Youth living on the street received a helping hand in the form of a fresh haircut at a drop-in centre in downtown Toronto on Wednesday.

At an inaugural event called “Haircuts for the Homeless,” several people received free haircuts and, if needed, a shave, at the Evergreen Centre for Street Youth. The cuts came courtesy Toronto barber Muayad Al-Qaysi.

Al-Qaysi’s friend, Ahmad Salman, came up with the idea for the haircutting initiative event through his work as event co-ordinator with Human Concern International, an Ottawa-based charitable organization which works in international development and emergency relief.

Earlier in the summer, workers from the Toronto chapter were brainstorming ideas on how to help people in need in the Toronto area.  

In an interview with CTVNews.ca, Salman said he was inspired by Mark Bustos, a Manhattan hairstylist who has made headlines for his work giving free haircuts to people living on the streets.  

He said he was also inspired seeing Al-Qaysi’s satisfied customers while hanging out at the barbershop.  

“Just seeing the expression on their faces, looking brand new and freshly cut,” Salman said. “Their faces are full of glow. They just feel really, really good."

Salman added he wanted to replicate that feeling for individuals who can’t otherwise afford a cut.

“It’s a luxury that I think a lot of people take for granted,” Salman said.

Al-Qaysi, who works at the barbershop Ace of Fades in Etobicoke, said he was happy to donate his time and skill. He bought new equipment, including clippers, for the event.   

“I just believe that everyone should feel good about themselves and I believe that my skill set can provide that feeling, so why not do it,” he said.  

At the barber shop, Al-Qaysi charges $25 for a cut and $30 for a cut and razor shave.

For individuals seeking employment, a haircut can really help their self-esteem, which was a big reason why Human Concern International wanted to host the event.

“One of the things we try to tackle with respect to homelessness is access to employment and access to jobs,” community development manager Mohamed Noorani said.

Salman said it’s “one less cost” for the people receiving the haircuts, and it’s “a boost of morale and confidence to walk into a potential employer’s office and you’re looking your absolute best.”

This is the inaugural event for The Haircuts for the Homeless initiative, but Salman and Al-Qaysi are hoping it will be the first of many.