OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Outside building 11 on the Marion County Public Schools’ education complex Wednesday morning, the red, white and blue stripes of a barber pole twisted, while inside clippers buzzed. Four young students sat painfully still, draped in capes as their locks fell to the ground.

A fresh haircut is just as much a back-to-school tradition as shopping for new clothes and school supplies. This week, Marion Technical College barbering and cosmetology students offered their services for free to their young clients so they could practice their skills.

The most requested style? A classic mid fade – a nice, close cut to get these young students ready to head to class on Thursday.

“I’m very excited for all the kids to be going back to school,” said Dominic Simmons, mother of two boys. Her sons, ages 7 and 10, don’t share her same level of enthusiasm. On a scale of 1 to 10 how excited are they to go back to school? “I’d say a 7,” Simmons chuckled suggesting her estimate was probably a bit overrated.

Some kids may not be ready for summer to be over. But, their teachers are ready to welcome them back into the classroom.

The sign outside the Marion County Public Schools’ district offices advertised the free haircuts for students. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352.today.com
The barber pole outside Marion Technical Institute indicates they’re open for business. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today.com
Marion Technical College students give haircuts to students before the start of school. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today.com
Marion Technical College students practiced their skills and provided their services for free to Marion County Public School students. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352.today.com
A close cut for a sharp back-to-school look. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352.today.com
Reality sets in as summer fun comes to an end and school is about to begin. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today.com
This Marion Technical College student gives a basic clipper cut. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352.today.com
Marion Technical College students provided their barbering services free of charge on the Marion Technical Institute Campus. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352.today.com
The mother of this 2nd grader was more excited about school starting back than he was. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today.com
The barbering program at MTC requires 900 hours of training. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today.com
This young man and his brother were getting haircuts at the same time. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today.com