A top New York stylist cuts hair for homeless people on his days off

Mark Bustos lives by the mantra 'be awesome to somebody'. He's pretty awesome himself.

A top New York hair stylist has been praised for donating his spare time to offer free haircuts to members of the city's homeless community.

Mark Bustos, a 30-year-old stylist who during the week sees clients at the upmarket Three Squares Studio in Manhattan, spends his Sundays on the streets, offering professional trims to those who can't afford them.

(Mark in action)

Originally from The Philippines, Mark has become a social media star as he posts images of his work to his Instagram account with the hashtag #BeAwesomeToSomebody.

"They don't always know when their next haircut will be. Most times they ask me to buzz it all off... Til we meet again," he wrote in the caption to the below picture.

“There is so much negativity in this world today,” Bustos told TODAY.com, “and I just simply wanted to bring some positive energy and hope into this world.”

He said he also offers food to the people he helps.

Sometimes the trim means something special to somebody. As with the below, where Mark wrote "Best Mother's Day gift I ever gave to anyone1"

Sometimes the 'before and after' transformation is quite extraordinary.

And sometimes a tidy-up is enough to give somebody back a little of their dignity.

Mark is determined to keep spreading the love in NYC, and hopes that other people will be inspired by his actions.

(All pictures: Mark Bustos via Instagram)