A barber vendor near the temple wall earns about $25 a day

According to Cambodian media reports, most barber shops have adopted modern store formats for business, not only in the capital Phnom Penh, but also in other parts of the country.

Although modern barbershops have become the industry of choice for most people, there are still some barbershops that choose to operate in a retro or minimalist manner. These small barbershops are usually located next to schools or temple walls.

Quang Song En, 45, is an experienced barber from Svay Rien Province and has been working in this field for 17 years.He told Cambodian media that he initially worked at a small stall near TV Station 5, but later moved to a temple wall near the Russian Embassy.Guang Songen said that because he has two children to support, he has to go out to cut people's hair year-round.He said that although his job was very hard, he always liked his profession because he could help others solve their problems.Quang Songen's hairdressing business is very popular in rural areas of Cambodia.He said many people know his name and often invite him to their villages to cut their hair.He also often goes to nearby towns and villages to serve people who need haircuts.Despite the hard work, Guang Songen is still passionate about his work.He believes that his barbering business not only allows him to earn a living, but also gives him a sense of accomplishment.He said that if given the opportunity, he would like to open more barber stalls in more places in Cambodia to provide services to more people.

He said that although his job is not so conspicuous compared to other industries, he can at least save 8 to 10 riel (approximately US$20 to US$25) for his family every day.
The interviewee stated that most of the people who visit his barber stall are regulars from the neighborhood.Some people started visiting his stall in 2000.The price of his haircut services ranges from 5000 riel to 6000 riel.

Another barber from Kampong Cham Province, Chong Chen, said he has been setting up a stall beside the temple wall to cut hair for about 10 years.People who come to him for haircuts include both old and young people, and about 10 to 15 people get their hair cut every day.
Mr. Chongchen earns approximately between 8 and 10 riel per day, a career that allows him to support his family and provide his children with a good education.