Last year, Butler Beauty Academy provided free haircuts to 60 students during its completely booked Back to School Haircuts event.

This year, the academy increased the number of available slots to 80 students, but still is completely booked.

The event offers free haircuts to students between the ages of 4 and 21 who may not be able to afford one. Organized by the Center for Community Resources, the initiative promises haircuts from professional stylists and alums of the academy. It also offers a complement of school supplies in a backpack.

Lexi Baer, the academy's director, said she wasn't surprised that all of the slots were filled.

“Anything with small children is chaotic and crazy, but it's fun,” said Baer. “Everyone is involved. It's for a good cause — for kids from families who may not have the extra money to do this kind of thing — and we love to be part of it.”

The event will be held between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday and is occupied with a rush of activity between the hair washing, cutting and styling the academy offers.

“They leave feeling excited and happy — ready to go back to school, show their friends,” Baer said. Anticipation for the event is increased by the returning stylists, creating a kind of school reunion for the academy's staff who get to see their former students.

The event has taken place for at least five years, according to Rebecca Keller, a community outreach supervisor for the Center for Community Resources, a statewide network of community human services.

“This is one of our biggest feel-good events of the year. I absolutely love it,” Keller said. “Just the joy on the kids' faces to see how excited they are with a fresh new look and supplies.”

Even with the event booked, there is at least one other source in Butler for free haircuts. The United Methodist Church has two hair stylists who volunteer several times a month for those who need one.

“We do it to help people in the community (who) can't afford it, but (who) want to feel good with a fresh cut. Some people need a cut because they're going for a job interview,” said Monica Perry, an organizer with the church.

Perry said that the volunteer hair stylists are frequently booked with reservations. Each event, she said, typically has a waiting list.

The event began in 2013 when a churchgoer offered free haircutting services to the community. Since then, the church has added an extra stylist and holds regular events.