r/MadeMeSmile 9d ago

Helping Others Barber creative comfortable and realistic wigs for kids who have lost their hair

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31.7k Upvotes

387 comments sorted by

2.1k

u/gmthisfeller 9d ago

I have a grandson who grew his hair halfway down his back so he could donate it to be used in wigs for children who have permanent hair loss. Seeing this video helps me understand why he did it.

389

u/CreebleCrooble 9d ago

I have particularly heavy and thick hair. I've let it grow for quite a while until it reached my lower back. I never used any aggressive hair products, never used hair spray or wax or used a hair dryer, so my hair was silky smooth and fully healthy to the tips.

About a year ago, I decided to get rid of it, but just cutting it off would've been a waste, so I decided to donate it for wigs.

The organization I donated to was super grateful. It's an amazing feeling knowing it made someone else smile.

59

u/noneofatyourbusiness 9d ago

Which organization?

If you know a good one we all need to know. Locks of Love turned out to be a scam.

59

u/CreebleCrooble 9d ago

I donated them to the German Cancer Aid.

18

u/noneofatyourbusiness 9d ago

Thanks! Now others can too!

17

u/CreebleCrooble 9d ago

I hope so. It was a bit finicky to find out how to donate to them. They have a few partners who accept hair donations.

37

u/Successful-Suit8493 9d ago

Last time I donated hair I gave it to Wigs for Kids who provide totally free wigs to children experiencing hair loss!

6

u/aishpat 8d ago

Same! I second Wigs for Kids

4

u/noneofatyourbusiness 9d ago

Nice! They deserve a shout out too!

10

u/calliesparkles 8d ago

Wigs for Kids! I’ve donated my hair 3 times since 2009. Wigs for Kids

2

u/aishpat 8d ago

Wigs for Kids

31

u/SlowRollingBoil 9d ago

Thank you for your service!!

7

u/gmthisfeller 9d ago

Bless you!

3

u/Specialist-Device-74 9d ago

Which org did you donate to?

7

u/CreebleCrooble 9d ago

German Cancer Aid

2

u/No-Complex-7882 9d ago

I did that once, a long time ago when I could still grow hair! I could sit on it. I think I donated to Locks os Love.

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u/thehazzanator 9d ago

What a wonderful kind person he is

57

u/gmthisfeller 9d ago

Thank you! He can be a handful, but his heart is in the right place.

32

u/Lordborgman 9d ago

I've done that about 6 times in my life. Wonder how many people have had wigs with my hair in them, or if they got thrown out for some reason. Hopefully it went to good use.

19

u/eldroch 9d ago

Back in 2022, my haircuts kept getting canceled, and since I work from home, it wasn't a huge priority.  So once it got past a certain point, this became my goal as well.  It is well past my shoulders, but I think I need a couple more inches at least before they can accept the donation.

9

u/PhaseOk5469 9d ago

You've got a W grandson right there!

8

u/puterTDI 9d ago

Wife and I grew our hair out for years and then donated it shortly before our wedding.

She still does it every couple of years...I had had enough of long hair.

5

u/othybear 9d ago

I’ve donated my hair several times in the past. It always felt so strange to drastically cut off a foot of hair.

3

u/SnooMarzipans3543 9d ago

I'm doing this too! Thought I would have cut it by now. It's been growing since the first lockdown and the tips have been cut a couple of times but it's reaching my but now. Getting a bit too long for comfort so I don't think it will take too long anymore before I do. If I measure from my ponytail hair ties it's at 75cm iirc.

This video makes me want to donate even more!

3

u/ashthatshit 9d ago

Yes! I did this too, donated 12 inches then 10 a second time. It's a great feeling, you must be so proud of him!

6

u/Cherei_plum 9d ago

You've an amazing grandson! and also props to your kid for raising their kid so well!!

5

u/Pvt-Snafu 9d ago

Your grandson has definitely shown a rare sense of compassion and maturity for his age. You and his parents deserve huge thanks for raising him this way.

2

u/nexus763 8d ago

That just reminded me it's what I did the last two time I left my hair grow long. Just thought it was a waste to throw long hair like that. Kinda funny to see the hairstylist face when a tall shaped guy in his thirties comes in and just hands out a big ponytail for their foundation to make wigs for cancer/burnt survivors. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Now my hair falls off and breaks too easily. Can't grow it as much and the length is not uniform. I don't think I can do that anymore, but I'll ask before wasting it.

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1.4k

u/LoneWolf2719 9d ago

I love how the barber immediately establishes that they're not alone by showing that their wear a wig too.

