Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
Awesome Barber Transforms Homeless People For Free And These 30 Before & After Pics Show Completely Different People
Turning your life around doesn't start with a new hobby or job; these are the results. The change begins with the person, more specifically, their hair. At least that's what Jason Schneidman thinks. However, once you check out the evidence he has collected over the years backing up this claim, it's hard to disagree.
Schneidman, now 50, has been cutting hair since he was 14 years old, and he has always remained passionate about it—he said the first time he cut hair, he thought the whole transformation was amazing, and has enjoyed contributing to making people change.
One day, he and his business partner went out with a backpack and cordless clippers, and kept asking homeless people on the streets of Hollywood Boulevard if they needed haircuts. Fast forward five years, and their initiative has evolved into a movement to help the homeless.
Eventually, Schneidman started a nonprofit organization called THEMENSGROOMER. Now, he and his team host big events in Venice, California, where the homeless can get haircuts, food, and socks donated from people all over the world who follow and support Schneidman through the Internet.
More info: themensgroomer.com | Instagram | TikTok
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Earl Grey 4 years ago
And THIS is why I cannot understand the popularity of beards these days! Might as well put a paper bag over your head.
Load More Replies... 
THEMENSGROOMER is doing well as a business as well. "The company's growing line of hair products and accessories has garnered praise from publications including GQ and Esquire and even been endorsed by some of Hollywood's most notable men like James Cordon and Mark Ronson," Blake Levy, a spokesperson of THEMENSGROOMER, introduced the company's history to Bored Panda. "Following the product line, the 'Shop' opened, a brick-and-mortar barbershop/hair salon located in Venice, California, which has become home to Los Angeles' most sought after stylists."
However, social work is just as important to THEMENSGROOMER as any other thing they do. "[The company's] mission is to combat homelessness by providing services that help individuals get off the streets, combat and overcome addiction, and learn to adopt healthy and productive lifestyles," Levy explained.
RELATED:
#2
I Meet Marty yesterday morning at Themensgroomer shop, he was looking in the dumpster for recycling , The night before we had a big party and we covered the parking lot with hey .So I approached Marty and asked him if he wanted to make some money helping me clean up, He didn’t Hesitate, so we all continued to clean up together for about two hoursI I asked him how long hes been on the street he said he’s been out there for 40 years, He told me a bit about his upbringing and how he’s gone through the foster care system, I just loved him immediate, his sense of humor had us all dying laughing., One of my employees sam and Marty figured out they share the same birthday, next month on the 27th so we asked him what he wanted for his birthday he said a new sprocket for his bike a backpack and a sleeping bag and some money for food, because McDonald’s prices are so high , marty doesn’t drink or smoke or do drugs at all, I had a busy day yesterday with clients so I told Marty if he comes back at 2:30 I’d hook him up with a #haircut I had so much fun cutting his hair and beard laughing talking. And cleaning his hands & face w/ hot towels , I’m so lucky to be given this opportunity to help people . I Liked Marty and trusted him from the moment I meet him. So we will be seeing him at the shop, Wednesday morning at for some more work, and continue to talk about these birthday wishes!
Rissie 4 years ago
90% of the change is the look in the eyes that tell how appreciative this man is. It's hard feeling discarded by society. That first picture is heartbreaking.
Load More Replies...
Becky Moore 4 years ago
I don't think I could last on the streets completely sober. At least drink & drugs takes you away from reality & understand why so many people do one or both. Homeless for 40 years! Absolutely heartbreaking :(
THEMENSGROOMER acknowledges that a haircut can change a person's appearance, instill confidence and allow someone to reach for opportunities when they thought life had passed them by. Jason Schneidman has experienced it first hand. He battled addiction throughout his adult life and went through rehabilitation four times before getting sober 16 years ago. During this period, he was homeless for two years. When he was in the streets and addicted to drugs, Schneidman felt very disconnected.
When he sobered up and continued pursuing his career, Schneidman was working a lot but wasn't feeling good about the work he was doing—while in recovery, the man was taught he had to be of service to other addicts to keep his sobriety. Everything changed when Schneidman was hired to do hair on an extreme makeover show where one of the participants was a homeless alcoholic. That experience really stuck with Schneidman and that's when he began doing this routinely.
He is able to connect with these people on a much deeper level; he's been there himself.
