The fading art of Delhi's street barbers: A photo feature

Delhi’s street barbers, once a hallmark of the city’s vibrant streetscape, are now a vanishing tradition. These makeshift salons, often set up under the shade of trees or along bustling sidewalks, have catered to the working class for decades, offering affordable grooming services to those who couldn’t afford modern salons. However, as the city races towards modernisation, this humble craft struggles to survive.

1. A street barber in Old Delhi setting up his stall under a tarpaulin, offering affordable grooming services to passers-by amidst the city's bustling streets — A street barber in Old Delhi setting up his stall under a tarpaulin, offering affordable grooming services to passers-by amidst the city’s bustling streets

A veteran with scissors and stories

Chandra Bhushan, a 72-year-old street barber who migrated from Ayodhya to Delhi in 1973, has spent more than four decades plying his trade on the streets. Despite his age, he still practises his craft, though less frequently now.

Naushad, a street barber in North Delhi's Wazirabad area, expertly giving a head massage to a customer, surrounded by his simple tools of the trade — Naushad, a street barber in North Delhi’s Wazirabad area, expertly giving a head massage to a customer, surrounded by his simple tools of the trade

“Today’s generation looks at me and thinks, ‘he’s too old, he might cut our throat,’” he says with a laugh. “But the older generation knows my 40 years of experience.”

Chandra Bhushan, a 72-year-old street barber in Old Delhi, stands proudly outside his modest setup, reflecting on decades of serving the city's working class — Chandra Bhushan, a 72-year-old street barber in Old Delhi, stands proudly outside his modest setup, reflecting on decades of serving the city’s working class

Chandra Bhushan recalls the days when his clientele included Delhi Police personnel who valued his expertise. Now, much of the business has been taken over by his son, but he cherishes the memories of his once-thriving enterprise.

Struggles of adapting to change
For others like Satyanarayan Thakur, also a barber with 40 years of experience, the challenges are daunting. “I can’t afford a proper shop,” he says. “On the streets, I don’t have to pay rent, but customers are fewer these days—barely four or five a day.”

Satyanarayan Thakur, a street barber in northwest Delhi, patiently waits for customers near a coaching centre

Satyanarayan sets up near coaching centres, hoping to attract students for quick haircuts. He reminisces about the once-popular “Katora Cut,” a style where a bowl was placed on the head to guide the trim. “Now it’s evolved into the ‘Mushroom Cut,’ done with machines,” he says. Once assisted by helpers, he now works alone, adapting to the changing times.

Naushad skilfully trims a customer's beard working from his modest roadside setup — Naushad skilfully trims a customer’s beard working from his modest roadside setup

A vanishing trade in Old Delhi

In the historic lanes of Old Delhi, Rehmat Ali, another street barber, paints a grim picture of the future. “This profession is fading away day by day,” he laments. His clientele consists mostly of labourers and workers who come for quick shaves or haircuts. Charging Rs 20 for a shave and Rs 40 for a haircut, Rehmat struggles to make ends meet.

A street barber in Old Delhi attending to a customer amidst a simple yet organised setup, keeping the tradition of roadside grooming alive

“Even here, where I have my stall in Old Delhi, I pay Rs 500 a month to the Delhi Police. My earnings are too low to afford a proper shop,” he says.

Urbanisation versus tradition

A labourer gets a quick shave from a street barber in Old Delhi before heading to work, highlighting the affordability and convenience of roadside grooming services

The challenges faced by Delhi’s street barbers reflect the broader socio-economic changes sweeping through the city.

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Rising rents, dwindling customers, and competition from modern salons have pushed this once-thriving profession to the brink. Yet, their stories are not just about struggle; they also highlight resilience and dedication.

A street barber's toolkit: combs, shaving brushes, razors, and creams, embodying the simplicity and resourcefulness of Delhi's roadside grooming tradition — A street barber’s toolkit: combs, shaving brushes, razors, and creams, embodying the simplicity and resourcefulness of Delhi’s roadside grooming tradition

These barbers, many of whom have been practising their craft for decades, continue to serve their loyal customers with pride and skill. They are not just professionals; they are custodians of a tradition that once defined Delhi’s streets.

An assortment of tools used by a street barber in Delhi, including scissors, combs, clippers, and shaving essentials

As urbanisation accelerates, these street barbers stand as a testament to a simpler time—a reminder of a Delhi that thrived on its rich tapestry of diverse livelihoods. Their fading presence is a poignant symbol of the city’s relentless transformation.