A haircut is not usually the kind of thing that sets off a debate online. But one man's experience has struck a chord with social media users, opening up a wider conversation about convenience, spending habits, and the choices people make in an increasingly app-driven world.
The Incident That Started It All
The discussion began after X user Anirudh Kejriwal shared what happened when he went looking for a haircut after moving to a new neighbourhood.
An At-Home Booking That Didn't Work Out
Since Google Maps showed the nearest barbershop around 1.5 kilometers away, Anirudh decided to book an at-home haircut through Urban Company for roughly Rs 350. However, the appointment was delayed after the hairstylist informed him that his two-wheeler had broken down. With other commitments scheduled for later in the day, Anirudh cancelled the booking and started looking for another option nearby.
A Hidden Salon Right Below His Building
During his search, he came across a small local salon located below his building, tucked between two shops. According to his post, he had walked past the place several times without noticing it. He decided to try it out and ended up getting a satisfactory haircut for Rs 60. The entire visit took less than 20 minutes. Sharing the experience online, Anirudh said the price difference made him think about how much consumers pay for convenience rather than the service itself. He also noted that platforms such as Urban Company, Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit have built their businesses around making services easier to access.
Social Media Reacts
The post quickly attracted attention, with users sharing mixed views.
- One user wrote: “No one gives a Rs. 60 haircut nowadays unless he’s sitting on a footpath with a makeshift chair and rusted scissors. Rs 300 for a haircut at home is quite reasonable until you’re used to this.”
- Another user said: “It really is the cost of convenience, but something I don’t mind paying. I remember days as a kid where you go to salon on Sunday and wait for an hour for your turn + queue jumps. The salon now comes to you! For once a month, I will take the deal.”
- A third user questioned the pricing mentioned in the post: “Which city is this? I mean, today, even the person cutting hair under a tree, with a mirror fixed on the trunk, charges around Rs 50/--at least in NCR ..”
- Another user explained why they prefer app-based services: “I started using UC for haircuts because I don’t want to waste potentially 2-3 hours in a salon waiting for my turn and/or listening to music (noise, actually) that makes me feel as if someone is pounding my chest while I wait for my turn. It’s definitely a convenience though.”
Local Businesses Vs Convenience Platforms
Some users argued that convenience-focused companies grew because traditional businesses stopped offering the level of service customers wanted. One comment read: “These companies got created because of lack of convenience and sometimes arrogance provided by the local store/barber/dairy. There used to be a time when they used to home deliver sometime free or with small fee but with time they stopped &now they are going extinct.”
Others felt local salons remain the more sensible option. “There is atleast one barbershop in 1 km radius in any city, town and village. So, no point in hiring a Rs. 350 guy from urban company.” Another user added: “In Bangalore I pay Rs. 150 for a hair cut at a local store.”
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on a post shared on the social media platform X. The Times of India has not independently verified the authenticity of the claims or details mentioned by the user.