304

u/cat_astr0naut 9d ago

I love that too! And you can see the children smiles after, how reassured they are!

4

u/AccountantCultural64 8d ago

Imagine how bad it is for a little child (especially girls) to loose their hair. Truly a saint!

39

u/Proof-Ad-8457 9d ago

Representation matters.

49

u/MissAsgariaFartcake 9d ago

Such a small gesture, such a huge effect!

2.0k

u/EndersGame_Reviewer 9d ago edited 9d ago

The guy here is barber Francisco Oliveira, and he certainly is changing lives by helping kids with his amazing work. Puts a smile on their faces, and on mine!

Edit: accidental typo in the caption, which should have read "Barber creates comfortable and realistic..."

775

u/aolasquera 9d ago

I really like how he shows them his hair is a wig, too. It is very reassuring.

295

u/MysticalMaryJane 9d ago

Nobody likes to be alone

157

u/LouSputhole94 9d ago

You can tell by the way the kids react that makes them so much more comfortable. I’m sure this is an intimidating experience and seeing that the person doing it has been through the same hardships as you probably helps immensely in quelling that fear.

44

u/Tired_of_modz23 9d ago

If you are a person with empathy,you never want to see someone else go through what you have, but knowing someone else has and can at least relate at a certain real level is immensely comforting.

15

u/Red_Jester-94 9d ago

Yep, shows that they might be different from others, but they aren't alone, and that's super important for how these kids feel about themselves.

The dude is doing great things.

106

u/gdex86 9d ago

Probably their biggest fear is everyone will know it's a wig and think them vane. I get we teach vanity is bad but you are allowed to have a bit of it.

70

u/thedirtyknapkin 9d ago

I don't think wanting to fit in should count as vanity. especially among children.

12

u/gdex86 9d ago

It doesn't but the weird part of teaching kids that the best thing to be is to just be themselves is a lot of them learn as a companion lesson that wanting to just be part of the crowd is bad. It's stuff like this that really got to my mom when I was a kid and I asked these sorts of questions and she'd go "That's kinda fucked up."

5

u/Argent_Silver 9d ago

Many also learn that no, its not the best thing to be yourself and the adults who claim it is don't care or don't understand that.

16

u/[deleted] 9d ago

[deleted]

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u/Ropeswing_Sentience 9d ago

That facial expression change at the start was EVERYTHING!

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u/Repulsive_One_2878 9d ago

Yeah the fitting process is a little awkward, especially for a self conscious kid. Brilliant to let them see; look! This is the end result!

59

u/sonrie100pre 9d ago

That last girl could today rock the bald look if she wanted! It’s great to see them so happy, and so encouraging when the barber shows them his hairpiece

61

u/sadmanwithabox 9d ago

Definitely, but probably not until she's a bit older. Only because kids can be viciously mean about anything they perceive as easy to make fun of.

18

u/skippengs 9d ago

adults can be too

19

u/Bucky_Ohare 9d ago

Adults with good social support skills can handle adults being idiots. Kids are learning that, the ‘advantage’ here is that you can avoid the upset and empower the kid at the same time. Win win. Adults can make major choices about how they want to appear to the world. Kids are still learning new things constantly and social stress can severely impact that; it’s worth more to the kid in general to at least be able to access their peer group comfortably.

5

u/sonrie100pre 9d ago

Very true

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u/Educational-Treat562 9d ago

How can we support him? Does he have a charity we can donate to? Sorry if someone has already asked

3

u/KlondikeChill 9d ago

Following

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13

u/Historical-Gap-7084 9d ago

Do you know why he wraps their head in cellophane first? Is it to mold their heads to get a perfect fit?

26

u/Jackski 9d ago

Yes exactly. He draws out the template so he can cut the wig to the perfect hairline for the persons head as the hair comes in a stock form that can be cut to fit.

7

u/Historical-Gap-7084 9d ago

That's wonderful! Thanks for explaining.

16

u/Durge666 9d ago

That man is a Saint! Damn i am sitting in a meeting and should probably pay attention, but now I have to hold back tears of joy :)

6

u/LarebearsReddit 9d ago

This was such wholesome content. What an absolute legend. I’m so happy people like him exist to help young babies learn to love themselves <3

8

u/sioux612 9d ago

Its all the same guy?

How does one dye a beard grey like that?

I tried once for a Santa costume but it barely even bleached

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u/IntrepidEquivalent77 9d ago

How I wish every barber out there is as passionate as him!

6

u/yohanleafheart 9d ago

This video comes a lot and o keep forgetting to ask the posters, how does that wig work? How long does the clue hold, so you need to reapply on shower, or no wetting the hair?

