Chandra Hair Salon

Chandra Hair Salon sits at Shop No-12 in Madhav Baug. We are right across from the Luvana Hostel on Bhudarpura Road in Ambawadi. It’s a good location because the students are always coming by, looking for a quick trim before their classes or a weekend trip home. The shop is small, just enough space for two chairs and a little bench for waiting. I’ve lived in Ahmedabad my whole life, and this neighborhood has changed quite a bit, but this corner stays pretty much the same. We have a big window that looks out onto the street. I spend a lot of time watching the scooters navigate the potholes. The walls are painted a light blue, though they could probably use a fresh coat soon. I don’t go for the expensive decorations you see in the malls. My father taught me how to cut hair, and I use the same combs he liked. We keep a stack of old newspapers and a few magazines for anyone waiting, but usually, people just look at their phones. Sometimes the power goes out for a few minutes in the afternoon, and we just wait it out. It’s a simple life. We close up around eight most nights unless someone is really in a hurry. It’s just about getting the hair cut right and making sure everyone leaves looking a little tidier than when they walked in.