Wigs & Waves: One Donor’s Story
Junior Olivia Barker gives 9″ of hair to help children with pediatric cancer
April 22, 2017
Junior Olivia Barker and Mitso Sato hairstylist Marquis Hernandez try to determine how much hair she planned to donate. Hernandez attempted to persuade Barker that she could help more children if she cut more. Barker was skeptical. “I started out just wanted to do the three inches to help the ocean, you know,” Barker said. “Then I started thinking about the sick kids but I didn’t want to cut off too much.”
Hernandez shows Barker that six inches really isn’t very much. Barker was worried. “They just kept pressuring me to cut more,” Barker said. “I wanted to help, it was hard to say no.”
Junior Olivia Barker sits patiently as stylist Marquis Hernandez applies rubber bands to her hair so he can cut it evenly. He used more than 20 bands on Barker’s hair. “It was hard to sit there and not be able to see what was going on like you would in a salon.” Barker said.
The Mitso Sato method of cutting long hair entailed placing rubber bands evenly on sections of hair. Although appointments were supposed to be only 10 minutes apart, Hernandez took his time so Barker’s hair would look good. “It was tough sitting there while he did it, but it was worth it.” Barker said.
Hernandez works to make sure all of the hair sections are even before he begins cutting Barker’s hair. “This is my favorite day at Sato, and this is my favorite girl.” Hernandez said.
Barker expresses her dismay as her friends tease her that her hair looks bad. “They were awful,” Barker said. “They acted like it was really short and uneven. I have the worst friends. Not really. Ok. Maybe.”
Barker threw her hair back excitedly once Hernandez finished cutting it. Her facial expression reflected her relief and joy. “I know I’m really corny but I’m so glad I did this,” Barker said. “My hair looks so healthy and I helped a kid. This is making me emotional.”
