Meet the barber who is making a real difference on the streets

Something as simple as a haircut can make a world of difference to those less fortunate, something The Streets Barber knows all too well.

With skateboard, mirror and barber kit in tow, Nasir Sobhani has a plan to change the world one haircut at a time.

After overcoming drug addiction and discovering his passion as a barber, Nasir now spends his downtime offering free haircuts to the homeless from around the world.

The Melbourne-based barber is helping to challenge stereotypes about people who live on the streets through his Instagram page, The Streets Barber, which he launched three years ago.

“It just made sense that eventually I started using what I do towards helping people,” Nasir, 28, says.

It just made sense that eventually I started using what I do towards helping people.

“People didn’t give up on me, you know. And a lot of people on the street, it seems that people have given up on them. The most dangerous thing is that when people give up on you, sometimes you just give up on yourself.”

“My experience is that anytime I’ve gone to a different city and I’ve met a homeless person, they’ve all been so appreciative, always so grateful. Most importantly, they’ve all had a story as to why they’ve become like that.”

Understanding the hardships

Nasir knows better than most about some of the hardships that homeless people face.

“Having experienced drug addiction as well, I know what it’s like to feel unworthy, to feel sad because of that.”

“Thankfully having been able to turn things around, I want to help other people gain that confidence and trust again.”

“Being able to help someone else in a meaningful way is the best high in the world,” he says.

With an Instagram following of almost 100,000, The Streets Barber is gaining a firm fan base all around the world.

Considering Nasir’s own multicultural upbringing, his ability to inspire others from across the globe isn’t all that surprising.

“I was born and raised in Japan and moved to Vancouver with the family when I was six. I actually also lived in Vanuatu for a year,” he says.

The humanitarian is a global citizen of sorts, cutting hair in Russia, New York and South-East Asia, but he still considers Melbourne home.

And he hopes more Australians join in his efforts to help street people.

The Street Barber gives free haircuts to people living on the streets.
Nasir Sobhani gives free haircuts to people living on the streets.

“I’d love to see more volunteering and charity work from everybody in the community, all backgrounds and walks of life, different skills and talents,” Nasir says.

“To not show prejudice – which is the type of support that people in those circumstances really need – that’s also quite important, I think.”

So what’s next for Nasir?

“I’m hoping to start a non-profit soon, Clean Cut, Clean Start,” he says.

Nasir also has his sights on expanding The Streets Barber team. “I’d love to have teams globally to give haircuts to those in need.”

 

For more information about The Streets Barber Project and how you can get involved, visit thestreetsbarber.com or check out Nasir’s Instagram @thestreetsbarber

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