How To Get Great Clips Free Haircuts On Veterans Day 20242025 Dates Eligibility Card Redemption And Participating Retailer Freebies

Introduction

Great Clips’ annual “Thank a Veteran” program offers free haircuts to veterans and active military service members on Veterans Day, with options to redeem immediately or use a card for a future visit. The offer is part of a nationwide, salon-wide program available at all participating Great Clips locations in the United States. The event is typically held on Monday, November 11, and has been running for more than a decade. In addition to serving service members directly, the program lets non-military customers participate by receiving a free haircut card to share with a veteran or active-duty service member, extending the gesture across communities.

While the core offer is clear, certain details such as exact redemption windows for the haircut card can vary by year and by source. Consumers should verify specific dates, participating locations, and any requirements with their local salon. The program’s enduring popularity suggests strong turnout and possible wait times, so planning ahead and using available salon tools can improve the experience.

What Is the Great Clips “Thank a Veteran” Offer?

The “Thank a Veteran” event is Great Clips’ national initiative to honor service members with a free haircut on Veterans Day. Service members can choose to get their free haircut on the day of the event or pick up a free haircut card to redeem at a later date. For those who are not military, the program also provides a way to give back: any non-military customer who gets a haircut on Veterans Day can receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran or active-duty service member, expanding appreciation beyond the salon walls.

Great Clips has highlighted the program’s scale and continuity. The company has reported that this is the twelfth consecutive year offering the free haircut program, and cumulative totals exceed 2.3 million haircuts valued at $35 million. This backdrop provides context for the program’s national reach and long-standing community resonance.

When Is Veterans Day and When Is the Free Haircut Available?

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. For 2024, Great Clips indicated that the free haircut would be available on Monday, November 11. Service members can either redeem the offer that day or pick up a card for a future visit. Consumers should confirm exact day-of scheduling and hours directly with their local salon, as some operational details, including check-in processes and staffing, can vary by location.

Who Is Eligible and What Proof of Service Is Required?

Eligibility includes veterans and active-duty service members. The program is designed to be accessible across the United States through participating Great Clips salons. Some sources emphasize that proof of service may be required; consumers should plan to bring valid military identification to avoid any issues at the register. The term “proof of service” typically refers to standard U.S. military credentials, but requirements can vary by salon, and it is prudent to check the local policy before visiting.

How Service Members Can Redeem

Service members have two options: redeem a free haircut on Veterans Day or pick up a free haircut card for later use.

• Option 1 – On the day: Visit a participating Great Clips salon on Veterans Day to receive a free haircut. Popular locations can be busy, so expect the possibility of longer wait times. Online check-in tools may be available in some areas to streamline the process and reduce in-person wait times.
• Option 2 – Future redemption: Visit a participating Great Clips salon on Veterans Day to pick up a free haircut card for redemption at a later date. When using the card, present it to salon staff along with proof of service. Confirm the card’s expiration date and local redemption policies before heading to the salon.

Because details can change year to year and location to location, service members should verify the specific terms and timelines with their chosen salon prior to visiting.

How Non-Military Customers Can Participate

Non-military customers can be part of the initiative by simply getting a haircut on Veterans Day. Many locations provide a free haircut card that can be given to a veteran or active service member as a way to say thank you. These cards often have specific redemption windows and are intended for use only by eligible service members. Customers should check with their salon for exact instructions and any local variation in how the card is distributed.

If a customer intends to gift the card, they should communicate clearly with the intended recipient about the card’s terms, including the expiration date and any location restrictions.

Redeeming a Free Haircut Card Later

When redeeming a card, present it to salon staff at the time of service. Ensure that the card is still within its valid redemption period; if the card has expired, it may not be accepted. Policies can vary between locations, so calling ahead can prevent unnecessary travel if a particular salon has restrictions or has stopped accepting cards for that year’s program. It is also good practice to confirm that the location is participating and that the service member has appropriate proof of service ready.

