In a country where a haircut can cost anywhere from ₹50 to ₹500, one Mumbai-based stylist is making waves by charging a jaw-dropping ₹1 lakh (INR 100,000) — or more — for a single haircut. Meet Jawed Habib’s luxury protégé, Shafiq Shaikh, who has earned the title of India’s most expensive barber.
But what does ₹1 lakh get you? According to clients, it’s not just a haircut — it’s an ultra-personalized grooming experience. The session includes:
- One-on-one consultation on hair type, facial structure, and personality
- Precision haircut using custom tools and imported scissors
- Scalp analysis and luxury hair treatment using premium products from Europe
- Aromatherapy, head massage, and post-style grooming
- Champagne or herbal refreshments served in a luxury lounge
Shafiq has styled the hair of business tycoons, Bollywood celebrities, global influencers, and even international royalty. His client list remains confidential, but many in the industry whisper about his appearances in high-profile wedding prep suites and private jets.
Trained in London and Paris, Shafiq worked under elite stylists before launching his signature salon suite in Mumbai’s upscale Bandra district, where appointments are often booked months in advance.
“Hair is identity. It’s the crown you never take off,” Shafiq says. “People come to me not just for a cut, but for confidence. I craft looks that match ambition.”
High-end grooming services are part of a growing luxury wellness movement in India, where affluent clients are spending more on personalized health, beauty, and lifestyle experiences. Shafiq’s salon has become a symbol of exclusivity and aspiration in this booming market.
In a country where most barbers work tirelessly for modest pay, Shafiq Shaikh’s rise as India’s most expensive barber is a reflection of changing consumer trends, the rise of luxury self-care, and the premium placed on personal branding.
