Tools of the trade: Sri Suthagar using branded hairdressing tools at his barber shop in George Town. Every pair of scissors is handmade in Japan and costs over RM3,000. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: A traditional haircut at the local Indian barber costs RM10 to RM15, but some customers are willing to pay up to RM100 for a premium job.
Barber Sri Suthagar Krishnan said the industry has evolved, with clients willing to pay more for high-quality, personalised grooming experiences.
“Unlike traditional Indian barbers who charge modestly to get the job done, I charge about RM100 per haircut for men.
“Customers spend more time here, enjoying the haircut and a range of premium services like styling, shaving and washing using top-quality tools and techniques.
“Every pair of scissors I have is handmade in Japan and costs over RM3,000.
“There are also other costs involved in running the business, such as attending courses to upgrade our skills continuously,” said the 36-year-old, who runs the barber shop here.
Sri Suthagar believes the market shortage of barbers is partly due to a lack of understanding of the career’s potential.
“Many, especially within the Indian community, avoid pursuing barbering because it’s often seen as a low-paying job offering basic cuts.
“People view it as a simple profession with limited career growth. However, barbering can be a premium career with great prospects, especially with the rise of high-end grooming services,” he said.
The high cost of employment permits for foreign workers hinders barber S. Mari Muthu’s business expansion.
“I pay my worker RM1,500 a month, and with commissions from his hard work, he earns over RM2,000.
“But it costs around RM3,000 annually for the permit to hire a barber from India.
“With many foreign-run barber shops now operating in town, our traditional Indian barbers face increased competition,” said Mari Muthu, who has employed a worker from Tamil Nadu for nine years.
Despite the challenges, Mari Muthu, 58, has maintained the price of a haircut at RM10 for over 10 years.
The third-generation owner of a salon here keeps prices affordable to continue mainly serving local customers, many of whom have been regulars since his grandfather’s time.
“I inherited this business from my father and still cater to around 80% local customers, with about 20 of them visiting daily,” he said.
He charges between RM10 and RM12 for a basic haircut, with an additional RM5 for shaving.
“I’ve kept these prices for over a decade, with no increases even after the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
Retiree M. Sivakaran, 76, who had his hair cut at the shop, praised the barber’s attentiveness and skill, especially his use of scissors instead of clippers.
“I’ve been coming here every month since I discovered this barber years ago.
“About 40 years ago, a haircut only cost RM2. Today, even after the cost of living and prices for goods, including food, have gone up, it’s still affordable to get a haircut here,” he said.
A check in town showed that many traditional barber shops are now operated by foreigners, with most charging between RM10 and RM15 per haircut.
However, these establishments often lack the personal touch, with no owners available for consultation or interaction with customers before their haircuts.
