Brooklyn barber crafts top-of-the-line haircuts despite Tourette's diagnosis

<p>David Arce, 28, was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome at 23, but he says that quitting his passion as a barber wasn't an option.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

May 31, 2017, 9:30 PM

Updated 2,526 days ago

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Brooklyn barber crafts top-of-the-line haircuts despite Tourette's diagnosis
A Brooklyn barber has become a go-to source for local haircuts despite a condition that causes him to twitch involuntarily.
David Arce, 28, was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome at 23, but he says that quitting his passion as a barber wasn't an option.
"I had an inkling that I [had Tourette's], now I know I have it … [but I] keep doing what I've always been doing, going day-by-day," says Arce. "I'm more relaxed with a straight razor to somebody's neck than I am doing anything else."
Arce has worked on hair since he was 14, and despite the struggles that Tourette's can bring, his customers only see his hard work and results.
"He pays attention to the details and doesn't just impose a cookie cutter cut on you," says Syd London, a customer of Arce's. "I don't think we should be judging people for disabilities, but rather for what they accomplish."
Arce is working to erase the stigma that may come with Tourette's and let those affected know they can still accomplish what they want to in life.
"Do your thing … whatever you have, cultivate it and just follow what you want to do," says Arce. "If I could do it you can do it."


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