Seattle based Daniel Bacon is making a difference in the world, one head at a time. He has been helping the local homeless population by using his craft to provide a literal touch of humanity.

Based at Salon Circa on Fourth Avenue, Bacon spends his free time on the streets - handing out free haircuts, smiles and more when he can. Absolutely passionate about connecting his work with his community, Bacon considers the intimacy of hairstyling to be a gift that is both easy and rewarding to share. “You don’t just have to give money to make a difference,” he says. “The hair community has an incredible blessing to offer – we touch people, and we touch hearts.”

Bacon has made sharing part of his professional commitment since he was in cosmetology school. He gave away his scholarship money to a fellow student in need. He grabbed a friend and made home visits to give haircuts and pampering to a housebound Sunny Day Holcomb, a virtual stranger in the final stages of multiple sclerosis. Since then, he has given free haircuts, dignity and connections to hundreds of Seattle’s homeless individuals, walking the streets and pulling out his scissors for anyone ready for a new look. “Sometimes it's not just about the haircut,” says Bacon. “It’s about providing basic human needs such as shoes, toiletries and a conversation – things the rest of us have access to and that can provide someone a better life.”

Bacon has recruited partners to bring more resources to the population he helps, including Goldwell (who alerted MODERN to Bacon), the brand he uses at his salon. Goldwell also donates color products to support his efforts. He also regularly teams up with other area non-profits such as Redeeming Soles to funnel needed resources to the people he meets.

“Daniel is such an inspiration, and we are delighted to support what he does inside and outside the salon,” says Trevor Attenborough, General manager Kao Salon Division, North American, home of Goldwell hair color. “He reminds us how powerful our work can be in making people feel cared for and good about themselves.”

Bacon’s passion has indeed changed lives. He’s particularly proud of his friend Keith Sullivan, a man he first met sleeping on the street outside Macy’s. He cut Sullivan's hair, got to know him, listened to his poetry, took him home for a few days over the holidays, and eventually connected him with a recovery program. Sullivan has thrived, becoming a mentor and leader to others in recovery and serving as an articulate ambassador to the wider Seattle community.

“I have had so many mentors in my life, and when I can motivate and inspire other stylists to live beyond themselves – there’s nothing better,” adds Bacon.