A ‘hairy’ mission accomplished

Black Mountain teen donates locks ahead of military training

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
March 17, 2022

Owen High School senior Jarrett Tweed donates his hair to Wigs for Kids as he prepares to begin drills for the U.S. Army National Guard. The Warhorse lineman received his first haircut in two years, March 16, from his mother, April. Photo by Fred McCormick

Countless customers have taken a seat in front of longtime local stylist and co-owner of Bliss Beauty Bar in Black Mountain, April Tweed. Few, however, evoked the myriad of emotions she felt, March 16, when brushing the flowing blonde hair of the strapping young man in her chair. 

With her husband Heath looking on from a few feet away, a shared sense of pride for their son, Jarrett, was palpable. 

The youngest Tweed was only 8 years old when he decided he would serve his country in the military one day. That declaration proved prophetic, when the Owen High School senior enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard. But, as Jarrett recently completed the thorough assessment at the Military Entrance Processing Station, a civilian mission he started two years ago was coming to its inevitable conclusion. 

“It was around this time in 2020 that they announced they were closing schools for the pandemic,” said Jarrett, who played three seasons on the offensive and defensive lines of the Warhorse varsity football team. “I just decided I wasn’t going to cut my hair. We didn’t really have anywhere to go, so if I was ever going to grow it, now was the time.”

Realizing his military aspirations would eventually force him to shed his rapidly growing mane, Jarrett was moved by a recommendation from his mother. 

“She told me about an organization called Wigs for Kids, and they do important work,” he said. “They use donated hair to help children who are unable to grow hair. I knew I wanted to support that.”

Wigs for Kids is a nonprofit organization based in Ohio that has been serving children who suffer from hair loss since 1981. The company relies on stylists and hair donors to help children suffering from medical issues and treatments, including alopecia, trichotillomania, burns, chemotherapy or any other medical causes of hair loss.

Jarrett Tweed holds locks of hair that he grew over two years. The Owen senior, who is enlisting in the U.S. Army National Guard, is donating the hair to Wigs for Kids. Photo courtesy of April Tweed

Jarrett’s eagerness to help the organization’s cause demonstrates how he decided on a future in the military at such an early age, according to his father.

“He’s got a servant’s heart,” Heath said. “He really likes to help people, and he’s always seen the military as a way to do that. So, as he’s about to start that chapter of his life, it’s fitting that he’s doing this.”

Jarrett’s hair grew well past his shoulders, occasionally causing confusion in the family. 

“One time I saw him pulling up in the car and I thought his mom was coming home,” Heath laughed. 

Jarrett remained undeterred, even as he discovered the challenges of long hair.

“It was a pain sometimes,” he said. “It was hot in the summer, and I always had to keep it out of the way when I was working or playing football. But, I felt good knowing it could help a child feel better about how they look.”

Jarrett planned to cut his hair before graduation in June, but as he prepares to begin his regular weekend drills, he received word that a military style cut would be required. A full buzzcut will come when he enters basic training in August.

“It’s kind of sudden, but when they tell you to do something, you do it,” he said, sitting in his mother’s chair. “But, I’m excited about my future, and I’m ready for anything.”

Heath and April Tweed take a final look at the long hair of their son, Jarrett, who donated his locks to Wigs for Kids as he embarks on a military career. Photo by Fred McCormick

Jarrett will attend basic training in August, and plans to receive Advanced Individual Training in intelligence analysis. 

“I’m ready to see what the military has in store for him,” Heath said. “Service was always going to be his thing, and I’m happy he chose this route.”

April expressed sadness while preparing to cut her son’s hair. 

“I’ve kind of been dreading it,” she said. “But, it’s part of this transition and it’s one of the first things he has to do to prepare for this journey. So, since I’m the mom, I get to be part of it and do this.”