep up with demand.

“A fresh haircut can make a person feel totally better and that’s what I want for the kids,” Starblanket said.

Currently an apprentice, she will soon take the test to be a fully licensed stylist. In the future, she’d like to have a mobile business, bringing affordable haircuts to northern communities.

“I know a haircut can totally help before school, or picture day, or even graduations,” she said.

Riel Burns-Bear is going into Grade 5 in September. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

Starblanket’s skills with shears and a buzzer were approved by one nine-year-old customer at the event. Riel Burns-Bear said the thing he’s most excited about heading back to school, aside from pizza Friday, is art class.

“I like painting, but my favorite is drawing,” he told paNOW.

The PAGC’s back to school event also featured a car seat clinic and dental hygiene training with free toothbrushes.

Mason Daniels, 12, is an easy customer, he says he likes “every haircut” he gets. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

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Alison.Sandstrom@jpbg.ca