What is it like to get a haircut on the street in Ho Chi Minh City?
The street haircut is not unique to Ho Chi Minh City, but for centuries, the streets of Saigon have been filled with these lone businessmen, servicing the community whilst fighting the heat, weather, and evolution of the city to stay in business and make a living. Having lived in Ho Chi Minh City for almost a decade, I have ridden past these street haircut services around the city, and in the countryside, and not given them a second thought. When I get a haircut, I like the relaxation of a cool room, pleasant smells of the creams and lotions, and quietness of a room closed off to the outside traffic. But I just didn’t know what I was missing by avoiding the street barbers in Ho Chi Minh City. In a backstreet of District 1, Vinh stands under a makeshift canopy. Every morning around 8:00 am, he brings his entire haircut operation on his motorbike, chair included, and spends about 30 minutes setting up for the day. Regardless of the weather, Vinh is there at the same tim...