Heartwarming barbershop on the sidewalk of Hue, the ancient capital, that 'changes smiles' for a better one.

No price list, no fees charged; the cost of each haircut here is simply encapsulated in two words: 'A smile'. For over two years, this unique sidewalk barbershop has become a warm meeting place for the poor laborers of the ancient city of Hue.

The barbershop that turns smiles into haircuts in Hue has become a familiar place for many disadvantaged people - Photo: TIEN NGAN

Every late afternoon, on the sidewalks of Le Duan Street (near Phu Van Lau) and the Mang Ca Fort area (Phu Xuan Ward, Hue City), a familiar scene can be seen: a few simple sets of tools, neatly arranged plastic chairs, and the cheerful smiles of young people meticulously cutting customers' hair.

That's "The Hair Salon That Changes Smiles" - a charitable haircutting model maintained by Le Duy Thanh and 7 other members since the end of 2023.

Sharing about this unique name, Mr. Thanh smiled and confided: "Initially, when our group opened this free haircut service, we didn't think about naming it. But after a while of operation, we received very positive support from the elderly people."

Everyone who received a haircut smiled brightly and walked away feeling happy and cheerful. Seeing how precious those smiles were, the group decided to name their group "Haircuts for Smiles."

No fancy shop, no air conditioning, Thanh and his friends' "shop" consists of just a few simple clippers, scissors, and combs.

However, regularly from Monday to Friday on the sidewalk near Phu Van Lau and on Sundays at Mang Ca Fort, the shop "opens" to welcome customers. On average, the shop receives 15 to 20 customers each afternoon, and on peak days this number can reach 30 people.

Mr. Le Duy Thanh (far left) and members of his team cutting customers' hair - Photo: TIEN NGAN

The clientele of this roadside barbershop is incredibly diverse, ranging from young children and impoverished students to elderly people. However, the largest group consists of ride-hailing drivers, motorbike taxi drivers, and cyclo drivers – people whose daily lives are burdened with worries and anxieties.

For poor laborers, tightening their belts to save every penny has become a habit. Therefore, a free haircut service like this not only helps them have a neat and tidy haircut but also represents a practical act of economic sharing.

The "haircut for a smile" initiative has been regularly maintained for over two years in Hue City - Photo: TIEN NGAN

A regular motorbike taxi driver at the shop shared that the money he would have spent on a haircut was saved thanks to the young people. Although the amount is small, for poor laborers, it could buy a meal with a little more meat or fish, or add a little extra money for gas to make a few more trips during the day.

In the heart of the ancient and peaceful city of Hue, the sidewalk barbershop of Le Duy Thanh and his friends not only beautifies hair but also beautifies life through the kindness and sharing of youth.

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MINH TIEN - Kim Ngan

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/am-long-tiem-toc-doi-nu-cuoi-noi-via-he-co-do-hue-20260526091537726.htm