By Mandy Lo 

Volunteer hairstylists from Los Angeles and Mexico provide free haircuts to residents in a Tijuana impoverished area under a simple tent setup. | Photo: Mandy Lo | Mexico | 2025/02/06

In the impoverished neighborhoods of Tijuana, Mexico, a simple haircut brought smiles, confidence, and hope to the residents. On February 6, volunteers from the Tzu Chi USA Chapter made their way to Tijuana, joined by professional hairstylists Yuki Chiu and Alice Chu. Their mission was to uplift spirits by using their expertise to provide free haircuts to school students, residents, and those affected by HIV/AIDS. 

Volunteers were warmly received at the “Hope Classroom” facility within the Tzu Chi Tijuana campus. Students and staff eagerly lined up for their turns. Local community police, who had witnessed the volunteers’ selfless contributions over the years also recommended local hairstylists for the event and even lent their support throughout the day. Due to the strong bond between the community and Tzu Chi volunteers, the Deputy Police Chief spent the entire day accompanying the volunteers. 

Community police and Tzu Chi volunteers provide free haircuts while fostering unity and kindness. | Photo: Mandy Lo | Mexico | 2025/02/06 

The volunteers extended their kindness to a nearby neighborhood recently ravaged by fire. Alberto, one of the survivors, offered the site of his burned-down home for the team to set up their haircutting stations. Borrowing tents, he rallied his neighbors to join, transforming the scorched land into a hub of hope. 

Alberto himself, once a trained barber, shared his dream of reopening a hair salon once his home is rebuilt. He even dusted off his skills and joined the volunteers, cutting the hair of young children with precision and care. Among the crowd were children who had gone days without bathing due to lack of water—a few strokes from the scissors uncovered their bright, innocent faces, showing resilience in adversity. 

LEFT: Alice Chu (center), a senior Tzu Chi volunteer and professional hairstylist, has been a long-time supporter of Tzu Chi’s free haircut initiatives. RIGHT: Yuki Chiu (left), a Tzu Chi volunteer and professional hairstylist. | Photos: Mandy Lo | Mexico | 2025/02/06

The team also visited an AIDS care facility where patients eagerly awaited their turns. Giving haircuts to patients for first-time, Alice Chu initially found the task to be daunting, but any apprehension quickly dissipated thanks to the warm greetings and gratitude of the residents. Patient after patient left the improvised salon with renewed vigor—haircuts offered not just physical transformation, but a moment of genuine care and attention. 

“It’s amazing how this small gesture makes them feel seen and cared for,” Chu reflected. 

Volunteers prepare to offer styling services at the AIDS care center. Photo: Mandy Lo Mexico 2025/02/06

Through their work, the volunteers demonstrated that compassion knows no borders. They brought light to those navigating the darkness of tragedy and illness, proving that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can inspire hope and dignity.