Farrukh Kazmi: Hairdresser Lex Low’s journey in empowering and connecting with people through haircutsCan a pair of scissors become a tool for empowerment? Can a haircut change the lives of the marginalised?
Lex Low believes so.
Although he is one of Malaysia’s most popular hairdressers, it’s not in Othrs Barbers, his salon in Kuala Lumpur, where we first meet Lex, but in a small room at the back of Pit Stop cafe.
Lex and his team are there to give free haircuts to the homeless. Above the snipping of scissors and the dull buzz of a clipper, the banter and laughter between Lex and his customers for the day fill the air. As their hair falls, their smiles brighten.
It’s these connections with people from marginalised communities that are at the heart of Lex’s social initiatives.(Farrukh Kazmi)
“A pair of scissors is a just a tool. What matters is the conversation within the haircut. You have no idea what that person went through, and a haircut is the first step to open up that door to that relationship.”
Coming from a family of artists, it is easy to see why Lex gravitated towards a creative career. But to his surprise, his ultimate success was what made him feel restless and empty inside. He was looking for something more and he would find it with those who had less.
Lex’s search for a meaningful use of his skills led him out on the streets of Kuala Lumpur where he gave free haircuts to the homeless. He knocked on the doors of orphanages and old aged homes offering his services. read more(Farrukh Kazmi)
Lex Low believes so.
Although he is one of Malaysia’s most popular hairdressers, it’s not in Othrs Barbers, his salon in Kuala Lumpur, where we first meet Lex, but in a small room at the back of Pit Stop cafe.
Lex and his team are there to give free haircuts to the homeless. Above the snipping of scissors and the dull buzz of a clipper, the banter and laughter between Lex and his customers for the day fill the air. As their hair falls, their smiles brighten.
It’s these connections with people from marginalised communities that are at the heart of Lex’s social initiatives.(Farrukh Kazmi)
“A pair of scissors is a just a tool. What matters is the conversation within the haircut. You have no idea what that person went through, and a haircut is the first step to open up that door to that relationship.”
Coming from a family of artists, it is easy to see why Lex gravitated towards a creative career. But to his surprise, his ultimate success was what made him feel restless and empty inside. He was looking for something more and he would find it with those who had less.
Lex’s search for a meaningful use of his skills led him out on the streets of Kuala Lumpur where he gave free haircuts to the homeless. He knocked on the doors of orphanages and old aged homes offering his services. read more(Farrukh Kazmi)
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