Every Sunday, Mark gives free haircut to homeless people in New York City.

Mark Bustos: The Hero-Hairstylist To The Homeless

Each Sunday, Filipino-American hairstylist, Mark Bustos gives free haircuts in the streets of New York City, he even went to China, Jamaica and his parent's hometown, in the Philippines. Armed with his clippers, scissors, and cape, he spreads a message of dignity and hope for the homeless.

Mark said his haircuts are more than just about making someone to look good. He said that it's about making someone feel good and dignified. "Every single haircut I give, whether I'm in the salon or the streets is a powerful thing," says Mark. "No matter where you come from, no matter what walk of life you come from, I think we all know what it feels like to get a haircut – and the feeling that it gives us inside, and that sense of confidence that we get."

Mark Bustos, hair stylist for celebrities and homeless.

Bustos, who works at the elite salon Three Square Studios in New York City, has been featured in dozens of international publications. He continues to give free haircuts to people who need it the most every Sunday.

“There is so much negativity in this world today,” Bustos said. “And I just simply wanted to bring some positive energy and hope into this world.”

The inspiration for his haircuts came from a trip to the motherland. "In 2012, my girlfriend and I traveled to the Philippines to visit where our family is from in Pampanga," Bustos recalled. "Her father passed away a couple of years ago, and I always knew I wanted to give back [to the community] somehow," he added.

Below are photos of Mark giving haircuts to the homeless and their priceless reactions.

Stephen before his haircut.

"Stephen’s haircut is a simple way to show the world how one’s demeanor can transform during the service, no matter who you are – homeless or not."

Uncle Chen was living under a bridge in Guangzhou, China.

"Uncle Chen was living under a bridge in Guangzhou, China. This photo is from the moment he could see his new look. Shortly after meeting him, I was contacted by friends from China that he had been killed in a car accident."

A young girl living under the bridge in China.

"This girl was living with her brother and mother under the same bridge as Uncle Chen. The innocence of this beautiful little girl, who was at first afraid of the water dripping into her eyes, showed me that trust is granted, not given."

A hair salon in a cemetery - Philippines.

Across the street from the cemetery, there is a row of squatter homes above sewage water. This woman is paralyzed from the waist down and has not had her hair cut in ages.

An elderly who is paralyzed from waist down has not had haircut for ages.

"Behind the elementary school that my mother attended in the Philippines, and where my grandmother was a well-respected teacher, there is a community of squatter homes. Donna was one of the many children living in the homes, and was extremely charming."

Young Donna from Philippines having her haircut.

"This young man’s “father” insisted that he get a haircut instead. Although he wasn’t his birth father, it was someone that this young man was able to look up to, living without a home in New York."

Larry was excited about his haircut.

"Larry was excited about his haircut but hesitant to remove his hat to expose his thinning hair. Downtown Chicago was rumbling with protestors chanting and bars overflowing during St Patrick’s Day festivities. Even for a moment, a haircut was able to slow the world down for Larry."

“King Ray”

"I gave Ray his nickname: King Ray. He is the King of the Bowery, the street in lower Manhattan where he resides."

“Use your gifts to teach and help others. Acknowledge them as gifts (even if only in your mind). Take some time to list your strengths as well as the ways in which you could share them with the world around you and how that truly is a gift to others.”

- Beth Bunchman