Behind patients' new haircuts

For the past 10 years, the barbers of the Thai Nguyen Hair Club have set aside dedicated days each week to bring care and kindness to patients. Behind every new haircut is a lasting commitment to serving the community. 

Since 2016, members of the Thai Nguyen Hair Club have visited hospitals every week to provide free haircuts for patients and their family members. Each volunteer has their own reason for staying committed to this meaningful activity.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thao, Vice Head of the Club, shared: "10 years ago, when we visited a hospital, we noticed that many patients had to stay for long periods and had no opportunity to get a haircut. That's when we came up with the idea of providing free haircuts for patients and their family members.

Ms. Do Thanh Thao, a Club member, said: "At the salon, we help customers look their best. At the hospital, we bring patients joy, comfort, and confidence. One memory I'll never forget is cutting the hair of a woman from Tan Cuong. She was deeply moved because, since childhood, only her mother had ever cut her hair. It was her first haircut by a professional hairstylist, and she kept telling me how much she loved it."

Mr. Tran Dinh Cuong, Vice Head of the Club, stressed: "Over the past 10 years, some members have left while others have stayed and new volunteers have joined. What keeps us together is our shared commitment. Seeing the smiles on patients' faces after a haircut gives us the motivation to keep going."

A haircut takes only about 15 minutes. But some require extra care because the patients cannot sit upright on their own, are receiving intravenous treatment, or have been unconscious for days, like this man. Over the past decade, thousands of patients have received free haircuts through the club's volunteer work.

Patient Nguyen Van Tuan from Phuc Thuan Ward shared: "I have chronic liver disease and have been hospitalized for several months, so I haven't been able to get a haircut. I'm very fortunate to meet this volunteer team today. After the haircut, I feel refreshed, more comfortable, and in much better spirits."

Mr. Nguyen Anh Tu, a family member of a patient from Dai Phuc Commune, said: "Today I brought my wife to the hospital for a medical check-up. Patients and their families already have so many worries, so this thoughtful service means a great deal to us. I'm sure everyone here feels the same way.

Patient Doan Thi Huyen Tinh from Lam Vy Commune said: "I really like my new haircut. Thank you to everyone in the club for giving me such a neat and beautiful hairstyle. I wish you all good health so you can continue this meaningful volunteer work."

Behind every new haircut are early mornings, days spent putting work aside, and countless journeys made without expecting anything in return except the happiness of others. Perhaps that is why the greatest thing the Thai Nguyen Hair Club has created is not only neatly trimmed hair, but also a reminder that when kindness is sustained with dedication, even the simplest acts can touch people's hearts.