Joshua Santiago travels across the US offering free haircuts to individuals who can’t afford the luxury – and recently left people gobsmacked when giving a homeless man a makeover

Haircuts can make the world of difference for people. Not only can they be a major confidence booster to those sitting in the barbershop chairs, they can also impact how you are viewed by the strangers around you.

So when a homeless man was offered a free haircut by Joshua Santiago, he decided to accept. The barber offers haircuts to individuals who can’t afford it – and films the process of them getting made over.

The Philadelphia-based man has garnered more than 471,000 followers due to his acts of kindness. And his latest clip caught people’s attention because they were stunned at how dramatic the transformation was.

And in a new video, which scooped 19,200 likes and 600 comments, starts with a homeless man sitting on the edge of the street wearing a pair of sliders, jumper and tracksuit bottoms.

He then climbs onto Joshua’s chair as the barber gets to work on his hair. While having a chat and a laugh with his client, Joshua starts by shaving off his hair completely.

Then, he works on his beard, waxes his scalp and makes him look like a completely new man. The video concludes with the homeless man looking into a hand-held mirror in awe.

The moment moved many, with one commenter replying to the clip: “Homeless people need to be treated like human beings.” And another added: “My guy looking like LeBron James after the freshly cut.”

A third commented: “Love what you are doing for the community.” And a fourth chimed in: “Your parents did a good job. Respect!” While a fifth posted: “You just restored that man’s belief that anything is possible.”

Joshua Santiago is a barber known for his philanthropic work through his initiative, Empowering Cuts. He has gained attention for traveling across the United States to provide free haircuts to homeless individuals.

His work focuses on boosting the self-esteem and dignity of those experiencing homelessness by offering them grooming services that they might not otherwise have access to. Joshua Santiago’s efforts have been recognized in various media outlets, highlighting the positive impact he has on the communities he visits.