#3
Leon 54 years young, and I say it like that because it’s never too late all it takes is a willingness and a surrender We spoke today a lot about his life his journey his family his daughter who’s 27 years old, he’s been off of meth for a little bit over 30 days he’s been going to LA fitness and working out he talks about doing his daughter proud I tried to FaceTime with her but he says he’s not ready yet he’d like to put some more time together we talked about rehab.he’s missing his bottom teeth so I’m putting it out there now if anyone wants to donate to themensGroomer -VenmoFoundation I will be putting it together for him ! I’ll be seeing Leon in 30 days for another haircut #recovery & #service I believe if we all do a little we can help out a lot!
deanna woods 4 years ago
I like that he is working hard to keep himself sober for his daughter.
Rebekah Blackwolf 4 years ago
Quite a handsome bloke. May you stay strong and make your daughter proud.
Suzanne Clark 4 years ago
Don't hate me for saying this, but a lot of guys look so much older with a beard, especially as it starts to turn gray.
JD Lee 4 years ago
What gets me is once “spiffed up” & treated like humans these homeless people always make me think “He/she looks like my relative/friend/sibling/parent!” .. The person hasn’t changed, only my perception of them. We need to do better as a society & see the people regardless of circumstance.. thanks for the reminder.
#4
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Both are fine. Right us neater, but a little longer works well for him too. Cute :)
#5
I met Muhammad yesterday in Venice beach he is a character ,Mo has his 50th birthday coming up on September 12th he was loving the fact that I made him look younger we had a good time he took me on a wild ride With his life stories , he speaks 5 languages , he is Originally from Morocco but moved to Tampa Florida with his brother Abraham 30 years ago they at one point owned a successful Moroccan restaurant together but now He’s broke and living in a tent He’s keeps in touch with his family through a tablet he said he likes to write ,So that’s how they communicate, after the haircut he had positive energy about bettering his current situation ! I asked him what he was going to do for his 50th birthday he said he’s going to swim in the ocean for couple miles
KLo 4 years ago
The eyes are the first thing you notice in the after photos- the windows to the soul!
Becky Moore 4 years ago
Exactly what I thought. The intelligence to be fluent in 5 languages and just wasted :( I love the transformations they all get but it makes me so sad there's so many homeless people, especially in LA :(
Load More Replies...
#6
Meet brian today in Santa Monica he likes to fix electronics .he's been homeless for about seven years. he has a storage unit full of his possession that are safe. he has a cell phone and he's in contact with his 77 year old mom. seeing the transformation today and having the human interaction was super good for brian and me. I believe a haircut can change someone's life
Jennifer Casey 4 years ago
Handsome man. Hope this gives him the confidence to take his life back
#7
This is DARIO ,He’s going through some tough times he used to work on tv shows at Paramount Pictures transcribing And graphic design , Both his parents passed away in the last 10 years and his roommate just died recently and was kicked out of his apartment immediately ! Super great normal Coherent dude! He was ready for the transformation he had a softball dreadlocks stuck to the back of his scalp, I kept reaching for tools not knowing how to get rid of it and it just came down to a slow scissor cutting of this matted dread lock ! I was able to salvage the hair in the back and do a killer clipper cut , I felt The freedom personally that he got from removing this dreadlock! so powerful he ran his hands Through his hair over an over !
Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
Since we couldn't see the massive mat, he's handsome in both. I wish him well.
John Baker 4 years ago
As Dorothy says, except for the matted knot this guy looks good both ways. But nice cut anyway.
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago (edited)
Hair yes improved (a lot! Looks cool), beard not improved (also a lot..should ve just combed it and tidy up a bit, so it has the same length everywhere (don't know how to describe it in english)
#8
#9
Lj 4 years ago
I was noticing that. Most of them have such kind eyes, they look so humane (more than regular folk, I would even say).
Load More Replies...
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 4 years ago
Very nice eyes. And good teeth - hope he gets back up on his feet
Allan Hedges 4 years ago
I totally agree. I think he just had a rough night!
Load More Replies...
#10
I Meet Diedrich today, in. Hollywood, he came up to me today and said will you make me look like a normal gentleman I’m going to try and get a job I’m headed out to some job interviews! I was like hell yeah! I got you dude! We talked a bunch he is super nice straight up normal dude trying to better his situation, turns out he’s a graphic design artist, we started talking about themensgroomer foundation that Is just starting to happen and grow , And he said he’d make us our logo so I’m excited to get him on board and also a woman from the mayors office came to the event today to introduce herself to me and we spoke about really ramping this movement up one haircut at a time! Also special thanks to the big turnout of hairstylists Barbers and esthetician’s , you guys all make it happen! so many big hearts and big smiles, thank you so much for your service, can’t do it without you!
