Akeel Hair Saloon

Down in Islam Nagar, right near Tedi Bagiya in Agra, is where Akeel Hair Saloon is located. It is a straightforward kind of place. We don’t have any big signs or bright lights. Most people find us because they live nearby or someone told them about us. The shop stays pretty busy throughout the day. We start early in the morning, usually around the time people are heading out for work. The interior is simple, with just the basic necessities for cutting hair and trimming beards. We have a small radio that usually plays some old songs in the background. It helps pass the time when things are slow. During the holidays, the shop gets packed and we are working non-stop. We don't mind it, though. It’s good to have the work. The chairs are comfortable enough, even if the padding is getting a bit thin. We make sure to keep the razors clean and the towels washed. It’s important in this line of work. People come here to chat as much as they do for a haircut. You hear all sorts of stories about what’s happening in Agra. We just listen and keep the scissors moving. It’s not a fancy salon with a receptionist. It’s just us. We do the work ourselves and make sure everyone leaves looking a bit better than when they walked in. That’s really all there is to it at our shop in Tedi Bagiya. We keep going every single day.