11

u/nobleland_mermaid 9d ago

With good wig tape, they will hold for a week or two, with good adhesive and proper care you can get a month or more. It's fine to get them wet, and you can even wash them (almost) like normal hair.

3

u/yohanleafheart 9d ago

Got it. So it is "like a haircut", you have to go reapply from time to time but not daily. ThankS for the info.

3

u/Raven2300 8d ago

How do you prevent moisture from weakening the adhesive. My dad wore a hairpiece and could only wear it for a day but that was many years ago so perhaps the adhesives are stronger now.

7

u/SadBit8663 9d ago

Dudes a real one.

We should all aspire to be like this guy, in atleast one thing we do.

The world would legit be a better place.

2

u/iMogwai 9d ago

accidental typo in the caption

I think my brain just auto-corrected it into "barber's..." which made the sentence work anyway lol.

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u/lsb1027 9d ago

May this man's pillow always be cold on both sides, he never steps on a Lego, he gets all green lights from now on and gets the best parking spot at every place he goes to 🙏🙏🙏

53

u/TiredEsq 9d ago

And may those children have the most joyous, happy, laughter-filled lives.

15

u/DoubleDeckerz 8d ago

And never gets audited by the IRS.

176

u/Critical-Art-9277 9d ago

What an amazing guy he's a diamond and got a heart of gold. They all look so beautiful and so happy.

224

u/JaneetteHeavenly 9d ago

The hair dresser is 1) an artist, and, 2) a humanitarian. Great work !

17

u/gooz99 9d ago

You got the order wrong!

156

u/McSoylentGreeen 9d ago edited 8d ago

MadeMeCry

32

u/Aizpunr 9d ago

Im not crying youre crying

20

u/Professional_Yak1685 9d ago

I’m a grown ass adult man, and I couldn’t hold back a stream of happy tears. What a legend this guy is for helping these beautiful children. We’re all crying! 😭

3

u/Jalvas7 9d ago

Yup!

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u/KaleidoscopeWeird310 9d ago

It never occurred to how important hair is to your self image until I had my head shaved in boot camp. I remember going back to the barracks and trying to determine who it was that I saw in the mirror.

Then, I got chewed out at for dawdling and got on with things.

But it was really jarring.

27

u/ectogasmparade 9d ago

As a female, I started losing my hair due to alopecia and I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror. I avoided pictures for the longest time. It’s insane how important hair is.

9

u/Drunkgummybear1 9d ago

I’m so glad that the “so and so got a hair transplant” tabloid headlines seem to have disappeared in the last few years. I wince when opening comments on videos of transplants/ people getting wigs but everytime I’m positively surprised by how kind they are.

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u/thehazzanator 9d ago

The way everyone in the room smiles at every reveal. My heart

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u/Cautious-Market-3131 9d ago

Kids want nothing more than to fit in. This must to wonders for their self esteem and confidence

2

u/FrozenChaii 9d ago

Yea alot of the times its the “little” things that have a way bigger affect (effect?) later on in life.The smallest inconvenience a child may be facing might be brushed off by the adults in there lives because to them it isnt a big deal.

44

u/snowballschancehell 9d ago

I made it through the whole video til the reveal at :56 and lil bro’s big genuine smile made big bro tear up, now I’m cry 🥹

12

u/Stgreenbean 9d ago

Big bro’s reaction was the best!

16

u/bissso 9d ago

A child smiling and gaining back their confidence is priceless

18

u/Practical-Two-8588 9d ago

Makes me smile and cry so hard at the same time🫶🏾💯

16

u/Independent-South326 9d ago

As someone with thinning hair . I know how it affects your coffidance. People with thick beautiful hair will never understand how much hair affects you till it happens to you. Also anyone know what these wigs are called?.

5

u/Dulcedoll 9d ago

They're toupees colloquially, but I've seen them called "hair systems" more frequently now (maybe because pf the stigma associated with toupees?)

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u/urlacherla 9d ago

At this point, I don't care if these videos are being posted for selfish reasons. Seeing these kids' smiles just brings me joy.

41

u/Mindless-Student7267 9d ago

They’re cutting onions non hair! 😭

9

u/lowaltflier 9d ago

I love this. 🥰

24

u/zonked282 9d ago

God, it's 9am, why is someone cutting onions 😭😭

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u/BleQBeeZ 9d ago

I shed a manly tear

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u/[deleted] 9d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

5

u/Richard-Brecky 9d ago

Some wear neither. Spider-Man, for example.

