Exploring India is an adventure filled with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and incredible food, but maintaining your grooming routine while traveling can be just as important. Whether you’re in a bustling city like Mumbai or a serene village in Kerala, India offers a variety of salon and barber shop experiences to suit every traveler’s needs and budget. Here’s a clear, practical guide to help you navigate the grooming scene in India, with insights to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
1. Roadside Haircutting
What to Expect: These are open-air setups, often just a chair under a tree or a small roadside stall, primarily catering to men. Common in rural areas, small towns, and lower-income neighborhoods, especially in North India, they offer quick haircuts, shaves, and sometimes even ear cleaning. The vibe is local and authentic, giving you a glimpse into everyday Indian life.
Cost: ₹50–₹150 (less than $2 USD).
Pros: Incredibly affordable, fast, and a unique cultural experience. You might enjoy a quick chat with the barber about local life.
Cons: Hygiene can be a concern—tools may not always be sterilized, and the open-air setting means exposure to dust and dirt.
Recommendation for Travelers: Best skipped unless you’re feeling adventurous and want a truly local experience. If you go, insist on watching the barber sterilize tools or use a fresh blade. Bring hand sanitizer and avoid extras like ear cleaning for safety.
Insight: In places like Varanasi or Old Delhi, roadside barbers are a common sight near markets or temples. They’re often skilled, but the lack of sanitation standards makes this a risky choice for travelers.
2. Barber Shops/Salons (Men)
What to Expect: These range from basic, no-frills shops in villages and small towns to modern, air-conditioned salons in cities like Delhi, Bangalore, or Chennai. Services include haircuts, shaves, beard trims, and sometimes head massages. Urban barbers often add trendy styles and use branded products.
Cost: ₹100–₹500 ($1–$6 USD) depending on the location and salon quality.
Pros: Budget-friendly, widely available, and reliable for basic grooming. Urban salons often have skilled barbers trained in modern techniques.
Cons: Smaller shops may lack hygiene protocols, and language barriers can make it tricky to explain your desired style.
Recommendation for Travelers: A great option for quick, affordable grooming. Stick to city-based salons with visible hygiene standards (clean tools, tidy interiors). Always ask for a fresh blade for shaves to avoid infections.
Insight: In cities like Mumbai, look for chains like Truefitt & Hill or local favorites in areas like Colaba or Bandra for a polished experience. In smaller towns, ask your hotel or guesthouse for a trusted local barber.
3. Beauty Parlours/Salons (Women)
What to Expect: These women-only salons offer haircuts, hair coloring, facials, waxing, threading, manicures, pedicures, and sometimes bridal makeup. You’ll find basic parlours in small towns and more upscale ones in cities. Urban salons often use international brands like L’Oréal or Schwarzkopf.
Cost: ₹300–₹2,000 ($4–$25 USD) depending on the service and salon.
Pros: Wide range of services tailored to women, from quick trims to full makeovers. Urban parlours often have English-speaking staff.
Cons: Quality varies widely. Smaller parlours may use low-quality products, and hygiene can be inconsistent.
Recommendation for Travelers: Opt for parlours in city centers or upscale neighborhoods like Connaught Place in Delhi or Koramangala in Bangalore. Check online reviews on platforms like Google Maps for cleanliness and service quality. Ask about products used to ensure they suit your skin or hair type.
Insight: Threading, a traditional Indian hair removal technique, is a must-try for precise eyebrow shaping. It’s quick, affordable (₹50–₹200), and widely available. Be clear about your preferences, as some beauticians may default to traditional Indian styles.
4. Unisex Salons
What to Expect: These modern, air-conditioned salons cater to both men and women, offering a full menu of services like haircuts, coloring, facials, waxing, massages, and nail care. Found in upscale neighborhoods, malls, and metro cities like Hyderabad or Pune, they’re often independent or part of chains like Lakmé Salon or Naturals.
Cost: ₹500–₹3,000 ($6–$35 USD) per service.
Pros: Professional staff, clean environments, and a wide range of services. Many have English-speaking stylists and use high-quality products.
Cons: More expensive than local options, and appointments may be needed in popular locations.
Recommendation for Travelers: Perfect for a reliable, comfortable grooming experience. Book in advance for busy salons, especially in malls. These are ideal if you want a familiar, Western-style salon experience.