How to Find a Salon and What Tools Are Available

To find a participating Great Clips location, use the company’s salon locator tools, which are available on the Great Clips website and through the Great Clips app. Some sources specifically recommend the app and its online check-in feature to reduce in-person wait times and improve the overall experience. Consumers should also feel free to call their local salon directly for day-of questions, capacity updates, and any special instructions that may apply.

How Long Is the Card Valid? Understanding Conflicting Dates

Sources present different timelines for the card’s redemption period:

• One official press source indicates that cards can be redeemed through November 29, 2024.
• Another local report suggests that cards are redeemable through December 5, 2025.

These conflicting dates highlight the importance of verifying current terms at the local salon level. When in doubt, check the card’s printed terms, ask the salon staff, or call ahead before planning a visit. Consumers should also remember that each year’s promotion can have distinct conditions, and relying on the prior year’s terms may lead to confusion.

Why Popularity and Wait Times Matter

The program’s longevity and community support translate to strong turnout, especially in the morning and early afternoon on Veterans Day. As a result, consumers should anticipate possible wait times. In locations that offer online check-in tools, using them can help manage time more effectively and reduce queueing. Customers who only need to pick up a card may also face lines; planning to visit during off-peak hours could improve the experience.

A Brief History of Great Clips’ Veterans Day Program

The program has been running for more than a decade, and the company has highlighted the cumulative impact of the free haircut initiative. Reported totals include more than 2.3 million complimentary haircuts with an estimated value of $35 million. The narrative emphasizes gratitude, community participation, and an ongoing commitment to service members. While figures may be rounded or updated by the company annually, the key takeaway is that the program remains one of the most visible and widely supported Veterans Day free offers in the salon industry.

How the Program Supports Community Gratitude

By allowing non-military customers to receive and share cards, the initiative broadens participation beyond those who served. This structure turns a salon visit into a small act of thanks, encouraging families, friends, and neighbors to acknowledge service members in a tangible way. The program’s design helps normalize gratitude and brings the community into the fold, making the day feel inclusive and collaborative.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Preparation helps ensure a smooth experience:

• Proof of service: Bring valid military identification to the salon to qualify for the free haircut and to redeem the card later.
• The haircut card: If picking up a card on Veterans Day, keep it in a safe place and note the expiration date.
• Salon locator and check-in: Use the salon finder and, if available, online check-in to reduce wait times.
• Patience and planning: Expect busy periods and consider visiting during off-peak hours if possible.

Social Engagement and Spreading the Word

Great Clips encourages participants to share their experiences and promote the program using specific hashtags and tags. Social media references include #GREATful4vets and tagging @GreatClips. Posting can help more service members learn about the offer and can also remind community members that cards are available through non-military customers who get a haircut on Veterans Day.

Other Notable Veterans Day Free Offers and Discounts

Beyond Great Clips, several brands offer Veterans Day freebies and discounts. The following list highlights options mentioned in sources and outlines their key conditions. Consumers should verify details with each brand’s official resources before visiting, as participation can vary by location and items included.

• Chili’s: Veterans Day meal on the house. Bring a military ID and choose an entrée. Available in-restaurant only for select items. Beverage and gratuity not included. Present Military ID to redeem. Cannot be combined with other offers.
• Cousins Subs: All veterans and active-duty military enjoy a free 7½-inch sub at any location. In-person orders only. Proof of service required. Acceptable forms include U.S. Uniform Services ID or Retired ID, current Leave and Earning Statement, veterans organization card, photograph in uniform, DD214, or citation/commendation.
• CVS: WeSalute (formerly Veterans Advantage) members save 20% on every online CVS order and get free shipping. The offer expires Dec. 31, 2024. Savings are calculated after any other discounts. Not valid on CVSPhoto.com or CVS Pharmacy Optical. Free shipping is not available on prescription orders.
• Denny’s: Free Original Grand Slam to active and retired military personnel from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Present a valid military ID or DD 214. The Original Grand Slam includes two buttermilk pancakes, two bacon strips, two sausage links, and two eggs cooked any way. Dine-in only.
• Dunkin’: Free donut on Veterans Day. Available to all current and former members of the military, no ID required. Offer good for store visits only; not available for online or mobile app orders.
• Fleet Farm: Veterans and active military receive 10% off in-store purchases through Nov. 11. Additionally, round up purchases at any Wisconsin Fleet Farm store from Nov. 11 to Nov. 20, with proceeds going to H.O.O.A.H. to support veterans’ needs.
• Golden Corral: Military Appreciation Night on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, from 4 p.m. to close. Free “thank you” meal for active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, or Reserves. Dine-in only; no takeout. Family and guests are welcome but pay regular price.
• Greyhound: Active or retired military or veterans of the U.S. Armed Services can sign up for WeSalute+ benefits to get 10% off select Greyhound fares for you and your immediate families, not just on Veterans Day but every day.
• Home Depot: Eligible active, reservist and retired military personnel and veterans can enroll in the Home Depot Military Discount Program to receive 10% off every day, saving up to $400 annually. Some exclusions apply. Details are available on the website.

