‘Magic Hair Bus’ returns to serve young clients
The shuttle bus, “Bertha,” was parked in the back of the Unicorn Society, the owner of the mobile hair salon preparing to serve her clients in her new place of business.
Dee Foster was gifted the white Ford e450 bus, also known as the “Magic Hair Bus,” to replace a cargo trailer that was stolen and later found damaged. She recently showcased the bus, which provides services for children, teens and adults with disabilities and special needs, outside the event center in west Houston.
“I’m feeling more confident. I’m feeling great about driving it,” Foster said. “It’s huge ... way bigger than my truck, but I’m feeling better. I’m nervous about some of the streets because they can kind of be a little tight, but overall getting back into the swing of things I’m feeling really confident.”
Inside the bus are sensory items, including maps and tiles for the younger clients. Blue lights encourage a calm, quiet and relaxing environment when needed.
Foster brought back two chairs for her younger clients — a dark red fire truck and a blue airplane. She also has a third brown, leather chair for her older clients.
A display on the wall serves as a memento to her old business.
“That was made from the fender,” Foster said.
When the cargo trailer, also known as the “hair taxi” was taken from the Extra Space Storage on Interstate 10 near Heights Boulevard, the thief tore off the fender.
The display includes a “mirror,” “two combs” and “scissors” with the statement at the top, “In Memory of the Hair Taxi.”
For her first showcase, the crowd was smallbut Foster was still appreciative of the people who did show up — especially a two-year client.
Cypress resident Maria Lopez, 34, met Foster during an event for kids with autism. According to Lopez, her 5-year-old son, Austin Alvarez, who has autism, is a part of the many clients Foster serves.
“She comes to my house,” she said. “She was cutting (hair) at my house because that’s where he feels more comfortable.”
In honor of Foster’s newest upgrade, Lopez decided to come to the showcase with her son. With the help of his mother and Foster, he was able to get his hair cut while reciting his ABCs. He was rewarded with a prize.
“There are people like (Foster) out there that are willing to help you with your child no matter what it may be,” Lopez said. “I hope she gets more exposure because I think it’s just great. I think it’s just an awesome experience for the kid and for us parents who need that extra help.”
Foster’s daughter, Diva Caesar, 13, has been helping by doing nails and face paint.
WacksWorks Barber and Salon Studios Founder and Owner Adriennette Murray gifted the bus to Foster after hearing about the theft.
Foster had an outpour of support from the community, including a client who started a GoFundMe when the trailer was still missing and Gulfgate Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Houston who funded $5,000 when the trailer was found about a month later. She used the donated funds to renovate The Magic Hair Bus.
The next showcase is at Howdy’s Ice Cream in Katy on March 16.