'The livelihood comes from God'
Mosul barber offers full grooming for 1,000 dinars to support low-income youth
MOSUL — In Mosul’s Al-Ta’leem neighborhood, 20-year-old barber Youssef Louay offers full grooming sessions—including haircuts and razor work—for just 1,000 Iraqi dinars (about $0.70), aiming to support young people who can’t afford standard barbershop prices.
“I started this initiative for young people,” Louay told 964media. “Many of them can’t afford to pay 6,000 or 7,000 dinars for a haircut, so I decided to offer it for just 1,000.”
Louay learned the trade over three years while working alongside barbers before opening his own shop with a friend. “I left school because I loved barbering,” he said. “We now serve both children and adults.”
Though his daily earnings are modest, Louay says he’s grateful for whatever he makes. “If I get 10,000 or 15,000 dinars a day, I say Alhamdulillah,” he said. “The livelihood comes from God. But above all, my goal is to support the poor.”
Customer Mohammed Al-Hadidi praised both the service and the pricing. “We’re five people, and Yusuf gives us the full treatment for 1,000 dinars each,” he said. “Many young people are struggling financially. Their treatment of customers is also very respectful.”
Louay called on other barbers to adopt a similar mindset. “I hope every barber looks after the poor, the customers, and the youth,” he said. “Many people don’t have money, and we should support each other.”
