I am Harold Brown, the best one-armed barber in the world, from New York, and I uplift the community. I teach barbering to anyone who wants to learn because a haircut can change a life. The best reward is seeing the people I teach prosper—money can’t buy that feeling.

Barbershops are social mechanics. They calm, uplift, and connect people. Every haircut carries energy that can transform a person’s day, their mindset, and even the community around them. I’ve seen it in prisons, neighborhoods, and families. A barber builds trust, listens to stories, and helps people feel seen and valued. That connection ripples outward, shaping the attitudes and behaviors of everyone who interacts with the barbershop.

I’ve overcome hatred, prison, and mistakes, and I know the value of guidance. I teach humility, respect, and empathy alongside the craft of barbering. It’s not just about cutting hair—it’s about helping people feel confident, giving them tools to improve their lives, and showing them that someone believes in them. I’ve taught students from all backgrounds, ages two to ninety-two, and I’ve seen how that care spreads throughout the community.

Barbering isn’t just a job—it’s a way to give back. Every haircut, every lesson, every conversation has the power to uplift, heal, and transform. At the American Barber Institute, I pass on these lessons so my students can do the same.