Walk into Pakistan's diverse barbershops through these stunning images

From sidewalks to salons, the cultural significance of barbershops in Pakistan

KARACHI: Barbershops, like chai dhabas, American diners and English pubs, are cornerstones of society – making for an incredible social study.

The photo feature, titled 50,150,1500, examines the intimate environments of three barbers shops in Karachi, which charge rupees Rs50 , Rs150 and Rs1,500 for a haircut, providing a glimpse at the cultural and economic diversity present in Pakistan.

First impressions

From a makeshift barbershop located behind the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS), in Clifton Block 2, to a high-end styling salon, barbershops can be found brimming with customers.







The waiting game

Whether on wooden stools, metal chairs or comfortable leather couches, customers have to wait their turn.







At a glance







Work in progress 







Hair today, gone tomorrow

For adults, getting a haircut is ordinary routine and at times a chore. For kids, on the other hand, a trip to the barbershop is as dreadful as a visit to the dentist.







The relationship

As the prices rise in fancier barbershops, conversations decrease. In makeshift barbershops, conversations are rich with punch lines and personal advice. But at high-end salons, conversations are short-lived, to the point and only when necessary.







Tools of the trade

A scissor is to a barber what a paintbrush is to an artist. Like any other professional, barbers are careful about organising their equipment once the job is done.







Money matters

Where some barbershops may require customers to pay in cash, high-end salons facilitate credit-card users as well.







Reflective moments







Say cheese