She’s Raising Funds to Keep Paying It Forward: Nashville Mom Braids Kids’ Hair for Free to Support Single Parents

A Nashville woman is turning her personal hardship into a mission of generosity—one braid at a time. Brittany Starks, a single mother of two, has captured the attention and admiration of her community by offering free hairstyling for children of single parents. Her act of kindness, first reported widely by Blavity, has since gained momentum across social platforms and inspired volunteers, organizations, and local businesses to join the effort.

Starks knows firsthand what it feels like to be in need. After moving to Nashville, she found herself in a difficult position when her children’s clothes—packed away in storage—didn’t arrive in time for the first day of school. A friend stepped in, giving her kids brand-new book bags and two outfits each. It was a small gesture, but one that lifted her spirits during a challenging time. As Starks has shared in interviews, that moment taught her how deeply an act of kindness can resonate (Associated Press).

Today, she’s passing that compassion forward. Ahead of the new school year, Starks posted in a local Facebook group offering to braid children’s hair for free, specifically reaching out to single parents who might be struggling financially. She expected a few responses—but her offer went viral almost overnight. The post accumulated nearly 300 shares and more than 1,000 interactions, far exceeding anything she imagined.

“Anyone know single parents who can’t afford to get their child’s hair done for school? I will braid it for free! Please DM me,” she wrote.

Within hours, her inbox was overflowing. Not only were parents reaching out, but hairstylists from across Nashville messaged her offering their help. In an update, Starks wrote:

“Update: I have over 30 kids I need help braiding. Does anyone have a space all these braiders can use? Due to the amount of children and braiders, there is not enough space.”

The community responded swiftly. Churches, salon owners, and braiding shops reached out, providing their buildings and resources free of charge. The wave of support reflects a broader national trend of mutual aid initiatives that grew during the pandemic, particularly among Black communities stepping up to fill gaps in care (The Washington Post, NPR).

For Starks, the initiative is about far more than hairstyles. It’s about confidence, dignity, and emotional support. Many children came in feeling shy or anxious, she said, especially after months of pandemic-related stress and disrupted schooling. But as the braiders worked, Starks noticed emotional transformations.

“It boosts confidence,” she explained. “Some kids came in not smiling, not talking. But as they get their hair braided, they start opening up a little more, and when they’re done, they’re just smiling and so happy. It’s a great thing to see.”

Hair, she emphasized, plays a meaningful role in identity—especially for children of color. Research highlighted in publications like Essence and The New York Times has underscored how hair care can deeply affect self-esteem in Black youth, particularly during the school year. Starks wants every child she meets to walk into school feeling “fresh, confident, and ready.”

“With everything kids have been dealing with—virtual learning, stress from the pandemic—I feel like they just need a boost,” she said. “When your hair is cute, you feel better about everything. You feel confident. You go into school with a fresh start—even though COVID-19 is bringing everybody down.”

The effort has been exhausting, she admits. Between coordinating volunteers, styling children’s hair, and managing logistics, Starks has barely slept. But she insists the work is worth every minute. To keep the initiative going, she launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover the cost of braiding supplies—a need that has grown as the number of children increases.

“It’s been very hard. I haven’t gotten any sleep. I’ve been extremely tired, but it’s very worth it. I feel like I’m doing it for a good cause,” Starks said.

Her commitment reflects a growing movement of community-centered generosity emerging across the country—ordinary people stepping up to support families, single parents, and children in need (USA Today).

Thank you for your efforts, Brittany. Because of you, we can.