There’s something about getting a fresh haircut that can make you feel like a brand new person.
The stylists at Joe’s Upscale Barber Shop in Webster, New York understand how important it is to be well groomed, and now they’re going viral for a simple act of kindness captured on film without them even knowing it.
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Victor Burgos is a hairstylist who’s been working at Joe’s for the past three and a half years. On one September afternoon, Victor was at work when he noticed a man in a wheelchair lingering outside of the shop. Minutes later, the shop’s phone rang and an electronic voice simulator asked, “Do you take walk-ins?”
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Realizing who was asking the question, Victor and the other barbers ran outside to see if they could help the man maneuver his wheelchair into the store. Like many old buildings, Joe’s is not handicap accessible and has no wheelchair ramp. The men soon realized that there was no way they were going to get their new client up the stairs and into the building.
Thinking quickly, Victor told the man to wait right where he was on the sidewalk outside.
“We weren’t going to be able to get this heavy duty thing in here so I took my cordless barber clippers, trimmers, shavers, and sheers, straight blade, comb – everything I need to give him the same haircut that he’d get if he came inside,” Victor explained.
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Victor gave the man a haircut right there in front of the shop, showing the other customers and passersby how proud he was to cut his client’s hair.
“He definitely needed a haircut,” Victor said. “It looked like he hadn’t had a haircut in about a month. It was pretty shaggy [and] I know how good it feels to get that weight off of you. I could tell that he’s never had a good experience. I could tell without even asking him, and I just wanted to change it for him.”
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Unbeknownst to Victor, a fellow stylist snapped a few pictures of the encounter and shared them with the shop’s owner, Joe Cocozza.
“I couldn’t be happier when I was told this story, I couldn’t be happier to work and know a person of such kind nature as Victor. I’m proud to know that even when I’m not around our staff will go out of their way. Just to make someone happy!! He did not have to do this. Vic is one of our busiest barbers and is always busy. So Vic thank you for being that guy and not only always proving what type of person you are but also being a CLASS ACT and bring class to Joe’s Upscale Barber Shop.”
After the photos went viral on Facebook, community members rallied to help the shop get a ramp, but until then Victor says he’ll happily cut hair outside for anyone who can’t get in the building.
“It’s about making sure everyone gets a proper grooming,” he said.
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Well done, Victor! It’s heartwarming to see people going that extra mile to make others feel comfortable and cared-for.
Please share this message to encourage others to step up and help out whenever they can.