October 17th 2023.
Harold Brown, a 60-year-old barber from New York City, is living proof that anything is possible. He proudly claims the title of “the best one-armed barber in the world.”
Born with a non-functioning left arm due to a birth defect, Brown faced numerous hardships growing up in Jamaica Queens. He was called hurtful names, leaving him with a need to prove himself. He then made a wrong turn and spent over 30 years in and out of prison.
It was in jail that a fellow inmate named Desperado taught Brown how to cut hair, which changed his life. With determination and practice, Brown honed his skills and learned to work with all hair types. He told PIX11, “I was tired of doing wrong. I needed to do something right in life. I was at rock bottom and in jail. I had nothing, nowhere to turn.”
Returning to society, Brown found his calling in barbering. He started at a Harlem shop and later became a teacher at the American Barber Institute in Manhattan. Teaching quickly became a passion for him, and he proudly shared his expertise with his students.
Despite having one arm, Brown never considered it a real obstacle in his career. He shared, “I never had two hands to use in learning the craft of barbering, so I always had to use one hand. I had to learn to use a razor and had to learn how to use the machines. Once I learned it, I got it. The hardest part about cutting hair with one arm is when a person sees you with one arm and doubts you.”
Brown is known for his precision, and believes that every barber must have a “razor hand.” He takes pride in his students, like Humberto Heras, who also now teaches the craft.
Brown always keeps a positive attitude and believes that if you love yourself and believe in yourself, anything is possible. He said, “Despite what anyone else might think of you, if you love yourself and believe in yourself, you can make it.” His story is a true inspiration and a reminder that no matter the obstacles, hard work and dedication can help you reach your goals.
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