Vietnamese Street Barbering

In many cities, the sight of barbers working right on the sidewalk has become part of everyday life. All it takes is a mirror, a chair, and a few tools, and the shop is open.

“My whole life through the ups and downs has been tied to these clippers and this little spot on the street. My family once suggested I take out a loan and open a proper shop, safe from the sun and rain. But to me, that felt too confining. Out here, I get the natural light, the breeze, the freedom. It’s something special. I even once gave a haircut to a foreign customer who spoke Vietnamese he told me getting his hair cut on the sidewalk in Ho Chi Minh City was an experience he’d never forget,” Mr. Tùng said. (thanhnien.vn)

My shirt box was inspired by the mirrors used by sidewalk barbers. More than just a container, the box itself reflects the image of the mirror, an essential tool for those who ply their trade on the street.