my story. your story. Our Story.
After a personal encounter with a worker-turned-friend, who did not cut his hair for 4 months because his dad had fallen ill and racked up medical bills, Yinzhou started learning to cut hair on Youtube. Within months, Yinzhou offered that friend a haircut.
From 1 helpful friend to 3 barbers to a team of 36 volunteer barbers, Backalley Barbers has given more than 1994 (as of 17 May 2019) haircuts today. Backalley Barbers offers free haircuts to migrant workers not just in back alleys, but also in migrant worker shelters. Beyond migrant workers, Backalley Barbers cuts residents’ hair free-of-charge in nursing homes and low-income communities on a weekly basis.
Though we do not earn from giving free haircuts, we treasure the intimate conversations we have with our beneficiaries. We view each haircut not as a task to be completed, but as a platform for us to connect with our beneficiaries. We look forward to each haircut – to understand someone’s stories and someone’s struggles, and refer him/ her to non-profit organisations and the government if needed.
Our #Backalley Barbers initiatives
“Snipping down social barriers...”
#BABSESSIONS
Through partnerships with nursing homes, every week, we provide fresh trims for the patients.
#Geylanghomecoming
Having started off on the streets, we go back to where it began a few times every year, giving haircuts to everyone - and anyone.
#Baberchair
Every Wednesday 7-9pm, we provide free basic haircuts to people in need of a basic haircut but can’t afford one, at our office.
#babmobile
We also offer free haircuts to people in need of a haircut and have mobility difficulties.
#humansofbab
During our various events, we also interact and document the stories of the patrons we serve.
Check out our social media to read about them yourselves!
need a haircut or know someone who needs it?
