Street Barber – Unsung Keeper of Urban Memories

After a long passage of time, the culture and simple charm of old Hanoi’s streets, once seemingly fading away, are being preserved by a humble sidewalk barber. 

At dawn in a small alley on Luong The Vinh Street, a man quietly sets up his old mirror on a banyan tree, lays out a canvas tarp, and arranges a few simple stools. With nothing more than a sharp pair of scissors and nimble hands, he begins his day's work.

The unique charm of a sidewalk barbershop

Tucked neatly against a bare wall at 237 Luong The Vinh, Mr. Truong’s barbershop has become a familiar spot for many residents. Though the space is humble, with just a few colorful plastic chairs for waiting customers, its bright red signboard with the name "Truong" radiates a warmth and friendliness that is the very essence of Hanoi's sidewalk barber trade.

The bright red signboard of the “Truong” traditional barbershop not only stands out on the street but also conveys the hospitality and warmth that define Hanoi’s sidewalk barber trade.

With over 20 years dedicated to this street corner, Mr. Truong is not just the lead barber but the soul of this place. The barbers here cater to customers who prefer simple, traditional haircuts over modern styles. Every snip of Mr. Truong's scissors is meticulous. After each haircut, he carefully brushes off any stray hairs from his customer's clothes, a small gesture that speaks volumes about his care and attention to detail.

Mr. Truong has been cutting hair on the sidewalks of Hanoi for over 20 years.

Fateful encounter with a sidewalk career

From the outset, barbering was never Truong’s primary line of work. Mr. Truong shared his decision to change his job and open a small haircut stall on the sidewalk:

"Renting a storefront is very expensive, so I have to quit my previous job. I decided to be on the sidewalk for more income and freedom.” Fortunately, customers recognized Truong’s skillful haircutting, and he soon began to attract more clients. “We have so many regular customers every day that we’re working non-stop." 

It was from that moment that Truong’s barbershop came into being, outfitted at first with nothing more than the most modest of tools. He also pointed to the shop’s simple tools: "We replace these mirrors and chairs once a year, but they always look old. I focus on my craftsmanship, not on a lot of fancy equipment."

With a simple set of tools under a tarpaulin, this sidewalk barbershop serves modest customers who aren’t particular about hairstyles.

Hardships on the sidewalk

The shop's income depends on weather and customer volume, which is very unstable. However, thanks to their loyal customers and skilled craftsmanship, each barber can earn enough to make ends meet. 

When interviewed, Truong said: “There are days when the heat bakes the pavement until it burns your feet, and you sweat through your shirt before the first customer even sits down,” Truong says with a wry smile. “Then, without warning, a storm can roll in, and you’re scrambling to cover your tools and keep the hair clippings from swirling down the street. Of course, the weather changes from sun to rain, and there are hardships, but for the sake of making a living, I have to accept them.”

A sidewalk barbershop by an open wall, where the barber diligently serves a few familiar faces amid the bustling rhythm of the city.

More than just a haircut

A haircut on this sidewalk is more than just a service; it's a social ritual. The value of this shop lies not in its facilities but in its intimate, genuine atmosphere. The proof is that many customers, even those who arrive in luxury cars, still stop by and patiently wait for their turn. For them, this place is not just a barbershop but a part of their memory - a peaceful refuge amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

Mr. Truong shared that after working here for so long, he and the other barbers know almost everyone in the neighborhood. "I’ve never had a difficult customer here. Everyone is very happy and easygoing," he smiled. This very cordiality creates a unique and special space.

For many, the barbers are more than just professionals; they are trusted confidants. They become "unintentional therapists," listening to secrets and stories. Sometimes, simply sitting in that chair and venting about family matters or life's worries is enough. A sidewalk barbershop by an open wall, where the barber diligently serves a few familiar faces amid the bustling rhythm of the city. to lighten the soul.

Mr. Binh, a regular customer, shared: "I’ve been getting my haircut here since 2018. The prices are very reasonable, which is great for working people like us. The barbers here are cheerful and friendly. Coming here isn't just for a haircut; it's for a chat. It feels very comfortable."

Memorable stories, both happy and sad, happen even in bad weather. One customer recalled a particularly vivid memory of a time when a sudden rainstorm hit during his haircut. The makeshift tarp leaked, and both he and the barber were completely soaked. Instead of being annoyed, they both burst out laughing. That memory became a shared story, a testament to the rare and simple friendship found at a sidewalk barbershop. 

One of the most unique experiences at Mr. Truong's shop is the ear-cleaning service after a haircut. With gentle and precise movements, he brings a sense of complete relaxation to his customers. This bond is so close that many customers bring coffee, snacks, or small gifts on holidays. It's no longer just a transaction but a connection of mutual respect and appreciation.

After finishing the haircut, the barber carefully cleans the customer’s ears, with each gentle and precise movement bringing a sense of complete relaxation.

A sidewalk model fading with time

With his many years of experience, Mr. Truong holds a firm belief about his trade: "This profession will never be replaced," he stated confidently. "Because many people don’t like the stuffy, cramped feeling of those salons. They prefer the open, free atmosphere of the sidewalk."  

So why do they persevere? For many, it's not just a job; it’s a source of pride. "As long as I can work, I feel like I'm still a part of this city," Mr. Truong mused. 

In a rapidly modernizing Hanoi, where gleaming hair salons stand side-by-side, there are still men who quietly cling to the sidewalks, making a living from a simple, traditional craft. They are not just barbers; they are living pieces of a cultural identity that is slowly fading from the urban landscape. The question remains: how much longer will this trade survive as sidewalks are "cleaned up"?

The streets may change and the sidewalks may be tidied, but the values that street barbering brings will endure. Barbers like Mr. Truong, with their skilled hands and sincere hearts, have quietly become the keepers of the city's soul. Their existence is a testament that, in any space, as long as there is human connection and dedication, it can be the most cherished place for old memories and ways of life to continue thriving in the present.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10a5JsuC3Kw

Mr. Truong, barber for 20 years on Luong The Vinh street shares about his unique job.