Rising costs, but he still offers free haircuts for some

Barber shop boss calls service for seniors and disabled folk his contribution to S'pore

- Theresa Tan

Despite rising rental and other business costs and notwithstanding the closure of three outlets in 2024, the Indian Barber Shop is still giving free haircuts to seniors aged 70 and older and people with disabilities of all ages.

Its haircuts cost between $10 and $12, depending on the location. Those aged between 60 and 69 pay half the normal price.

The Indian Barber Shop now has five outlets — at Limbang Shopping Centre, 321 Clementi mall, Senja Cashew Community Club, Block 440 Pasir Ris Drive 4, and in a dormitory for foreign workers in Tuas.

The barber shop's boss, Mr Veerappan Muthukumaran, 46, said his customers have come to trust that his shop will provide free haircuts to the elderly and people with disabilities, and he does not want to disappoint them.

He said: "If I stop, my customers would be unhappy. I feel this is my contribution to Singapore and people living in the area."

His barbers give at least 20 to 30 free haircuts across all its outlets each day, and this adds up to at least $5,000 or $6,000 in forgone revenue each month.