Insight: Look for salons in high-end malls like DLF Promenade in Delhi or Phoenix Marketcity in Mumbai for a premium yet accessible experience. Many offer loyalty discounts or combo packages, which can save money if you need multiple services.
5. Luxury Unisex Salons and Spas
What to Expect: Located in affluent areas, luxury malls, or five-star hotels, these salons provide premium services like advanced hair treatments, spa facials, aromatherapy massages, and body scrubs.
Cost: ₹2,000–₹10,000 ($25–$120 USD) depending on the service.
Pros: Top-notch hygiene, skilled professionals, and a pampering experience. Most staff speak English fluently, and the ambiance is relaxing.
Cons: Expensive, and some services may require advance booking.
Recommendation for Travelers: Ideal for a special treat or if you’re craving a luxurious spa day. Perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. Check for spa packages that bundle services for better value.
Insight: Many luxury salons offer Ayurveda-inspired treatments, like shirodhara (oil dripping on the forehead), which are unique to India. These can be a rejuvenating way to experience local wellness traditions.
6. Hotel Salons and Spas
What to Expect: Found in 4- and 5-star hotels like Taj, Oberoi, or Marriott, these offer high-end grooming and spa services, including massages, facials, and hair treatments. They’re designed for convenience and cater to international guests.
Cost: ₹3,000–₹15,000 ($35–$180 USD).
Pros: Exceptional hygiene, professional staff, and seamless service. English is widely spoken, and the setting is luxurious.
Cons: Among the priciest options. Limited to hotel guests in some cases.
Recommendation for Travelers: Great if you’re staying at a luxury hotel and want convenience without leaving the property. Book early, as these spas are popular with guests.
Insight: Hotels like The Leela in Goa or ITC Maurya in Delhi often incorporate traditional Indian therapies, such as Ayurvedic massages, into their spa menus. These are perfect for travelers seeking cultural immersion alongside relaxation.
ITT Pro Tips
- For Men: Always confirm a fresh blade is used for shaves, especially in smaller shops, to avoid infections. Most barbers will show you the new blade if asked.
- For Men: Masseurs in India are predominantly male for male clients, even in unisex or luxury settings. If this is a concern, clarify before booking.
- For Women: Specify your style preferences clearly, as some beauticians may lean toward traditional Indian looks (e.g., heavy makeup or intricate hairdos). Bring reference photos if possible.
- Hygiene Check: Look for clean towels, sterilized tools, and a tidy salon. In urban areas, many salons display hygiene certifications—check for these.
- Language Tip: In smaller towns, English may not be widely spoken. Learn basic Hindi phrases like “baal katna” (haircut) or “saaf karo” (clean it) to communicate better.
- Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. ₹50–₹200 ($0.60–$2.50) is standard for good service.
- Timing: Avoid peak hours (evenings or weekends) in popular salons, as wait times can be long. Morning appointments are often quieter.
- Cultural Insight: Many salons in India double as social hubs. Don’t be surprised if locals strike up a conversation or if the salon is lively with chatter—it’s part of the experience!
- Payment: Most urban salons accept cards or UPI (like Google Pay), but smaller shops may be cash-only. Carry small denominations of rupees for convenience.
- Seasonal Tip: During India’s festival season (October–November), salons get busy with wedding and holiday prep. Book well in advance if traveling during Diwali or major festivals.
Additional Insights for Travelers
- Regional Differences: In South India (e.g., Chennai or Kochi), salons may offer coconut oil-based hair treatments, reflecting local traditions. In North India, you might find more focus on beard grooming due to cultural styles.
- Bridal Services: If you’re attending an Indian wedding, many salons offer bridal makeup and mehndi (henna) services. These are intricate and can take hours, so plan accordingly.
- Mobile Apps: Use apps like UrbanClap or Nykaa Luxe to book salon appointments in major cities. They often list reviews and prices upfront.
- Local Recommendations: Ask your hotel concierge, Airbnb host, or local friends for trusted salon recommendations to avoid tourist traps.
This guide should help you find the right grooming spot in India, whether you’re after a quick trim or a full spa day. Enjoy your travels, and stay fresh!
Categories :