A tattoo artist from Tokara is turning his clients' hair into stunning artworks celebrating the FIFA World Cup

In the coastal town of Tokara, Libyan barber Marwan Al-Aqouri is redefining creativity by collecting hair clippings from his clients and transforming them into intricate artworks, including the official FIFA World Cup logo, adorning the floor of his barbershop.

Using only natural hair clippings of various colors, Al-Aqouri meticulously arranges the cut to form detailed designs, turning his shop floor into a gallery of unique eco-friendly art. His latest creation, a detailed World Cup logo, has sparked widespread admiration on social media.

A Unique Blend of Art and Sustainability

Al-Aqouri collects hair clippings of different shades from his daily customers, then carefully sorts and places them on the shop floor to form his designs. He uses no artificial colors or chemical materials, making every piece 100% natural.

"Every client who sits in my chair leaves something behind — their hair. I thought, why not give it a second life as art?" Al-Aqouri told local media.

His art has gained significant traction online, with videos and photos shared across platforms like Facebook and Instagram, earning thousands of interactions from viewers across Libya and the Arab world.

What Makes This Artwork Stand Out?

  • The barber uses only natural hair clippings — no artificial colors or chemical dyes
  • Each design takes between 3 to 5 hours of meticulous hand-placement
  • The World Cup logo measures approximately 2 meters in diameter onli>
  • Over 50 clients contributed hair clippings for his various artworks to date
  • Al-Aqouri has been practicing barbering for over 10 years in Tokara, Libya
  • His previous works included Libyan flags, traditional patterns, and celebrity portraits made entirely from hair

Social Media Reacts With Admiration

Libyan social media users widely shared Al-Aqouri's World Cup design, with many praising his innovative use of recycled materials. Comments flooded platforms, with users calling him a "true artist" and urging him to participate in international competitions.

Eng. Fatima Al-Mahdi, a follower from Tripoli, commented on Facebook: "This is creativity at its finest. He turns waste into beauty — this is the Libya we are proud of."

Local media outlets including Sharqiya TV and PANET covered the story, highlighting how young Libyans are finding innovative ways to express national pride and global engagement through art.

Why This Matters to Libya

In a country where youth unemployment remains high and creative industries are still emerging, stories like Al-Aqouri's demonstrate the untapped potential of young Libyans. His work bridges local identity with global events like the FIFA World Cup, showing that Libyan talent can resonate far beyond borders.

The story also highlights a growing environmental consciousness among Libyan entrepreneurs. By recycling waste materials into art, Al-Aqouri represents a new generation of eco-conscious creators who are building sustainable livelihoods from local resources.

Libya's sports and creative communities have increasingly intersected in recent years, with more young athletes, artists, and craftspeople using their platforms to showcase Libyan talent on the international stage.

What's Next for the Hair Artist

Al-Aqouri expressed hope to expand his art beyond the barbershop floor, potentially exhibiting at cultural events across Libya. He also dreams of creating a large-scale World Cup mural using hair donations from football fans nationwide.

"Football unites people, and so does art. If I can bring both together using something as simple as hair, then I've achieved something meaningful," he said.

For now, clients visiting his Tokara barbershop can watch the artist at work — and perhaps contribute a few strands to his next masterpiece.

— LibyaPress / Sports Desk