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A Mumbai man’s comparison of a Rs 350 app-based haircut and a Rs 60 local salon visit has sparked debate online, with users weighing the value of convenience against cost
A Mumbai man’s post about getting a haircut has gone viral (Image-AI)
A Mumbai-based man has sparked a debate online after sharing how a routine haircut led him to question how much people actually pay for convenience in today’s app-driven world. The discussion began when X user Anirudh Kejriwal posted about an experience he had shortly after moving to a new neighbourhood.
Looking for a haircut, he turned to Urban Company and booked an at-home grooming service for approximately Rs 350. While he admitted that home salon services were not usually his preference, he chose the option because Google Maps showed the nearest barbershop to be about 1.5 kilometres away, making the app-based service seem like the easier choice.
However, things took an unexpected turn when the hairstylist assigned to his booking contacted him and explained that his two-wheeler had broken down. As a result, the appointment would be delayed by several hours. Since he had other commitments later in the day, Anirudh decided to cancel the booking and look for a nearby alternative instead.
To his surprise, he quickly discovered a small neighbourhood salon located right below his building, hidden between two shops. He said he had walked past it several times without noticing it. The visit proved both quick and inexpensive.
According to Anirudh, he received a satisfactory haircut for just Rs 60 and returned home in less than 20 minutes. Reflecting on the experience, he argued that the nearly Rs 300 difference between the two options was not really the cost of the haircut itself but the cost of convenience.
He further pointed out that in India, the gap between premium app-based services and local providers often does not reflect a difference in quality. In many cases, he suggested, customers are paying for ease of access rather than superior expertise.
Anirudh also defended convenience-driven platforms, noting that companies such as Urban Company, Swiggy, Zomato and Blinkit have built successful businesses by simplifying logistics and reducing the effort required from consumers. In his view, their primary offering is convenience rather than the service itself.
His observations resonated with many users online, prompting a wide range of reactions.
“No one gives a Rs 60 haircut nowadays unless he’s sitting on a footpath with a makeshift chair and rusted scissors. Rs 300 for a haircut at home is quite reasonable until you’re used to this,” said one user.
Another user supported the idea of paying extra for comfort and time-saving benefits, writing, “It really is cost of convenience, but something I don’t mind paying. I remember days as a kid where you go to salon on Sunday and wait for an hour for your turn + queue jumps. The salon now comes to you! For once a month, I will take the deal.”
Questioning the pricing mentioned in the post, a third user commented, “Which city is this ? I mean, today, even the person cutting hair under a tree, with a mirror fixed on the trunk, charges around Rs 50/..at least in NCR ..🤔”
The Cost of Convenience in IndiaBooked an Urban Company haircut ~ ₹350.
Not my usual thing…don’t love the idea of a makeshift salon setup in my living room, but I’d just moved to a new area and the nearest barbershop on Google Maps was 1.5km away. Didn’t feel like making the…
— Anirudh Kejriwal (@AnirudhKejriwal) June 13, 2026
Another person explained why they prefer app-based services despite the higher cost. “I started using UC for haircuts because I don’t want to waste potentially 2-3 hours in a salon waiting for my turn and/or listening to music (noise, actually) that makes me feel as if someone is pounding my chest while I wait for my turn. It’s definitely a convenience though,” the user wrote.
Some users argued that the rise of convenience platforms was driven by shortcomings in traditional local businesses.
One comment read, “These companies got created because of lack of convenience and sometimes arrogance provided by the local store/barber/dairy. There used to be a time when they used to home deliver sometime free or with small fee but with time they stopped &now they are going extinct 😬🤷🏼♂️”
Others remained unconvinced by the need for app-based grooming services. “There is atleast one barbershop in 1 km radius in any city, town and village. So, no point in hiring a Rs. 350 guy from urban company,” one user remarked.
Meanwhile, another user offered a comparison from Bengaluru, saying, “In Bangalore I pay Rs. 150 for a hair cut at a local store.”
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