From this Saturday, haircuts and shaves in Mumbai, Pune and the rest of the state will come with a steeper tab. The 20 per cent hike from the local barber community is now in force. At Rs 180 for a cut and Rs 120 for a shave, it’s an uncommon mid-term fix to make up for the cost of doing business.
What changed and why
The Maharashtra Nabhik Mahamandal, the voice for many of the old-style barber shops, has put the word out on the increase. Those in charge say it’s no choice when you see what you have to pay for consumables and salon stock, especially with the world as it is and the situation between Iran and the US.
“We had to do it,” says Shyam Askarkar. “Normally we’d wait for January, after two years, to look at rates. But the day-to-day expenses have put us in a spot where we have to act now.”
New price bands across services
They’ve put together a new chart to even out the fees at your local salon. Even for the fancier work, there are some sizeable increases, so you know where you stand.
These are the figures they’re going by for the traditional shop:
– Facial: from Rs 700
– Hair spa: Rs 600
– The usual haircut: Rs 180
– Beard trim: Rs 150
– Head massage: Rs 180
– Shave: Rs 120
– Hair wash: Rs 120
Who is covered, who is not
Don’t go by this if you’re at a high-end place. The Mahamandal makes it clear that luxury salons are another matter; you’ll be looking at Rs 500 or more for a cut there.
With over a lakh of them in the state, these new numbers should have a ripple effect through the neighbourhood salons of Maharashtra.
Impact for city customers
In places like Mumbai and Pune, it puts a new floor under what you can get for. You’ll feel it on the small stuff – a beard job, a massage, a wash.
It also takes the guesswork out for the walk-in. When the price is set, the little guy doesn’t have to haggles every time you come in.
The office-bearers will tell you the strain has been building for months. This is about staying in the game without having to skimp on quality.
Industry signal and timing
Askarkar sees it as a response to the kind of volatility you see in the world today. The bottom line is the products they use are more expensive than they were.
So instead of the January window, it’s happening Saturday. It shows the kind of heat owners are under from the way input prices are climbing.
What customers should do now
Head to your barber and you’ll find the new rates. The posh ones will have their own, of course.
A few things to bear in mind before you book in:
– Have a look at the rate card
– Make sure you know what you’re getting with a head massage or wash
– Put aside for the 20 per cent bump
The Mahamandal has made its point for the state, but let the shop decide in the end. For most of us, it’s just a matter of what a good grooming session is worth these days.
