High school students and barbers used the power of a haircut to put smiles on the faces of program participants at the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau.

Roosevelt High School students in the Barber Apprenticeship Program at the Barber and Beauty Institute of New York (BBINY) joined graduates and staff of the program at BBINY to give the free haircuts Friday.

It’s the third year the BBINY has given participants at Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau (CP Nassau) free haircuts and facials. 

CP Nassau assistant executive director Peter Dolan says it’s about so much more than a haircut for the program participants.

"To see their smiles and to have the community engagement is wonderful,” he said. "Look at everybody engaging and talking. They don't think they're at program today, they just feel like they're part of the community."

Kevin Christman, of Roosevelt, says he and the others in the program love the haircuts because it makes them feel included.

"It's just such a great feeling, and it makes us feel part of a larger community,” he said.

Christopher Felder is the cofounder of BBINY. He says opportunities like this to give back shows their current and future barbers the true power of a haircut.

"At an early age, it allows them to know that what they do with their hands is very important. They can help others. It makes people feel good,” he said.

Anderzen Flores joined BBINY through the apprenticeship program at Roosevelt High School. He’s since graduated and begun working as a barber. 

He says he takes away an important lesson when coming to CP Nassau.

"Even though they could be with different types of needs, they're still just as equal,” said Flores. "It makes them very happy, it makes them feel good and look good, and it makes them feel their best."

CP Nassau staff say they're going to have the barbers back more and are expecting them back in the spring