Bombay Hair Saloon

Bombay Hair Saloon is located at 66/181 in the Kachiana Mohal area of Iftikharabad here in Kanpur. This neighborhood is pretty old and the streets are narrow, so it’s mostly people from the nearby houses who come to see us. My father started this shop years ago, and I took over after he couldn't stand all day anymore. We have the same old chairs he bought back then, though I’ve had them repaired a few times. They’re comfortable enough. Kanpur gets very dusty, so I’m always sweeping the floor, even when no one is in. We do basic haircuts and shaves for the men around here. It’s a small space, so you can’t really fit more than three or four people at a time without it feeling cramped. We don't have air conditioning, just a big ceiling fan that squeaks a little. Most of the talk in the shop is about local politics or the price of things at the market. I know everyone’s name and how they like their hair done without them even having to tell me. It’s not the kind of place you go for a makeover, just a regular spot for a regular cut. We keep the razors sharp and the water warm. That’s about all there is to it. It is just a traditional barber shop that has served this mohalla for a generation.