Arifs Unisex Salon

You can find Arifs Unisex Salon in the East Block on the first floor, right there in Hazratganj. We are tucked behind the Hanuman Mandir. Everyone in Lucknow knows Hazratganj, but our spot is a little more hidden away, which is nice because it's not as loud as the main road. I’ve been cutting hair since I was a teenager. This salon is my own place now. We do both men’s and women’s hair, though we get a lot of guys coming in for shaves and beard trims. Being on the first floor, you get a bit of a view of the back streets. It’s an old building, so the stairs are a bit narrow and the walls have some cracks, but it adds character. We don't have a receptionist; you just come up and talk to me or whoever is free. On Tuesdays, it’s a bit quieter because of the temple next door, but the rest of the week is usually a scramble. I've seen the whole area change over the years, but the salon stays pretty much the same. We have a couple of chairs and a radio that’s usually playing some old songs. It’s a practical place for a quick trim or a shave. Nothing fancy, just a local spot in the heart of the city. I’ve known some of my customers for ten years. It’s about the people more than anything else. Sometimes we run out of tea and someone has to run down to the stall at the corner.