ALBANY, NY – In recognition of November as Veterans Month, the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) is once again proudly partnering with leading beauty academies, barbers, and stylists statewide through its H.A.T.S. – Haircuts Across the State – Program, offering FREE haircuts and hair styling services for New York’s Veterans at select locations and dates during Veterans Month this November.
First launched in 2024, DVS’s H.A.T.S. initiative celebrates Veterans through personal care and community connection. During Veterans Month 2024, the program provided hundreds of free, high-quality haircuts to Veterans at locations from Buffalo to Long Island, thanks to the support of outstanding partners – including the International Barber & Beauty Institute, New Horizons Hair By Bianca, Great Clips, and Sharp Edgez Barber Institute – among others generously committed to serving all who served.
The 2025 DVS H.A.T.S. Program Locations Include:
International Barber & Beauty Institute
FREE Haircuts Through November 30
Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
118 East Suffolk Avenue, Central Islip, NY 11722
(631) 273-5755 | info@ibi-bli.com
Walk-Ins Welcome – Ask for Sam
New Horizons Hair By Bianca
FREE Hair Wash, Conditioning & Haircuts
Every Monday during Veterans Month, November 10, 17 & 24, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Appointments Required
New Horizons also offers FREE medical wigs for Veterans with hair loss
124 West 24th St, New York, NY 10011
(917) 209-5099 | www.newhorizonshairbybianca.co
Great Clips – Orchard Park
FREE Haircuts for All Who Served
Tuesday, November 11, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Proper ID Required | Walk-Ins Only
3245 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park, NY 14127
(716) 677-9600
Sharp Edgez
FREE Haircuts for All Who Served
Wednesday, November 12, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
2844 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14217
(716) 873-3343 | cfuentes@sharpedgez.com
Viviana M. DeCohen, DVS Commissioner, said: “Our H.A.T.S. program reminds Veterans that self-care is part of service. A fresh haircut may seem small, but it is truly a big way that New York State honors their dignity and confidence. The H.A.T.S. Program embodies our department’s vital mission: serving all who served. We remain dedicated to that principle and purpose on Veterans Day, throughout Veterans Month, and always.”
Joel Evans, DVS Executive Deputy Commissioner, said: “Each year, H.A.T.S. grows bigger and stronger thanks to the continued generosity and commitment of our community partners who demonstrate their professionalism and gratitude for all who served. This program truly shows how local businesses and professionals can come together to serve those who have served us all.”
Dr. Lessie Branch, DVS Special Assistant for Community Engagement, said: “H.A.T.S. is about much more than a free haircut or hair styling service – it is connection, care, community, and conversation. We see Veterans leave not only looking great but feeling seen and truly appreciated. We will continue building on the success of our H.A.T.S. program, ensuring that every cut honors the courage, service, and dignity of New York’s Veterans.”
About the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services:
The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services proudly serves New York’s Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families, connecting them with benefits, services, and support. All who served should contact the Department at 888-838-7697 or via its website – veterans.ny.gov – to meet in-person or virtually with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor to receive the benefits they have earned. Follow DVS on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Threads, and Bluesky Social.
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