Many businesses across the United States show appreciation for military service members through special discounts and promotions. For active-duty personnel, veterans, reservists, and military families, these discounts can provide meaningful savings throughout the year.
One company frequently mentioned in discussions about military discounts is Great Clips. As one of the largest hair salon chains in North America, Great Clips serves millions of customers annually and has built a strong reputation for supporting military members through its long-running Veterans Day programs.
However, there is often confusion about whether Great Clips offers a year-round military discount, who qualifies, and how military members can receive free or discounted haircuts.
Does Great Clips Offer a Military Discount?
The answer is both yes and no.
Unlike some national chains that offer a standardized military discount at every location throughout the year, Great Clips does not currently have a company-wide year-round military discount policy that applies to every salon. Because Great Clips locations are independently owned franchises, military discounts may vary by location.
However, many Great Clips locations participate in military appreciation programs, and the company is widely known for its annual Thank a Veteran initiative, which provides free haircuts to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day.
Understanding the Great Clips “Thank a Veteran” Program
One of the Largest Veterans Day Haircut Programs
Great Clips launched its Thank a Veteran program in 2012 as a way to honor military service members.
Since the program began, Great Clips salons have provided more than 2.5 million free haircuts to active-duty military personnel and veterans, representing tens of millions of dollars in complimentary services.
The program has become one of the company’s most recognized community initiatives.
How the Program Works
Each year on Veterans Day, eligible military members can visit participating Great Clips salons and receive:
- A free haircut on Veterans Day
- Or a free haircut card for future use
The program is available to both veterans and active-duty military service members in the United States. Participating salons in Canada often provide similar benefits on Remembrance Day.
Who Qualifies for Great Clips Military Benefits?
Eligibility generally includes:
Active-Duty Military Members
Current members of the U.S. Armed Forces typically qualify for Veterans Day promotions.
Veterans
Military veterans who previously served in the Armed Forces are eligible for free haircut offers during the annual program.
Retired Military Personnel
Many Veterans Day promotions include retired military members as part of the eligible veteran community.
National Guard and Reserve Members
Eligibility often extends to members of the National Guard and Reserve forces as well.
What Happens on Veterans Day?
Free Haircuts
The most common Veterans Day benefit is a complimentary haircut for eligible military members.
Veterans and active-duty personnel can visit participating Great Clips salons and receive a free haircut on November 11.
Free Haircut Cards
If a military member does not want a haircut that day, many locations also offer a free haircut card that can be redeemed during a future visit.
This flexibility allows service members to use the benefit at a more convenient time.
Pay-It-Forward Program
One unique aspect of Great Clips’ Veterans Day promotion is that non-military customers can participate as well.
Many years, customers who purchase a haircut on Veterans Day receive a free haircut card that can be given to a veteran or active-duty service member.
This helps expand the number of military members who can benefit from the program.
Does Great Clips Offer Year-Round Military Discounts?
It Depends on the Location
Because Great Clips salons are independently owned franchises, some locations choose to offer military discounts throughout the year.
Reports from military discount websites indicate that certain locations may provide discounts ranging from approximately $2 to $5 off haircuts for military personnel and first responders. However, these discounts are determined locally and are not guaranteed nationwide.
Why Policies Differ
Franchise owners have flexibility regarding:
- Pricing
- Promotions
- Local discounts
- Community programs
As a result, one salon may offer a military discount while another nearby location may not.
How to Find Out If Your Local Great Clips Offers a Military Discount
Call the Salon Directly
The easiest method is simply contacting the location.
Ask:
- Do you offer military discounts?
- Who qualifies?
- Is identification required?
- Are discounts available every day?
A quick phone call can provide the most accurate information.
Check Local Promotions
Some franchise owners advertise military discounts through:
- Social media pages
- Community websites
- Local advertising
- Salon announcements
Ask During Checkout
Even if a military discount isn’t prominently advertised, some locations may still offer one when military identification is presented.
What Identification May Be Required?
Requirements vary by location, but commonly accepted forms of military identification include:
Military ID Card
Active-duty members can typically use official military identification.
Veteran ID Card
Veterans may use a veteran identification card if available.
VA Health Card
Many businesses accept VA-issued identification.
DD Form 214
Some locations may accept discharge paperwork as proof of service.
State Driver’s License With Veteran Designation
Many states allow veterans to add military status to their driver’s licenses.
When in doubt, contact the salon before visiting.
Why Great Clips Supports Military Members
Community Involvement
Great Clips has long emphasized community outreach and charitable initiatives.
Military appreciation programs fit within that broader mission.
Recognition of Service
The company frequently states that the Veterans Day program is intended to thank those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
Long-Term Commitment
The Thank a Veteran program has continued for more than a decade, demonstrating a sustained commitment to military appreciation.
Additional Benefits Military Customers Appreciate
Even outside of military-specific promotions, many service members choose Great Clips because of its convenience.
Online Check-In
Customers can join the waitlist remotely and reduce time spent waiting in the salon.
Affordable Base Pricing
Great Clips already offers relatively budget-friendly haircut pricing compared to many full-service salons.
Nationwide Availability
With thousands of locations across North America, military members often find Great Clips locations near:
- Military bases
- Training centers
- Duty stations
- Family homes
Clip Notes
The Clip Notes system stores haircut preferences, helping ensure consistency between visits.
This feature can be especially useful for military personnel who move frequently.
Common Misconceptions About Great Clips Military Discounts
Myth: Every Great Clips Offers a Daily Military Discount
Reality: Military discounts vary by franchise location. There is no universal year-round military discount policy.
Myth: Veterans Day Is the Only Time Military Members Can Save
Reality: Some local franchises may offer military discounts throughout the year. Availability varies.
Myth: Only Active-Duty Personnel Qualify
Reality: Veterans, retirees, reservists, and National Guard members are often included in Veterans Day promotions.
Myth: Military Discounts Apply Automatically
Reality: Customers may need to request the discount and provide proof of service.
Is the Great Clips Military Program Worth It?
For many military members, the answer is yes.
Benefits include:
- Free Veterans Day haircuts
- Future-use haircut cards
- Potential local military discounts
- Affordable everyday pricing
- Convenient locations
- Online Check-In
Even when year-round discounts aren’t available, the annual Veterans Day program remains one of the most generous military appreciation efforts in the haircut industry.
FAQs
Does Great Clips offer a military discount?
Some locations do, but there is no nationwide year-round military discount policy. Discounts vary by franchise.
Does Great Clips offer free haircuts for veterans?
Yes. Veterans and active-duty military members can typically receive free haircuts or haircut cards during the annual Veterans Day Thank a Veteran program.
Can active-duty military members get a free haircut?
Yes. Active-duty service members are generally included in the Veterans Day promotion.
Do veterans need proof of service?
Many locations may request military identification or other proof of service.
Does Great Clips offer discounts year-round?
Some franchise locations may offer local military discounts, but availability varies.
What is the Thank a Veteran program?
It’s Great Clips’ annual military appreciation initiative that provides free haircuts and haircut cards to veterans and active-duty service members.
Do military discounts apply at every Great Clips location?
No. Local franchise owners determine whether year-round military discounts are available.
Can family members receive military discounts?
Policies vary by location. Contact your local salon for details.
Are National Guard members eligible?
Many Veterans Day promotions include National Guard and Reserve members.
How can I confirm military discounts at my local salon?
Contact the salon directly and ask about current military discount policies.