#11
This is Star Lee , He is one of the many people that we were able to help this Thanksgiving! Stars Thanksgiving wish was to get a bus ticket to Miami so he could work, he has a job lined up there so through all the donations to ThemensGroomer Venmo from everybody we were able to purchase him a ticket and he’ll be leaving tomorrow he was also grateful to get his face and hair cleaned up a hot meal & a shower from @powerofashower There were so many hearts and hands out there today everybody got what they needed it was an amazing turn out what away to start
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Yes this is a win. Though I think a short beard or fancy mustache would also work well on him
Mythology Master 4 years ago
Not to be mean or anything, but pop some thick glasses on him and he’s the grandpa from Up
#12
This is big Richie,Used to work in Florida in 2013 he was project manager at ATL, he would book talent for music events After that job he moved on later to become a BMF at coyote ugly “I was like what’s a BMf? he said bad mother f**ker , bouncer at coyote ugly ,his current situation is he’s living on the streets of Hollywood After talking he agreed that alcohol has led him to where he’s at now he promised to hit up 4 meetings of recovery this month between his next haircut Visit with me ! That’s what I’m doing out here just carrying the message of recovery one haircut at a time,hopefully Richie can get back on track!
Zoe's Mom 4 years ago
Funny, I was thinking he looks like a certain actor and here you go putting him in a Marvel movie! ;D.
Load More Replies...
John Baker 4 years ago
This guy, that hair and beard kinda match his face. But he looks good in the "after" too.
Tantalum_Radium 4 years ago
How is alcohol not only legal but socially acceptable? It ruins lives!
Liz the Wanderer 4 years ago
And we are still fighting for legal weed in some parts of the US.
Load More Replies...
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Hm this is a difficult one. Not improved but can't say the before is better either. Maybe ver short beard (stubble) would ve suited him best? Not sure what hairstyle direction I would go with. Something a bit less plain than the after but also slightly tidier than the before.
#13
rsday I met Chris 52 years old he’s was the original Superman that stood up on Hollywood Boulevard since 1991 greeting tourists he’s is also an actor he’s been in a number of movies. coyote ugly was one I remembered chris and his wife split up a couple of years ago and he really went down hill he’s been living on the streets and says he’s been “drinking his wife” I said your “drinking your life” he drinks five bottles of vodka a day , he is shaking really bad I was cutting his hair I asked him if he has a disorder because the shakes and he said no it’s just because he hadn’t had a drink yet today. As he got his haircut he was drawing really great comic sketches , he was really nice he knows a lot of people in Hollywood on Boulevard. I started telling him about my story about how I got off of drugs and alcohol 14 years ago and I asked him if he was sick and tired of being sick and tired, he got real quiet and teared up and said yes And I said if you’re willing to do what it takes you can still have a life he said he was willing so I gave my number hope he calls! If you or somebody u know is sick and tired of being sick and tired please reach out to somebody there’s places and people that want to help and it’s not too late!
Boopie Dew 4 years ago
He looks like he played Superman, ya gave him the front curl and everything! Wonderful.
John Baker 4 years ago
It's too bad you can't get a set of dentures via Medicaid, that'd really help his look. But he looks good anyway!
Chance Wilson 4 years ago
I think he looks good in both pictures and he kinda looks like edward scissor hands
Brandy Grote 4 years ago
I thought this guy died last year? Many were heartbroken, he was an interesting character.
#14
In Houston , got to meet Virgil underneath the bridge he's 35 and he's created so much wreckage that he feels like he can't get back. I told him it's not too late I really liked him and connected while talking to him ! he's got a light in his eyes and I can see that he wants so much more for himself .He told me about his younger brother and sister and how they have families of their own and I told him about my situation when I was 34 and how I made it out. I gave him my phone number, and I am willing to help when he’s sick and tired of being sick and tired!. One day at a time.
Tantalum_Radium 4 years ago
I hope he can stop comparing his journey with his siblings. The show isn’t over at 35!
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
It mainly seems he has just woken up in the after pic ;) but yea improved. He looks very happy in the after pic (and awake ;) )
Cheryl Carter 4 years ago
The eyes!! All of these guys show so much love and joy in the eyes after their haircut and shave! Absolutely beautiful!
Lynn Morello 4 years ago
It is amazing what a simple Haircut, chat and a smile can do, these are all great looking guys in bad situations. Wishing every one of them all the best for 2021.
Rebekah Blackwolf 4 years ago (edited)
You have a beautiful shine to your eyes and charming face, do not give up mate.
#15
Hannah Edwards 4 years ago
What a great thing to do, showing a little bit of TLC clearly makes a massive difference, you can see it on their faces.
