Salons leave old-style barbers on the street

Low prices

A 68-year-old Beijing resident who gave his surname as Wang said he goes to street barbers because their prices are low and he can be sure of getting an old-style cut.

"Barber shops in Beijing charge too much, and I'm unwilling to stretch my slender pension to pay them. I'd rather go to a street barber. I was angry about an experience I had at a fancy barber shop. The young barber cut my hair in a fashionable style, shaving both sides and leaving a tuft of hair in the middle. I disliked it and felt ashamed when I visited old friends with that funny haircut," he said.

"Barbers on the street, most of whom are about my own age, know the type of cut I want; they charge much less and work quickly."

He said he understands that it is the inspectors' duty to reduce clutter on the streets, but elderly residents like him need the convenience provided by people such as street barbers.

Xing said the property managers at her apartment block have promised to find a room where she can provide a service for residents, but so far there have been no developments.

"I like the idea and I think my regular customers will, as well. They need a cheap indoor barbershop, too," she said.