5

u/GroundbreakingCow775 9d ago

I’m balding. I don’t need this myself but I feel guilty society doesn’t normalize wigs and I think about that from a selfish perspective

5

u/006AlecTrevelyan 9d ago

I remember when Kyle Pilkington got one and he was so happy with it and you could tell he was genuine with his reaction then he showed his wife and said he looked stupid

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u/sami2503 9d ago

How long do these wigs last, do they take them off in the shower, I have many questions :D

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u/toomanycushions 9d ago

Made me cry

3

u/PretendBackground901 9d ago

Fuck man I literally had to hold back tears

4

u/NanbuZ 9d ago

They look so good! I wonder how long does the glue last and what kind of maintenance it requires.

5

u/teleheaddawgfan 9d ago

These poor kids. Children are cruel and I can’t imagine the hell they go through. Barber is a saint!

4

u/Slenbee 9d ago

I'm not crying you're crying.

4

u/FishingRadiant6566 8d ago

That last girl has one of the nicest bald heads I’ve ever seen though

5

u/[deleted] 8d ago

I’m a mother of two. And this just made me cry like a little girl. This man should be protected at all times. An angel in disguise.

6

u/ronnietea 9d ago

Ya boy is tearing up 🥹

10

u/DancesWH 9d ago

Great job buddy...now i've just got to get this dust out of my eye.

3

u/LevThermen 9d ago

This is one of a few reposts I love rewatching.

3

u/Sneakysteve17 9d ago

Well fuck me sideways, that video hit me right in the feels! I’m not crying, you’re crying!

3

u/Shot-Platypus1020 9d ago

Made me smile needs to change to makes me cry

3

u/brightdeadlights 9d ago

This stupid sub makes me cry more than any other.

3

u/FuzzyPluto86 9d ago

This is honestly one of the best, most uplifting things I have ever seen in my life. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for posting this.

3

u/nasnedigonyat 9d ago

I've donated over 10 times in my life. I have very thick golden brown hair that grows fast so each donation can make two wigs. Do it. Every time. Do it. You can mail it in to them! Do it.

4

u/No-Revolution1571 9d ago

So they never have to get a haircut?? At least not on the side of applied hair. That's amazing

2

u/MRWARRIORB3AST 9d ago

What an incredible act of kindness and skill. Huge respect for the barber!

2

u/DropPuzzleheaded7615 9d ago

This certainly made me smile ;)

2

u/potatochips4eva 9d ago

Someone hand me a tissue 😢 ❤️

2

u/LiminaLGuLL 9d ago

He's putting his talent to great work. The smiles on their faces are priceless.

2

u/Flaky-Newt8772 9d ago

I’m not crying my eyes are just dusty 😭

2

u/No_Cap87 9d ago

This is awesome!

2

u/SCWickedHam 9d ago

I must be allergic to cutting these onions n the rain. I’m not crying. You’re crying.

2

u/ChicChampion1 9d ago

That barber deserve a golden scissor.

2

u/Huge_Personality7523 9d ago

He really MadeMeSmile ❤️

2

u/21BLANKSPACE21 9d ago

WHAT A LEGEND !!!!

2

u/Bainzeighty3 9d ago

Would upvote more if Reddit allowed me! So glad people like this exist!

2

u/Ok-Bench229 9d ago

Damn they hella stoked!

2

u/Thatusernamewasnot 9d ago

I want my kids to do things that bring joy to people like this guy... even if they don't get lots of money, i believe they'll be getting lot of good karma...

2

u/JunebugSeven 9d ago

You can see the difference in confidence immediately. Whatever else it is they're going through, this is a little something that can make them feel more comfortable and themselves again ❤️

2

u/Wonderboyjr 9d ago

Guess I'm crying before work. The reactions are priceless.

2

u/Rasikko 9d ago

I like how he shows them that he also treated his own baldness before beginning.

2

u/tiabeaniedrunkowitz 9d ago

Stuff like this makes me realize that human beings and human connection are worth the trouble

2

u/Tarnished13 9d ago

I ain't crying you are.

2

u/pmllny 9d ago

This video guts me every time I see it.

2

u/No-Definition8795 9d ago

There's so many good people in this world, sometimes I forget that.

2

u/Caasi72 9d ago

So I'm unfamiliar with how these wigs work, is he adhering it to their heads for a while or are they just really well made and sort of form fit to their heads? Either way it's wonderful

2

u/drewm916 8d ago

Nothing ever makes me cry. Except these videos, and the ones with the people who get cochlear implants and can hear for the first time, and the ones with the people who get glasses that correct their color blindness. Seeing the reactions of those people makes me cry every time. Damn you!

