Rigsby Frederick Salon does really nice things for less-fortunate fams

When stylist Kim Bowman heard there were families in Baton Rouge who didn’t have the means to wash their hair regularly – let alone get it cut – she knew something had to be done. She turned to her fellow stylists at Rigsby Frederick Salon, along with the owner, to determine how to help.

With the holidays fast approaching, the salon’s team decided to bring three families in need to the salon for a day of pampering. Not only would every person get a gratis manicure and a hair wash, cut and style, but they’d receive homemade food and gifts bought by the salon’s staff.

The families arrived at Rigsby Frederick Salon – a striking yet humble establishment near the corner of Perkins Road and Staring Lane – quite unsure of themselves. Not used to so stylish an atmosphere and surrounded by people wanting only to give, it took the White, Booker and Harris families some time to socialize comfortably with the salon’s staff and accept the food offered.

“It puts everything in perspective, y’know?” stylist Jeff Bates says. “They see all the food, and they’re not sure if they (are allowed to) eat it.”

One thing the families were sure of, however, is love. After they warmed to the environment, the children began dancing and laughing with some adoring stylists. As soon as any little girls had freshly-manicured nails, she was anxious to show off the colors and pose for photographs.

Some very touching moments were not caught on film. Lucretia Booker, 30, couldn’t hold in her giggles of delight after getting some makeup applied. Her mother Olivia Booker was without words when she saw her new haircut and style—a fitting bob with lots of layers and volume. As soon as Rae Phillips finished styling the hair of one little boy, he’d rush over to the others to show off his new stripes as another took his place for the same style.

A surprising hush fell over the children when gifts were distributed. Everyone received a stocking filled to suit their age and gender. Ladies were given “spa stockings,” each girl’s stocking had a charm bracelet with her initial, each boy received a model airplane. The wrapped presents were bought with money pooled by the salon staff, and were chosen according to wish lists written by each family. Every child received a coat—some fit better than others—and every family was presented with a Piccadilly gift card to keep their bellies full.

As the festivities drew to an end, each family gathered up leftover food from the gathering and packed away gifts. They were mostly quiet, undoubtedly stunned by the gratitude complete strangers chose to give.