The concept was born when Community Health Network's Jacqueline Buster spent some time with children in an orphanage, had her heart broken, and vowed to do something to help kids with special needs. She confided in her hairdresser, Karane Holness, who runs Hair's K Beauty Salon on Fitch Street and who immediately wanted to help. "I could do their hair," she offered.

So Buster took the idea to Clifford Beers Clinic and to Veronica Douglas at News Channel 8, who will promote it on her show, Wednesday's Child.

So far, nine young clients at Clifford Beers have signed up - two boys and seven girls. Eleven salons and barbershops - selected based on their commitment to community service and willingness to contribute to the well-being of the adolescents in the program - have also signed up so far. The owners have committed to give the kids monthly appointments for one year, as well as providing hair care tips and products.

In order to ensure they receive the best treatment, the KHAIR Kids are matched to a salon or barbershop that will suit their hair-specific needs - in other words, African-American hair is different from Latino hair, which is different from Caucasian hair.

Virginia, who turned 16 the day after her appointment, walked with her mom and little brother into Soranyi Beauty Salon on Grand Avenue in Fair Haven last Thursday, where the proprietor, Maritza de la Cruz (pictured), was waiting for her. Virginia, with long, straight, hair, said, "My hair has plained out. It's boring. I want to get a makeover, with layers and little curls." She reported that the last time she had her hair cut was in the fourth grade.

Maritza began parting and pinning her hair. This reporter left the shop and came back awhile later in hopes of getting an "after" picture. Virginia was still in the midst of her makeover, but she was happily anticipating the outcome.

Barbara Strauss, director of public relations at Clifford Beers, said, "KHAIR is truly a wonderful program. Many people don't understand the importance of self-esteem and the role it plays in the development of young individuals. Being an adolescent is tough enough. When it is coupled with traumatic life experiences -- such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, poverty, complex family issues or foster care -- you have a powerful mix of emotions. KHAIR gives them the opportunity to feel valued and nurtured by individuals," she said, who take the time to make them feel special.