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago (edited)
Yes improvement not much though, he already looked fine before. Curious what else they could ve done with him
#16
Anthony Goldstein (female) 4 years ago
I know! he looks like a guy with a lot of great stories to tell!
Load More Replies...
Marilyn Holt 4 years ago
I know it would be far more complicated, but i wish there was someone who could help with dental work for homeless people. They must suffer a great deal with tooth problems.
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Wow this is a huge improvement. Though one of the few that seems to beam more in the before pic.
Monique Draper 2 years ago
Aweeee, Thank you for taking care of my uncle Ronnie...Love you Jason!!!
Ann Abdelzaher 4 years ago
The clean-up here is great but this is truly one soul that seemed happy even in the before. I would like to know his story.
#17
this is ROBERT he’s been homelesss for three years Got to talking About why he is where he is and he believes and I believe that it’s the drinking and using ! he’s was drinking a small Dickie cup of straight vodka at 9 am while we did a haircut and told me he’s hooked on herion I asked him if he was ready to get off the [things] and off the streets He says he’s super trustworthy and can hold a job if he was able to get clean and sober I believe him I thought he was really super cool such a sweet & super smart dude ,we spoke for a while and he told me he used to be a semi pro Baseball player moved out here from a small town in Ohio to be an actor he had some acting gigs and was managing a restaurant here in Venice for 3 years until consequences of his using lead him to the street his dad is in Ohio a retired paramedic and fireman mom passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease and stepmom is head nurse. I gave him my phone number we’re gonna go to a meeting of recovery this week and there’s talk about getting him. Into treatment if he shows a willingness, when I got home he texted me this , “Your right....I'm taking it all in and it sucks....reminders from people that reach out and care is far and few.... “ I feel like a lot of these guys that are out on the street are looking for a miracle or somebody to help There’s also a lot of people that aren’t willing to do the work but the more people I meet I get to kind of figure out how and who I can help!
#18
I meet ryan yesterday in Hollywood he's currently living on the streets of Hollywood with his girlfriend he's 25 from Ohio , i can relate to him because he's just kinda a big kid , he's into music and unfortunately he is not sick and tired of being sick and tired hes using drugs and I really think that's why he's on the streets ! he's choosing #weed and #speed as his self medication , I offered him help with his drug use but he's just not ready . You can't help someone whos not willing to help themselves ,all I can do is try and be at the right place at the right time with the right person ! I remember before I got sober I had no intention on stop drinking and using until the burning bush moment ! when I was like I can't do this anymore and there was someone to help me!
Tantalum_Radium 4 years ago
It’s an insightful write up to go with this image, how wonderful that he had someone to help him when he was ready... I hope this guy finds the bravery needed to face addiction.
Joonscrab 4 years ago
Agreed! Weed does make him look older than he is too :( it's frustrating to see
Load More Replies... 
#19
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Yes I do too. The chosen cut is too old fashioned for her though.
Load More Replies... 
#20
Boopie Dew 4 years ago
Looks great.. His eyes look so sad in both pictures. He's carrying serious pain.
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
He is sort of smiling in the second one though not broadly and you can see what he has been through. In the first he looks like he is crying in the second he looks appreciative and more peaceful (though still carrying the same baggage)
Load More Replies... Ann Abdelzaher 4 years ago
He looks sad in both pictures but in the second picture, he looks sad but with some dignity.
Anton Kider 4 years ago
This guy must have suffered a lot. I'm not saying the other ones haven't but he looks pretty sad even in the second photo.
Tantalum_Radium 4 years ago
Alcoholism again. It’s a cruel drug and part of its danger is its social acceptability.
#21
*sigh*, The Yellow Teletubby 4 years ago
looking at him makes my happy brain juices go brrrr : )
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
I don't think they should have gone so short with his hair, only should be take the sides off. (Loses a lot of character)
Liz the Wanderer 4 years ago
I'm guessing the guys have significant input into the styling choices.
Load More Replies...
#22
"Simo Häyhä" 4 years ago
and so much higher resolution! The barber did such a nice job on that! (Sarkasim)
Load More Replies... #23
#24
A Subtle transformation in the grooming department here for David but major transformation in the Opportunity department ! while cutting David’s hair today , we discussed his current situation of homelessness and no job. A woman named Joan who works with @foodonfootla . Who’s been seeing David around the community, offered him a job and housing. David also was givin a cell phone from the source a local service here in LA, where we were cutting hair today. that’s what it’s all about everyone doing a little in order to help out a lot !! Another great day of #love and #service #helpthehomeless #themensgroomer ps.special thanks to all the hair people that came out today to help, we had an awesome turn out !!! I
#25
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Improved though I don't know this is the best look for him (not sure what is, maybe kept the hair longer and beard short as stubble or even gone? )
Ann Abdelzaher 4 years ago
I think he looked nice in the first picture too just need to tighten up the beard in both pictures.
