Madison Reporter

More than 750 students in Madison received free haircuts as part of the 17th annual Back 2 School Free Haircutz event, organized by local barber Jeff "JP" Patterson. The event took place at the Alliant Energy Center and included the efforts of about 55 barbers from across Madison.

“We all come together to make the kids look good, because when you look good you feel good,” JP said. “I just love to be able to give back to the kids and the community.”

The number of haircuts given this year was the largest since the event began. JP explained that it started as a small gesture in his own shop but grew rapidly over time. “The first few years I had some barbers in my area come to my shop to give cuts,” JP said. “By year 10 everything was packed – both my in shop and out in the parking lot where we had more chairs set up.” The decision was then made to move to a larger venue.

“Since then our goal has always been to get to 1,000 haircuts on the day of the event,” JP said. “Every year we’re getting closer and closer to our goal.”

Despite how busy it gets, JP noted that connecting with students is still important for him. He shared one experience: “I was cutting this little girl's hair, and she was in a wheelchair. While I was cutting her hair her mom came up and took a picture of us, and I got to know the whole family,” JP said. “It was just a special moment – to get to know the family, touch base with how they’re doing and be able to provide them with a service.”

This year’s event also offered additional services through partnerships with community organizations. Vaccines were provided by Dane County Immunization Coalition, books were distributed by Madison Reading Project, and financial support came from sponsors like Ingold Family Foundation.

“You look across the room, and you don’t see individual shops or organizations,” JP said. “You see a unified front with everybody on the same page. I love being a part of that team”

Each year brings more sponsors for Back 2 School Free Haircutz, which helps expand what is available for families attending.

Another highlight is an annual $2,500 scholarship awarded for a barber apprenticeship at Madison College; it covers tuition, books, and testing fees. The scholarship honors Taylor Smith (Smitty), recognized as Madison’s first Black barber.

“The scholarship is named after the first Black barber in Madison – Taylor Smith aka Smitty,” JP explained. “I worked with him for two years when I first started, he taught me a lot.”

JP confirmed plans are already underway for next year's event: “I want to let this grow to where these other barbers can put their piece in, and take it in a way where it’s not just all me,” he said.