Cork hair salon that gives free haircuts to homeless people to close after 40 years

Joseph’s Hair Salon plans to open their doors to the homeless one last time on December 3

Married couple Darren Kilkenny (left) and Joseph Byrne (right) with Caitriona Twomey (centre) of Cork Penny Dinners getting 'styled' in the chair. Joe, who has given free haircuts to hundreds of homeless people over the years at Joseph’s Hair Salon in Glasheen is preparing to retire in December after 40 years in business. Picture: Larry Cummins

It is not the long-overdue haircut, but rather the human contact that elicits tears of joy in a homeless man visiting Joseph’s Hair Salon in Glasheen, Cork City. The reflection staring back from the mirror is unrecognisable. His beaming smile is telling. 

The satisfied customer is one of hundreds who have benefitted from the kindness of Joe Byrne and his staff at Joseph’s Hair Salon over the years. Joe is visibly emotional as he talks about plans to open the doors of his salon to the homeless one last time on December 3.