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Shanghainese-style Barbershops

More than a Haircut

Photo and text by Cran Sin

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Shanghainese-style barbershops, found mostly in old public housing estates, have been serving the residents thre for years. Regular customers are mostly the elderly, who go there not only for a haircut, apparently, but more. To them, going to a barbershop is like going to a park: It’s an activity to while away the afternoon hours, visiting friends and neighbours. Because the barbershops have been there for years, customers have developed a good sense of communication with the barbers. Once they get into the shop, the barbers know what they want. Most of them pay $70 to enjoy a full set of services, including a haircut, a shave, and a shampoo. . . . A hot towel may be offered, too. Though the procedure seems similar to that of modern salons, except for the shave, how they do it is totally different. The shampoo and hair-dryer they use, the ways they shave and wash the hair are interesting and perhaps reminiscent of old Shanghai.

Scenes from Shanghainese barbershop.

Part of the process:



1. Before shaving, the seat is reclined so that the customer can lie down comfortably. This is controlled by a handle underneath.



2. Different from the modern salons, here people sit straight while their hair is being rubbed with shampoo. Pieces of cotton are put into the customers' ears beforehand to prevent the foam from getting in.



3. While customers usually lie back to let their hair get washed in modern salons, customers here bend their bodies forward to have their hair washed in the basin - somewhat like being at home.

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