Starting back to school with a top-notch haircut and a fresh sense of confidence can make a big difference for a student.

With that idea in mind, Eastern Elementary School students were treated to a free haircut on Monday to get ready for the new school year.

Katie Paul, owner of Bardot hair salon, along with fellow stylist Brandy Lee, came out to the school for a second year to help families who may not be able to afford professional haircuts.

Bright Futures Beaufort County, an organization that helps meet students’ basic needs, coordinated the event with Eastern Elementary and Bardot, with support from Vidant Beaufort Hospital and Christ Church.

“We had such a good turnout for it last year,” said Paul, who attended Eastern Elementary herself. “It’s our job. It’s a couple of hours of our time. … It was easy to do.”

She said one of her favorite memories from last year was cutting a young girl’s hair that had grown into her face. Paul recalled the bright smile on the girl’s face when her bangs were cut back out of her face.

“She was just so happy,” Paul said. “They’re getting that attention. It makes them feel important.”

Bardot is a salon focused on adults, so Paul said it was a nice change to come work with children — although short attention spans can be a challenge. Some of the children are also apprehensive about getting a haircut, as some of them have never had that experience before.

Robin McKeithan, Bright Futures coordinator and business manager at the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, said she is thankful for all of the partners that made this event possible for a second year.

“For businesses and churches that are coming out and being involved with the schools,” McKeithan said.

Paul said they plan to hold the event again next year, but will likely schedule it to coincide with the school’s open house, as it draws more people.

There may also be another haircut event in the works this year — potentially at another school in the county and after Christmas break, according to Paul.

“It’s a simple thing that can meant a lot,” she said.