A homeless man has been given a makeover by a compassionate barber resulting in a transformation that left him looking “15 years younger”. Philadelphia-based barber, Joshua Santiago has been travelling around the United States for the past seven years in his mobile barbershop, named ‘Empowering Cuts’.
He has been giving free haircuts to homeless people.
The van offers various facilities for clients, such as a television and a restroom, and aims to provide a safe haven during the grooming process.
The barber has been sharing videos of his free makeovers on TikTok, where he has amassed over 300,000 followers.
In a latest video shared on his TikTok, Joshua gave an impressive transformation to a man with a long, tangled head of hair and an unruly beard a much-needed trim.
During their conversation, the man expressed a desire for a fresh start after being homeless for an extended period.
In the clip, which has gained more than 1,000 likes, Josh wrote: “I had the opportunity to cut this gentleman’s hair.
“During our conversation, he said ‘just cut it all off. I’m ready for a change.
“After being homeless for quite some time, I’m ready to go back home.'”
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“Made him look so much younger. I hope he made it home,” a fourth wrote.
Other users were shocked that he was “so young” and declared he was a “beautiful man” under the matted locks.
On a GoFundMe page, Mr Santiago invites people to donate to support his business putting a smile on vulnerable people’s faces.
He says: “You know the great feeling you have whenever you walk out of a hair salon or barbershop with a fresh haircut?
“You feel refreshed and alive! There is just something about a great haircut that puts a bounce back in your step!
“Unfortunately, the cost of a haircut is often not within reach as some must first prioritise where their next meal is coming from or where they will be sleeping that night.”
