As the dry season takes hold in Hanoi, low-income residents are beating the heat by trading in their winter hair style for a fresh summer cut thanks to a group of young people who offer free haircuts in the capital city’s Cau Giay, Tay Ho, Thanh Xuan, and Hoang Mai Districts.

“We welcome people from all walks of life, especially drivers and workers,” said Ha Huu Tam, a 22-year-old barber who offers up his hair styling skills on the city’s streets each afternoon.

Tam’s words ring true – people from all walks of life truly do make use of the free haircut initiative, especially Ha Huy Hoang, a 70-year-old handyman who has regularly gotten his hair cut for free on the streets over the last few years.

In fact, Hoang has visited free streetside barbers so often over the years that he jokes about being a guinea pig for young barbers in need of practice.

“These young barbers not only make people feel beautiful, but they also help the community," said Hoang.  

"I truly feel more handsome after they cut and style my hair."

Hoa is another happy customer who appreciates the work of these young barbers.

The 71-year-old Cau Giay resident recently visited one of Hanoi’s free barbers for the first time and only had good things to say. 

“I decided to try it out on my way to the market," Hoa shared.  

"The barber was so fun to chat with and he really made me feel comfortable.”

Nguyen Van Nam, a 27-year-old novice barber from Bac Ninh Province, said that he often cuts hair free of charge on the streets as a way to hone his craft.

“After showing different hairstyles to my guests, I give them a cut and style," said Nam.  

"Their happiness makes me happy too.”

Meanwhile, Nguyen Thanh The, a 20-year-old from Quang Ninh Province, spent a year studying hairdressing before taking to the streets of Hanoi to offer some post-COVID relief to the community. 

“The majority of my customers are motorbike taxi drivers," The said.

"Offering them complimentary haircuts helps them save some money.

“The only payments we want are the compliments from our guests."

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