In the bustling streets of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, lies a vintage barber shop with a heartwarming story that has captured the attention of many. At first glance, it may seem like just another quaint establishment, but step inside, and you’ll find Franz Jakob, a barber with a heart of gold, and his special bond with 6-year-old Wyatt.

“My shop is completely vintage,” Jakob said about his place, Authentischen Barbier. But it’s not just the décor that sets this place apart; it’s the atmosphere of warmth and acceptance that envelops everyone who walks through the door.  For Wyatt, getting a haircut isn’t just a routine task—it’s a challenge. Being a child with autism means that simple experiences can become overwhelming.

But Jakob, with his gentle demeanor and patience, has turned what could be a daunting ordeal into a comforting ritual. “There are no tears, no screams,” Jakob explains. “We enjoy it together.” His approach is not just about cutting hair; it’s about creating a safe space where Wyatt can feel at ease, where the buzz of the clippers becomes a familiar sound of friendship.

Franz Jakob fills his barbershop full of vintage items. Photo courtesy of Jakob

Wyatt’s mother, Fauve Lafrenière, recalls the first time she met Jakob. “At first, I didn’t know he was a barber,” she shares. “But he told me, ‘Bring your boy to my shop, I’ll do his hair.'” And from that moment on, a bond was formed—one that has lasted for two years and counting. With Wyatt, routine is key. He wanders around the shop, taking in his surroundings, occasionally finding solace in laying down. And Jakob, ever attentive, adapts to Wyatt’s needs, ensuring that each haircut is a calm and gentle experience.

All the walls are jammed with photos and stuff from around here,” Jakob said.

“I think that has a positive effect on the kids,” Jakob said. “I think the atmosphere of the barbershop helps a lot. I really take my time doing it. I can take up to 90 minutes cutting hair for kids with special needs.” But it’s not just Wyatt who benefits from Jakob’s kindness. The barber extends his compassion to those facing life’s toughest battles, offering his services to terminally ill customers who seek one last moment of normalcy.

Franz Jakob cuts Wyatt’s hair. Photo courtesy of Jakob

“The first time was some guy who brought me one of his friends who was in his last hours, and he wanted a shave and a haircut,” said Jakob. “It became very emotional, and I said I would do it again. I’m taking great pride doing this. It’s really an honor. We listen to some Hank Williams, and we shave like in the old-school ways.”

In a society where acts of kindness often go unnoticed, Franz Jakob’s story serves as a reminder of the power of empathy and understanding. It’s not about the haircut itself, but the connection forged between two individuals in a vintage barber shop in Quebec. As Wyatt’s mom said, “Jakob is) just fantastic. When we get there, he welcomes Wyatt as a friend. He gives so much to make him comfortable.” And in a world that can sometimes feel chaotic, that sense of comfort is truly invaluable. Watch the kind barber in action below.

Sources: Today | Scary Mommy