If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to have super glue poured on your hair and scalp, just ask Hannah Combs. According to the 15-year-old Harker Heights High School freshman, it feels painful, like a “sunburn times 10.”
That Combs had her head covered in super glue and received first degree burns was no accident. It was the result of a vicious bullying incident that has stirred anger from her father due to a lack of action on the school’s part, but also a whole lot of support and kindness from people all over.
Combs’ father, Christopher Grimmer, believes the boy who did this to her should have received a much more severe punishment. The school gave him an in-school suspension, but Grimmer believes a transfer to another school would have been more appropriate.
“That child that did this to her, uproot his life. He gave up the opportunity to go to Harker Heights when he committed the act,” Grimmer said.
No matter what happened to her bully, it didn’t change the fact that dealing with super glue in hair is no easy fix. Hannah and her mother, Jessica, knew that they would have to do something drastic: sacrifice a lot of her hair. This was not welcome news to Combs.
“My hair was the only thing I liked about myself, honestly. I lost it for no reason,” Combs said.
However, making the decision to cut her hair was the first step in an important new chapter of Combs’ life. A Facebook page, Justice For Hannah, was started by her mother and has received nearly 55,000 likes. It speaks out in support of victims of bullying.
Combs had her hair treated for free by Nikki, a stylist in her area. Due to the impact made by the super glue, one side of Combs’ hair had to be shaved. However, Nikki’s styling expertise made it so even some super glue couldn’t stop Combs’ from receiving first class treatment.
Now Combs is proudly showing pictures of her and her new hair and has become a voice speaking out against bullying. Though the incident was painful and humiliating, it has given her a passion and drive.
“I’m just a normal kid with strong beliefs. When it comes to bullying, I stand up for people a lot because of it – but it’s worth it,” Combs said.