14 August 2024 By Shane O’Brien
A Long Island City hair salon is offering free haircuts, beard trims, hot towel shaves and straight razors all day Monday, August 19, as part of a training event for its master barber apprentices.
The Otis and Finn Barbershop at 11-16 44th Avenue is normally closed on Mondays, but for this special event it will be open between 11am and 6pm, with three apprentice barbers offering a range of free services.
The hairdressing apprentices all have a master’s license, but need “a little more practice” before they become senior hairdressers at Otis and Finn.
An experienced Otis and Finn barber will oversee all haircuts, beard trims and shaves.
Founded ten years ago by Shawn Dixon and Kirk Riley, Otis and Finn operates four stores in Queens and Brooklyn, including two in Long Island City, but this is the first time the company has hosted a free haircut promotion at one of its four locations.
Sam Johnson, operations manager at Otis and Finn Barbershop, said they were excited to host the event on Monday on 44th Avenue, adding that both customers and barber apprentices would benefit.
He said the hair salon was offering free haircuts to provide members of the local community with a “free hair care option” at an expensive time of year.
“The reason we’re doing this now is because the period leading up to Labor Day and the holidays leading up to it is a pretty stressful time for a lot of people, both time-wise and financially,” Johnson said. “It’s the time of year when people are going back to the office, back to school or back to college. People are coming or going on vacation.”
“We really wanted to offer people in the neighborhood a free hair care option and at the same time give our hairdressing apprentices the chance to meet new people in the neighborhood. This way we killed two birds with one stone.”
“It’s going to be a great event and we hope as many people as possible can sign up for free haircuts.”
Depending on the success of Monday’s opening event, Otis and Finn hope to host similar events in the future.
Johnson said the barbershop will use Monday’s event as a sort of trial run and “take it from there.” If Monday proves a success, the plan is to offer free haircuts for apprentices every two months.
“I think this is a good way to introduce our barbers to new people in the neighborhood and give people an opportunity that doesn’t really exist elsewhere because, of course, most shops don’t offer their services for free. So we’re just giving people in the neighborhood a good opportunity to get free professional grooming services.”
Otis and Finn will accept walk-ins on Monday, but people are asked to book appointments in advance. All haircuts and other services will be free, but customers are welcome to tip their barber apprentices, Johnson said.
Click here for more information or to schedule an appointment.