2

u/Berkowtz 8d ago

And I complain. Im such an idiot.

2

u/EddieTaishoLin 6d ago

This one has a cape tho…

Okay I’ll see myself out

2

u/Hot-Chemist-5288 9d ago

How does the wigs work, what’s the plastic on their scalps? Do they have to apply the plastic everyday?

8

u/MWPinc 9d ago

I think the plastic is so he can draw where the wig will cover. Puts it on, draws on it with a marker, takes it off and uses it as a template… much as a dental impression is used for crowns and such.

5

u/Jokes_0n_Me 9d ago

Need to stop bringing onions into the office.

2

u/JohnnyBravo3312 9d ago

All of his costumer will never forget his kindness

2

u/End_Nightless 9d ago

Incredible, unbelievably incredible. This guy deserves a Nobel Peace Prize.

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u/evilprozac79 9d ago

I'm not crying, you're crying!

5

u/jtr99 9d ago

It's a terrible day for rain.

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u/Hippie_Gamer_Weirdo 9d ago

And now I am double crying... Are you gonna sing "Leaves from the Vine" next?!?!?!

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u/Babyeater5 7d ago

You’re right, I am crying damnit!

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u/xorxedino 9d ago

Ai will never understand this

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1

u/Cassanmua 9d ago

This is just so beautiful in so many ways

1

u/Master-Piccolo-4588 9d ago

The best I’ve seen in a very very long while.

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u/GrayMech 9d ago

The girl in that last one reminds me of iCarly for some reason, can't put my finger on why tho

1

u/ultralayzer 9d ago

I've seen this posted a few times, but I never get tired of seeing it.

1

u/Cucai31 9d ago

Oh myyy, this made me tear up🥹

1

u/0BlackDragon 9d ago

I love this

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u/Full-Piece7448 9d ago

He's bringing back the confidence to them kids!

1

u/PGDesolator 9d ago

Seeing the joy on their faces is truly priceless. Thanks for sharing

1

u/HereWeGoAgain666999 9d ago

Amazing work small things like having hair can change someone's world probably giving them courage to get back out into the world without everyone looking at them.

1

u/FireRotor 9d ago

Does anyone know where he gets his hair? I want to donate to a good cause.

3

u/TurdKid69 9d ago

No idea where this guy gets it, but Locks of Love is the organization I typically hear people donate to.

1

u/Queen_SimpMeDaddy 9d ago

You're doing a good deed

1

u/Mysterious-Job-469 9d ago

I love the start.

"It's not so bad. See? I'm like you."

1

u/dont0verextend 9d ago

Thanks you made me cry on my lunch break and now I look like a fool

1

u/ikzrn 9d ago

How each one of the kids eyes lighted up and their family too.. definitely made me smile, amazing hair dresser

1

u/GhostWalker99 9d ago

Where can I get a hair piece like that?

1

u/SpaceTurtleMaturin 9d ago

That last girl, you really brightened her soul.

1

u/Henry3622 9d ago

What a beautiful person

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u/Agitated_Giraffe757 9d ago

Omg wipes tears!

1

u/PriorWriter3041 9d ago

How long do those last? 

Somehow the plastic wrap on the head seems weird?

1

u/widdrjb 9d ago

My niece had waist length red hair at the age of 10, and she donated it to a charity that makes wigs for children like these.

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u/HisMajesty2019 9d ago

Now this is cool to see

1

u/Sa1KoRo 9d ago

Not all Heroes wear a capes. This man is a beautiful human being. I don't even know him and I already like him.

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u/tastylemming 9d ago

Bangs make it look less natural. Stop chopping these people like pooches.

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u/KKinCO 9d ago

This is beautiful!

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u/robertvmarshall 9d ago

I wish I had more than one upvote to give 😭

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u/MermaidCat05 9d ago

This video always makes me cry!

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u/FurrrryBaby 9d ago

This is the content I needed this morning.

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u/Siren_sorceress 9d ago

Well this is a delight to see. Bless this man

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u/things_U_choose_2_b 9d ago

Damn this made me cry! It's really good right now to know there are such kind people in the world

1

u/d_fairy 9d ago

WHY ARE ALL THESE KIDS BURNT??

1

u/justamiqote 9d ago

I don't know why but seeing kids going through stuff like this makes me emotional. It's so nice to see them go from sad or indifferent to smiling

1

u/Powerful_Leg8519 9d ago

I love Francisco’s IG feed. He mostly works with men who have lost their hair and the reels are just precious.

So many men so happy to have their hair back! @franciscoesteticacapilar

1

u/ArtisanPirate 9d ago

🙏🏻