American journalist was ready to leave a salon when a migraine left her barely able to see — what the staff returned with made her stay
A sudden migraine can derail your entire day, especially when it hits while you’re away from home and desperately need relief. In those times, a little kindness can feel like a miracle. That’s exactly what happened to American journalist Brooke Baldwin. On June 3, 2026, Baldwin shared a surprisingly heartwarming experience under her Instagram handle @brooke_baldwin after a sudden migraine hit her just as she arrived at a salon in Manhattan. She was ready to leave before her appointment even began, but what the staff offered her next changed the course of her day.
Baldwin explained that she walked into a salon in Chelsea for an appointment when her migraine suddenly struck her and became so severe that she could barely see. She said she gets “pretty gnarly migraines” a few times a year, and when one hits, she is usually forced to stop whatever she is doing. This time, she was a stranger to the salon staff, but instead of simply letting her leave, they immediately asked what was wrong and what she needed. When she told them about her migraine medicine, they went out of their way to get everything for her. Baldwin took the medicine, rested with her eyes closed while the staff continued styling her hair, and the gesture deeply moved her.
Baldwin noted that while trying to offer her support, one staff member went to get her an espresso, knowing the caffeine might help, while another brought her a Coca-Cola. Then, one of the women from the salon actually ran to a nearby pharmacy and returned with the Excedrin Migraine, the medicine she had asked for. After they let her rest and continued to do her hair, about an hour later, she said she was feeling like herself again.
The journalist said the incident really stayed with her and highlighted how much a small act of kindness from strangers can mean when someone is having a difficult moment. She thanked the team, calling them “literal angels” and saying the experience reminded her that “you never know how you can touch someone’s life.” She also said their kindness inspired her to pay it forward later that day.
People in the comments also praised the wholesome gesture by the salon staff and thanked Baldwin for sharing it. The salon even thanked her, saying, "We are so happy our team was able to provide a wonderful experience for you at our salon!" @momfwend said, "You deserve the kindness, Brooke. And your hair looks fabulous!" Meanwhile, @susanlrhodes wrote, "Beautiful story! Thanks for sharing and crediting the empathy you received!"
The journalist's story also shows that small acts of kindness can have a bigger emotional impact than we realize. A study on the “Kindness by Post” project found that giving and receiving kindness may improve well-being, reduce loneliness, and help people feel more connected, even when the people involved are strangers. What Baldwin went through is an example of this idea, as the salon staff’s simple gesture made her feel cared for and inspired her to pay the kindness forward.
For more stories, follow @brooke_baldwin on Instagram.