Do Something for Nothing: Seeing Beneath the Surface of Homelessness, through the Simple Act of a Haircut

Transformation. Do Something for Nothing is about nothing less than helping people by transforming their outer appearance. A former punk rock musician, Joshua Coombes was working at a London salon when he began offering shaves and haircuts to people who were “sleeping rough”. When he posted the before and after photos on social media, many others were inspired to do something and to see homeless folks as the human beings that they are. The book showcases photographs and vignettes of several dozen people—including some couples and a young family—in cities all over the world. From New York City to Tijuana, Mumbai to Melbourne, Paris to Boulder, Coombes documents the transformation that comes over people when they are given a fresh look, a new perspective, some hope. The photos are inspirational as is every page of this uplifting book. Their smiles show relief as well as happiness. Sure, a haircut alone won’t solve all their problems, but it is a humanizing start. I’m so glad I read this book and urge you to do so as well.