New York veterans get free haircuts statewide this month

New York State’s Department of Veterans’ Services has launched its H.A.T.S. initiative, pairing barbershops and salons with Veterans Month to offer complimentary haircuts across the state. The program runs through November and adds personal care and community recognition for veterans in several regions.

Why it matters: - The H.A.T.S. initiative turns a basic service into a visible show of support for veterans during Veterans Month. - The program gives veterans free grooming, personal care and a chance to connect with local businesses and community partners. - DVS is using the initiative to expand community-based support for veterans beyond state offices and benefits counseling.

What happened: - The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services announced Haircuts Across The State, or H.A.T.S., on Nov. 10, 2026. - The program offers complimentary haircuts to veterans across New York throughout November. - DVS partnered with Great Clips statewide, the International Barber and Beauty Institute in Central Islip, New Horizons Hair By Bianca in New York City, and the Barber & Beauty Institute of New York in Hempstead.

The details: - Great Clips will mark Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, through its annual “Thank a Veteran” program. - Veterans and service members can visit participating Great Clips salons statewide for a free haircut or a card redeemable for a later haircut. - Great Clips locations are generally open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., though hours vary by salon. - Military identification is requested at Great Clips. - The International Barber and Beauty Institute in Central Islip is offering free haircuts on Nov. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Veterans can walk in and ask for Sam at the institute at 118 East Suffolk Avenue, Central Islip, NY 11722. - The institute’s contact information is (631) 273-5755 and info@ibi-bli.com. - New Horizons Hair By Bianca is offering free haircuts on Mondays Nov. 9, 16 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Salons By JC, 124 West 24th Street, Suite 24, in Manhattan. - Appointments are requested at New Horizons Hair By Bianca, which can be reached at (917) 209-5099. - New Horizons Hair By Bianca also offers free medical wigs to veterans experiencing hair loss. - The Barber & Beauty Institute of New York is offering haircuts and transitional support throughout November at 266 Greenwich Street, Hempstead, NY 11550. - The Hempstead location is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., accepts walk-ins and asks veterans to provide proof of status and ask for Christopher Felder, director. - The Barber & Beauty Institute of New York can be reached at (516) 486-5424.

Between the lines: - DVS is framing H.A.T.S. as a low-barrier way for businesses to honor veterans while showing that support can be practical and personal. - The program also reinforces DVS’s broader push to build relationships with community organizations that can connect veterans and families with services. - The initiative may also encourage other barbershops, salons and beauty professionals to join future H.A.T.S. partnerships.

What’s next: - DVS is encouraging veterans across New York to use the free services during November. - The department is inviting additional businesses to explore future H.A.T.S. partnerships. - More information on participating partners, dates, times and locations is available in the H.A.T.S. program flyers accompanying the release. - DVS says veterans, service members and military families can contact the department at 888-838-7697 or through its website to meet with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor in person or virtually. - DVS also directs the public to its social channels, including LinkedIn, Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X.