These offers typically require proof of service, and many are limited to in-restaurant or in-store redemption, with exclusions for online orders or certain product categories. Consumers should read the fine print and plan their visits accordingly.

A Note on Conflicting Information

Given the size and scope of national programs, occasional discrepancies in reported dates and redemption windows are normal. For Great Clips, one source states that non-military customer cards are redeemable through November 29, 2024, while another suggests a redemption period extending through December 5, 2025. Because such differences affect actual redemption, consumers should confirm the current year’s terms directly with their local salon and check any printed information on the card before attempting to redeem. When in doubt, calling ahead is the safest approach.

Tips to Maximize a Smooth Redemption

A few practical steps can help ensure a positive experience:

• Verify participation and terms: Confirm with the local salon that it is participating and understand the exact redemption window for cards.
• Bring proof of service: Have military ID ready both on Veterans Day when picking up a card and later when redeeming it.
• Use available tools: Where offered, use online check-in to reduce wait times.
• Keep track of the card’s expiration: Mark the expiration date on the card and plan to use it before the deadline.
• Consider off-peak visits: If feasible, visit during less busy times to shorten wait times.

How to Use Official Resources and Tools

The Great Clips app and website provide salon location information and, in some areas, online check-in capabilities. These tools are particularly helpful on Veterans Day, when demand spikes. If a consumer cannot find the desired information online, calling the salon is a reliable backup. For non-Great Clips offers, consult the brand’s official site or a verified promotional page to confirm eligibility rules, time windows, and participating locations before heading out.

Conclusion

The Great Clips “Thank a Veteran” program continues to be one of the most accessible and community-friendly Veterans Day free offers in the U.S. By allowing service members to either receive their free haircut on the day or pick up a card for later use—and by enabling non-military customers to share cards with service members—the program creates multiple pathways for gratitude and participation. While core eligibility is straightforward, consumers should be aware that some details such as card expiration periods can vary by year and by source, and should be verified locally. With planning, proper ID, and the use of available tools, service members and their communities can make the most of this annual gesture of appreciation.

Sources

1. Great Clips® Gives Back to Military Service Members On Veterans Day With Free Haircuts (Franchising.com) — https://www.franchising.com/news/20241030greatclipsgivesbacktomilitaryservicemembersonveteransdaywith_fre.html
2. Great Clips Free Haircut for Veterans Day (Living on the Cheap) — https://livingonthecheap.com/great-clips-free-haircut-veterans-day/
3. Haircut Heroes: How to Get or Give a Free Haircut on Veterans Day (WVVA) — https://www.wvva.com/2025/11/06/haircut-heroes-how-get-or-give-free-haircut-veterans-day/
4. Great Clips “Thank a Veteran” Haircut Promotion (Coupons GreatClips) — https://coupons-greatclips.com/veteransday
5. 2024 Veterans Day Freebies, Discounts, Donations (WSAW) — https://www.wsaw.com/2024/11/07/2024-veterans-day-freebies-discounts-donations/