My First Indian Haircut

I am a creature of habit…and the place where I have my hair cut is one of those habits. Poppa John in my home town has had my custom for the last 15 years. Not just because he knows how to cut my hair (I know, “there’s not much left to cut” or my personal jest “he’s like an artist with only one colour on his palette”) but also because of the gossip - he seemingly knows everyone and everyone’s business. If John is busy then I get his creative assistant, Adam who may know a little less of everyone and their connected business but we can talk about Norwich City FC instead for 30 minutes.



My usual seat



So, trusting my hair in someone else’s hands is not a step to take lightly. However, I’ve just experienced My First Indian Haircut. My new barber is very conveniently situated at the bottom of my flat. The experience was broadly similar to PJ’s with a combination of local gossip and sport (cricket). Feeling comfortable in this new surrounding, I took the plunge and went for a shave too. And for good measure, he gave me a facial (scrub and moisturize)….and all for the price of Rs70 (about £1).



My neighbour was adamant I shouldn’t have paid more than Rs40 but could perhaps understand why I didn’t feel ripped off when I explained that I’d usually pay about Rs1500 the same at my usual.

PJ's is fortunate that India hasn't found a way of outsourcing the barbers.......yet!