Chinese barber makes super realistic paintings with snipped hair strands

 By 
Victoria Ho
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

It looks like a charcoal painting at first glance, but this sketch of Marilyn Monroe was constructed with strands of hair.

Li Hailiang, a 35-year-old barber from the Henan province in central China, has been making the rounds on Weibo after getting featured in the local paper for his unique skill.

Li taught himself how to "paint" with fragments of hair -- a pretty convenient find around his barber shop, probably. It's his ability to create works of art with a seemingly high level of intricacy that's impressive.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

According to Chinese reports, Li has enjoyed painting since he was a boy, but has not received formal training.

Netizens on Weibo called him a master of his craft, and several said they had high expectations of his haircuts, going by how much patience and discipline he must possess in order to have taught himself his unique art.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!