When you can't find high-end hairdresser Mark Bustos clipping New York City's elite, you may be able to find him roaming the streets looking for homeless folks to help.
The stylist, who works six days a week at NYC's Three Squares Studio, spends his Sundays offering sophisticated cuts to people who can't afford his – or any – services. “There is so much negativity in this world today,” Bustos told TODAY.com, “and I just simply wanted to bring some positive energy and hope into this world.”
Read more about Bustos' amazing act of kindness and see some of his incredible and touching transformations below.
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Mark Bustos is a high-end hairstylist in NYC who donates his services on his day off to help homeless people in need of a trim.
Bustos began giving out free haircuts on a May 2012 trip to his family's native the Phillippines. Bustos rented a barber chair and offered his services to underprivileged kids, as selfless a tribute to his girlfriend's late father who used to get haircuts at the shop, according to TODAY.com.
Bustos was only 14 when he first picked up scissors and started styling hair out of his parents' garage. He told TODAY he has "never made a penny in my life (that) hasn't had to do with hair.”
Bustos, who describes himself as a hair artist on Instagram, said he wishes appearances weren't so vital to success, but notes that people who are styled neatly are often treated with more respect.
“I do believe people with a proper, professional haircut receive more respect than those who do not have a proper haircut,” Bustos said to TODAY. “Having a proper haircut also gives the recipient much more confidence.”
On Sundays, Bustos scouts NYC streets for homeless people who could use his help. He has also brought the tradition he started in the Philippines to Jamaica, Costa Rica and Los Angeles, according to TODAY.
Bustos doesn't JUST stop at giving the troubled folks a free haircut. He also offers food to every person he helps.
Bustos told TODAY he walks around random neighborhoods every Sunday and often asks his clients at Three Square Studios in NYC if they know of any homeless people in their neighborhoods who could use his help.
"Sometimes I can walk around for hours looking for a haircut recipient on the streets,” Bustos told TODAY.
Along his journey, Bustos posts photos of his kind deeds to Instagram, not for recognition, but to share his story in hopes it will inspire others to help.
Bustos can't believe his story has gone viral and told TODAY it doesn't feel real. “I've decided to have photos taken in an attempt to inspire others to do great things for fellow human beings.”
“My parents will be so proud of me when they find out why I’ve been missing Sunday dinners,” reads one of Bustos’ captions on Instagram. By now, hopefully Bustos knows that he is making way more people proud than just his parents.
