FROM REGRET TO REDEMPTION: HAIRDRESSER OFFERS FINAL HAIRCUTS TO THE FRAIL, TERMINALLY ILL

By Mohamad Harith Mohamad Nizar

IPOH, Feb 18  (Bernama) -- Feeling guilty for putting off his grandmother’s request for a haircut eight years ago became the turning point that reshaped Ezuan Husaini Rosli’s life, not just as a hairdresser, but as a human being.

The 33-year-old recalled that in 2018, he finally made time to cut the hair of his frail 80-year-old grandmother after she had asked him repeatedly.

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“An hour after I cut her hair, she passed away due to shortness of breath,” he told Bernama when met recently.

The moment left a deep mark on him.

“My grandfather said I was fortunate because at least I managed to cut her hair. But I still felt guilty because she had asked me many times before, and I kept delaying it,” he said.

That regret became his awakening.

A Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 3 holder in hairdressing, Ezuan resolved to use his skills to serve those who are frail, terminally ill or have little hope of recovery, free of charge.

For the father of two, the mission is simple yet profound, which is to ensure that cancer patients, tumour sufferers and elderly individuals, especially those abandoned or homeless, look neat and dignified before they “return” to their Creator.

“It is my small share for the afterlife,” he said quietly.

He usually learns about patients through his mother, relatives and friends. Sometimes, family members and even patients themselves reach out directly to seek his help.

One experience that deeply touched him was cutting the hair of the late Nassry Mardee Ismail, fondly known as “Cikgu E”, who succumbed to three types of cancer last year.

“While cutting his hair, I prayed that every strand that fell would be like his sins falling away. It reminded me that our lives ultimately belong to Allah,” he said.

Ezuan’s passion for hairdressing began early. At 11, he was exposed to hairstyling through his uncle, and by 13, he had his first “client”, a senior at school who wanted a police-style haircut for a foot parade competition.

“I had no proper tools, just a RM5 pair of scissors and a comb. Somehow it worked, and he was satisfied,” he recalled with a smile.

Encouraged by his natural talent, he went on to establish Moss Barbershop in 2015, building a livelihood from the craft he first discovered as a boy.

Today, beyond running his business, Ezuan continues his quiet acts of compassion, travelling to homes and hospital wards to give what he believes is more than just a haircut -- dignity, comfort and a final gesture of care.

Those in the Ipoh area in need of his voluntary services can contact him at 016-9224042 to arrange an appointment.

-- BERNAMA