Sue Sanders 4 years ago
I like this guy - before. No doubt because, being an old hippie, I'm turned on by the long hair. Not too crazy about the facial stuff, though.
#26
#27
Donna Johansen 4 years ago
He's got a wicked little smile - looks like mischief in a good way.
#28
James Game 4 years ago
The second photo made me think how proud he now looks and that can't be easy in the situation of being homeless
#29
#30
Sharon Madsen 4 years ago
For all of these: the haircuts are great, the shaves, etc. But, it's the SMILES that make the biggest transformation.
*sigh*, The Yellow Teletubby 4 years ago
he looks like a cartoon characterrrrrrrr I love himmmmmm
#31
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
What a difference a smile makes (and a suit..)
Load More Replies...
#32
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Bot sure exactly what has been dobe but he does look better in the after pic
#34
Monica black 4 years ago
What a moment for them. It may not last long without help but the biggest difference I saw between the pictures wasn't the transformation of hair but rather the transformation of their joy in themselves. The smiles reached all the way to their eyes. Pride and joy in themselves for the first time in a long time. All because someone SAW them and helped...what a change.
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
I think a big part was not just getting the haircut but mainly the conversations he had with them. Someone seeing you and listening to you, acknowledging you.
Load More Replies...
#36
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Yes he has a softness and joy that makes you feel good.
Load More Replies...
Add New Image
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Kate Kyffin 4 years ago
And all smiles says it all. Well done for giving people some self respect and happiness.
Exadoor Rising123 4 years ago
I believe the person doing this deserves more recognition and public help. It is a wonderful thing to be able to help all these people regain dignity and strength to face another day in their difficult lives.
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 4 years ago
I find it really interesting that the barber's name is "Schneidman". Because in German, that's pretty much the word for his profession: "cutter man" would be the translation. But a great project!
Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
This is a nationwide issue. California has a huge homeless population because the weather makes living on the streets somewhat bearable. There need to be campuses in lesser populated areas to house these individuals. They need medical/psychological care, job training and education. Reintroduction into society. So many are creative and artistic. There should be arts communities too, not unlike the WPA. What a waste of lives to not help them.
Jean Agnes 4 years ago
I nominate this awesome barber "Barber of the year" . Thank you kind sir! He should receive some kind of humanitarian award.. such a lovely guy..
SocksNeverMatch 4 years ago
Give them a shower shave and a JOB, HOME, Mental HEALTH assistance!!
Oskar vanZandt 4 years ago
Getting a haircut feels good... in most of the instances above it's like the loss of hair also took a load off mentally/emotionally :)
Michael Se 4 years ago
Shows that if we provided the means for basic human services... a lot of society's ills wouldn't exist.
Liz the Wanderer 4 years ago
Yes!! When we treat the homeless as invisible, we double their burden.
Load More Replies... Kate Kyffin 4 years ago
And all smiles says it all. Well done for giving people some self respect and happiness.
Exadoor Rising123 4 years ago
I believe the person doing this deserves more recognition and public help. It is a wonderful thing to be able to help all these people regain dignity and strength to face another day in their difficult lives.
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 4 years ago
I find it really interesting that the barber's name is "Schneidman". Because in German, that's pretty much the word for his profession: "cutter man" would be the translation. But a great project!
Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
This is a nationwide issue. California has a huge homeless population because the weather makes living on the streets somewhat bearable. There need to be campuses in lesser populated areas to house these individuals. They need medical/psychological care, job training and education. Reintroduction into society. So many are creative and artistic. There should be arts communities too, not unlike the WPA. What a waste of lives to not help them.
Jean Agnes 4 years ago
I nominate this awesome barber "Barber of the year" . Thank you kind sir! He should receive some kind of humanitarian award.. such a lovely guy..
SocksNeverMatch 4 years ago
Give them a shower shave and a JOB, HOME, Mental HEALTH assistance!!
Oskar vanZandt 4 years ago
Getting a haircut feels good... in most of the instances above it's like the loss of hair also took a load off mentally/emotionally :)
Michael Se 4 years ago
Shows that if we provided the means for basic human services... a lot of society's ills wouldn't exist.
Liz the Wanderer 4 years ago
Yes!! When we treat the homeless as invisible, we double their burden.
Load More Replies...
Related on Bored Panda
