VietNamNet Bridge – The portraits of street barbers in Vietnam have appeared on CBS News. The photos were taken by Chris McGrath.

It seems that having one's hair cut in the street is a tradition that goes back to the 18th century. Many of the barbers are ex-military, have retired from the army and cutting hair is a way to augment their army pensions, or just to keep busy and socialize, commented McGrath.

“While I was in Hanoi, I saw a one or two of these street barbers but I read that few work in the city's Old Quarter as there's no space to accommodate their chairs and paraphernalia on its sidewalks. The cost of a haircut ranges from the equivalent of $1 to $4, depending on the barber's abilities and whether the client is a regular or not,” he wrote.

Mr. Quan, 22, poses for a portrait as he waits for customers at his roadside barber shop in Hanoi. Quan has been a street barber for one year after completing service in the army.

Mr Lai, 62, has been a street barber for over 20 years after retiring from the army.

Mr. Khoi, 49, has been a street barber for over 20 years.

Mr Hai, 44, has been a street barber for over 23 years.

Mr. Hung, 58, has been a street barber for over 27 years after retiring from his job with the government.

Mr. Binh, 60, has been a street barber for over 10 years since retiring from the army.

Mr. Tuan, 42, has been a street barber for over 18 years.

Mr. Giang, 29, has been a street barber for over 6 years after leaving school.

Mr. Quy, 34, has been a street barber for over 14 years.

Mr Tuan, 33, has been a street barber for over 7 years.