Mayur Hair Saloon

Mayur Hair Saloon is tucked away in the Lalkurti area of Meerut, right near the Fountain Chowk. This is a busy part of the city where there is always something going on outside the door. The shop itself is a modest space with blue walls and several mirrors lined up. You can hear the traffic and the horns from the chowk all day long. We start early in the morning, setting out the capes and checking the blades. The chairs are the old-fashioned kind that have seen a lot of use over the years. Many people stop by on their way to the market or after finishing work in the city. It’s a place where conversations about local news happen naturally while the scissors are moving. There isn't any air conditioning, just a big ceiling fan that spins fast and keeps the air moving. The combs are kept in a tray with some disinfectant. We don't use any complicated machines, just the standard clippers and hand tools. The sink in the corner is used for washing hair and it has a bit of a stain from the water. It’s just a plain local shop in 250001 where the work gets done. Most customers have been coming here for years and they don't need to say much about what they want. There is an old wooden bench for waiting that creaks when you sit on it. It is just a part of the daily routine for the local men.