Free haircuts for the holidays

A few customers knew they were in for a treat when they walked through the door of Dimiri's salon in Wheaton on Sunday.

And others discovered a surprise just in time for the holidays.

For five hours Sunday, the owners and staff at Dimiri's dressed in Santa suits and holiday gear, decked the salon with lights, and offered free haircuts to help people who are struggling financially.

Owner Fete Dimiri, who set up shop at 965 W. Geneva Road about 15 months ago after her daughter, Fiona, became a hair stylist, said everyone deserves to look good this time of year.

"It's the holidays and everyone wants to look good, nice and clean," she said. "But people are losing their homes and their jobs right now and some can't even afford a haircut for Christmas. So we wanted to do something special."

Less than an hour after the salon opened its doors, approximately 15 people had already stopped by for a free cut. Typically, a haircut costs $5 at the shop.

Marina Treviso of Wheaton stopped by Dimiri's so her 5-year-old son, Giovanni, could get a trim.

Giovanni also posed for a picture with Dimiri's son, Qamil and daughter Fiona - both of whom donned full-out Santa suits.

Treviso said she is a loyal customer to the salon, so she knew about the free special in advance. She joked that the salon should have a sign that reads "Santa gives free haircuts" in its window.

The Dimiri family said they hope to make this a Christmas tradition, since the holidays can be financially tough even in a good economy.

Fete and Qamil Dimiri said they also hope to hold a fundraiser in February or May to benefit charities that help fight childhood cancer. The illness, they said, has touched several members of their family.

For details on Dimiri's, call (630) 752-9002.