Kalpana Hair Cutting Saloon

If you are in Purana Bazar in Dhanbad, just look for the Pani Tanki. We are right near it. The shop is called Kalpana Hair Cutting Saloon, and it’s been a part of this neighborhood for a long time. It’s a small room with three chairs and a lot of mirrors. The mirrors have some dark spots on them that won't come off, but they work fine for a haircut. We don't have an air conditioner, just a big pedestal fan that blows the hair around if we aren't careful. We mostly do quick haircuts and shaves for the men who work in the market. Some of them have been coming to us since they were little kids. We use the same kind of scissors and combs we’ve always used. There is a small bench outside where people sit and wait their turn while watching the traffic go by. The water for shaves comes from a small heater in the corner that makes a clicking sound. We don't have fancy shampoos or expensive creams. We just use what is available in the local market. The walls are painted a pale blue that is starting to peel a bit near the ceiling. It’s a busy, noisy place because the market is right there. We stay open late because that's when the workers finish their shifts and need a trim. It is hard work standing all day, but it keeps us busy and we like the people here.