Under the scorching sun of early summer days, the zero-VND haircut shop of young man Nguyen Minh Vuong, also known as "Vuong Barber Shop", has contributed to "cooling the hearts" of low-income workers, and disadvantaged students, right in the heart of Da Nang.

Barbers from Vuong Barber Shop are cutting hair for free for people on the sidewalk of a section of Nguyen Tri Phuong Street near the March 29 Park

With a passion for hairstyling, Nguyen Minh Vuong has early engaged in hair stylist career. With a curious nature and a love for beautifying others, Minh Vuong persistently pursued his dream and became the young owner of a chain of six hair salons in Hai Chau, Thanh Khe, and Lien Chieu districts, creating stable employment for dozens of professional hairdressers in the city.

Despite the heavy workload at the shops, especially during the summer days, due to his spirit of sharing and community orientation, Minh Vuong regularly closes his shops several times a month to offer free haircut services for people in difficult circumstances.

Accordingly, the free haircut service has been available on the sidewalks of a section of Nguyen Tri Phuong Street near the March 29 Park in Thanh Khe District, and a section of Ton Duc Thang Street in front of Quang Minh Pagoda gate, Lien Chieu District.

The free streetside barber shop is set up by Minh Vuong and his staff with nearly a dozen of plastic chairs, some aprons, and usual tools used by the shop.

Sharing about temporarily putting aside a job with daily earnings of millions of VND to provide zero-VND haircuts, young shop owner Minh Vuong smiles brightly while his hands skillfully trim hair for "customers". He shared that since learning and working as a hairdresser, he has always desired to help those in need through his work. Later, when he opened his own salon, he immediately invited his employees to participate, and everyone eagerly joined in.

Working as a technology driver and often passing by Ton Duc Thang Street, Mr Tran Van Nam, a loyal customer for many years at the zero-VND haircut shop in front of Quang Minh Pagoda gate, Lien Chieu District. "These days are quite difficult and my income has decreased, so I often come here to trim my hair to save some money. The barbers are always cheerful, and enthusiastic, and their skills are also very good" he said.

In addition to hairdressing tools, chairs, and mirrors, the young barbers also place a pitcher of iced tea and some fruits to invite customers while waiting for their turn.

Young barber Huynh Anh Vu, who is only 24 years old but has 5 years of experience in the profession, has been participating in free hair-cutting activities. According to Vu, Minh Vuong always reminds his staff that providing free haircuts is sometimes more challenging than paid ones because sometimes the free ones are more burdensome than earning income. The attitude must always be cheerful, enthusiastic, courteous, and ready to serve so that everyone feels comfortable in their role as customers, not embarrassed because of getting a free haircut.

Minh Vuong's mobile haircut spots can be called "2 Nos" barber shop, namely "No charge and no refusal of customers" and "1 in exchange," that is, "exchange for smiles." Whether the customer is an elderly person, a motorbike taxi driver, a worker, or a student, these barbers never miss any "customer." The "exchange" between the barber and customer is only one thing, a smile that both sides give to each other.

Mr. Pham Hung, 69, is a regular customer at Minh Vuong's zero-dong haircut spot. He said that he often tried to give barbers here VND 5,000 - 10,000 to buy drinks, but they always refused. He hopes this model will continue to develop in the future to help those in need.

Minh Vuong's sidewalk hair salon welcomes an average of more than 50 customers each session of the day. At peak times, customers sit tightly around. On weekends, when there are more customers, a group of nearly a dozen barbers work continuously without rest. Despite their tiredness, they feel a little extra joy after completing a neat haircut for customers.

Not only providing zero-VND haircuts in public places, but for many years, Minh Vuong and his colleagues have also provided free haircuts for children at the Hope Village, social protection facilities, and public hospitals citywide.

For Nguyen Minh Vuong and his young colleagues, being helpful to the community, especially to low-income workers, people in difficult circumstances, orphaned children, single seniors or homeless people is not only a way to experience life but also a way to express gratitude for life.

Reporting by HIEN LINH - Translating by T. VY