Photo Essay: The Bombay Barbershop

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Though they’re fast disappearing and being replaced by fancier “hair salons”, Mumbai still has a fair share of barbershops where it’s possible to get a shave for as little as Rs15, and a haircut for just Rs30. Most customers are regulars; they come to catch up on the neighbourhood gossip, and get a quick trim, usually customised to their needs. The barbershop used to be a place to read a selection of the day’s newspapers or old film magazines while you waited for your turn. These days, most of them also boast of 14-inch televisions mounted on the wall, which are usually tuned to Hindi language action and comedy movie channels. The cosmetics used are mostly those originally made for women, from brands that you’re unlikely to find on a supermarket shelf. (Heard of Fair My Love, for instance?) To see a selection of images from the city’s barbershops, click on the “view slideshow” button, above.