Salon Owners Vince and Orrine Pinto have spent over 50 years in the beauty industry, using their talents to elevate and recognize others. Now they encourage other salons to join them in recognizing the heroes of September 11, 2001.

Trends come and trends go, but for Vince and Orrine Pinto, owners of Head Hunter Family Haircutters salons in upstate New York, some things in the beauty industry should have permanence. In their over 50 years in the business, philanthropy has been one of those things. They have hosted cut-a-thons and events to raise money for causes like breast cancer and muscular dystrophy. Their latest program started on September 11, 2002, when they opened their doors to law enforcement officials, active military members and emergency and rescue personnel, offering them free haircuts and gratitude for their service.

“It was our distinctive honor to do what we felt was the right thing to do on that day,” says Vince Pinto. “This was just a small way of showing our appreciation for all those that protect, rescue and save lives each and every day.”

Head Hunter's first “Everyday Heroes Recognition Day” was so successful that it made the nightly news – and for a small-town salon that is quite the accomplishment. The salon has been honoring 9/11 responders every year since, opening at 9 a.m. and offering complementary haircuts to servicemen and women for 11 hours. They also distribute appreciation certificates and t-shirts labeled “Everyday Heroes,” provide food, play patriotic music and thank those in attendance for doing the job they do each day.

Head Hunter Family Haircutters has received recognition from the New York State Cosmetology Association and the National Cosmetology Association, but the Pintos still have a grander image in mind for this program. Their goal is to have other salons and spas join them in recognizing everyday heroes on 9/11. They have gained the support of NYSCA President Cindi Ezman who has been visiting salons in New York State to encourage them to register with the “Everyday Heroes Recognition Day Committee” to be a part of the following year’s project. The Pintos want to see the program extend nationwide, and urge all salons to reach out to them to participate.

Any salon interested in participating should contact Head Hunter Family Haircutters by emailing headhunters12534@gmail.com.