Local Students Cut Hair for "Locks of Love"

A group of Purchase Elementary School students went almost a full year without a haircut, but this wasn't a fashion statement or a "new look," the students were doing it to help young people who aren't lucky enough to have hair of their own.

Locks of Love is a charity group that provides hairpieces to disadvantaged children and adults under 21 who are suffering from any long-term medical condition that results in hair loss. In order to pitch-in the girls needed to donate several inches of hair.

Seventeen girls, from second to fourth grade, one parent and a teacher participated in the event. In order to grow their hair long enough, they have all gone without a haircut since last September. The hair finally came off Wednesday afternoon at Vasken Demirjuan Hair Salon in White Plains.

Liz Cahn, a parent of one of the students, came up with the idea last year after hearing about Locks of Love at another salon in New York City. In order to keep the event in Westchester, she asked Vasken Demirjian if he would like to participate.

"I didn't even hesitate," said Demirjian. "I just asked her when."

Cahn received permission from the school's principal and distributed fliers to students. She said she was surprised when 17 said they were willing to take part.

"It was kind of hard, but good," said Jamie Orseck, one of the third graders who took part. "It's for a great cause."

The children were all smiles on Wednesday, as the salon styled their hair for them, providing a new, short-hair, look just in time for summer. The hair was packaged in clear bags and will be sent to the charity this week.

"It is a great honor," said Purchase Elementary Principal Robert Kalman when asked about so many of his students participating. "The lesson here is about giving for these kids."

Kalman said he could tell that some of the students were getting anxious about their long hair during the winter, but that they stuck it out for a good cause.

Most of the students were excited about their new look, the recipients of the new locks will be even happier.