Miguel Delvalle: From Homelessness to Heroism
In an inspiring story of resilience and goodwill, Miguel Delvalle, a dedicated barber from Hartford, Connecticut, has made it to the finals of the esteemed Wahl Benevolent Beards Contest. This contest not only recognizes outstanding beards but also shines a spotlight on individuals who make a positive impact through their charitable works.
A Journey from Struggles to Success
Miguel's life has been a testament to the power of persistence. Once facing homelessness, he didn't allow his past struggles to define his future. In 2020, Miguel opened his own barbershop, an endeavor that changed his life and the lives of many within the community.
His barbershop’s opening was marked by a serendipitous moment when he realized that his business was located next to a homeless shelter. As Miguel prepared for the launch, men from the shelter began visiting him for free haircuts. His generous spirit quickly gained traction, leading to the creation of the 'No Hair Left Behind' event, where he offered complimentary haircuts to those in need.
Expand this initiative further, Miguel established his own charity, Scissors Society, Inc., which aims to provide essential grooming services to those disadvantaged in the community. His unwavering commitment to giving back exemplifies the values celebrated by the Wahl Benevolent Beards Contest.
The Wahl Benevolent Beards Contest
Wahl® Grooming’s Benevolent Beards Contest aims to honor men like Miguel who blend grooming with generosity. Contestants submit videos illustrating their commitment to charitable work. Miguel’s narrative resonated with the Wahl team, earning him a spot as one of the top five finalists. The winner will not only receive a grand prize of $5,000 for himself but also a significant contribution of $20,000 for their chosen charity.
Renowned for its commitment to men's grooming, Wahl has created a platform for voters to determine the most benevolent bearded individual in America. Miguel's candidacy showcases how a beard can symbolize compassion and community service.
Vote for Miguel
Miguel Delvalle isn’t the only inspiring finalist in this year's contest. He's competing against four other remarkable individuals, each making a significant contribution to their communities. Among these finalists are:
- - Kevin Simmons from Gainesville, GA, a pediatric speech pathologist who volunteers as a sensory barber. He provides a comfortable haircutting experience for children with sensory sensitivities, giving them an opportunity to enjoy getting their hair cut rather than fearing it.
- - Darren Thompson from Washington, D.C., who founded the East River Dog Park Group to create a communal space for dogs and their owners. Beyond the dog park, he also addresses neighborhood inequities through various community support initiatives.
- - Jesse Presson from Charlottesville, VA, a U.S. Army veteran advocating for veterans struggling with PTSD and other challenges as he works with the Hyperbaric Wellness Foundation.
- - Ryan Saunders from Seattle, WA, who leads the National Film Festival for Talented Youth, providing a platform for young filmmakers from diverse backgrounds to connect and collaborate.
Voting for the contest is open until September 12, 2025, and the community is encouraged to show support by casting their votes. You can vote for Miguel and support Scissors Society, Inc. by visiting
Wahl's voting page.
A Legacy of Generosity
Wahl's commitment to outstanding grooming products and community service continues to set industry standards. With the contest highlighting inspiring stories like Miguel's, it amplifies the message that grooming goes beyond the physical—it can represent hope, community, and a commitment to uplift those in need.
As Miguel Delvalle works to grow his business and charity, he serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with determination and a heart for service. Join Miguel in his journey, and let’s celebrate the true spirit of benevolence together.