The Indian Hair Salon Reconnecting Patrons with Literature

Even if we feel like we have busy lives, we all occasionally have time to kill. So what do we do? Often, we reach for our smartphones, and distract ourselves with bright colors and flashing lights. This is especially true when we’re waiting for something – like a bus, a coffee, or a haircut.

When an Indian hairdresser noticed this, he grew concerned. Rather than doing something useful with the spare few minutes they found in his waiting room, his customers would rather just zone out and look at their phones. So he decided to do something about it.

He turned his salon’s waiting room into a miniature library, giving his customers the chance to read rather than look at their devices. Not only that, but he came up with a novel way to encourage his patrons to pick up a book.

A Phone-free Zone

Thoothukudi in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu is home to a hair salon. In fact, it’s home to many hair salons, but one in particular is special. Unlike the thousands of similar establishments all over the city, Sushil Kumar Beauty Hair is a phone-free zone.

This rule was implemented by the salon’s owner, Ponmariappan. If anyone would like to use their phone while they wait for a haircut at Sushil Kumar, they need to step outside to do so. For those who remain in the waiting room and the salon itself, the entertainment is rather different.

Ponmariappan has installed a bookcase in the salon. Those who are in line for a haircut are encouraged to take a book off the shelf, and enjoy a few moments of reading and reflection while they await their turn in the barber’s chair.

Discounted Haircuts with Every Book Review

For many people who visit Sushil Kumar, the prohibition of phones is enough. They know they cannot simply reach for their smartphone, so they reach for a book instead. They gain the opportunity to broaden their minds and learn something while they wait.

But there is another encouragement too. Patrons can get 30% off the price of a haircut or another treatment from Ponmariappan. To enjoy this discount, they need to write a short review of what they have read.

Obviously no one is going to be reading a full book in the waiting room, so this is not a complete review. Instead, it’s just a few sentences that summarize what the customer has learned in that short period.

This is an excellent way to encourage learning and mindful reading. Studies into the science of memory suggest that actually writing down information by hand is a highly effective way of remembering what we read – more so than making notes electronically, or simply trying to memorize it.

Popularity Across Tamil Nadu, and Beyond

The actions of Ponmariappan, and his commitment to helping his customers make the most of their visit to the salon, have proved popular across India. The hairdresser has gained a few famous fans, and has had some helping hands along the way.

S. Ramakrishnan is one of Tamil Nadu’s most celebrated writers, and the author of works such as Desanthiri and Thunai Ezhuthu. He praised what Ponmariappan was doing in his home state.

Harsha Bhogle, a former cricketer and journalist from Hyderabad, also offered his support. A member of parliament went further, donating 50 books for Ponmariappan to add to his collection. The salon library even caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who personally met with Ponmariappan in 2020.

All in all, Ponmariappan now has 900 books on his shelves, covering many different topics. He provides books in both Tamil and English, and his making a real difference in his community.

A Passion for Education

In one sense, Ponmariappan is an unlikely candidate to start his own library. Growing up without much money, he had to drop out of school as a young man, and never fulfilled his dreams of a corporate career.

But in another sense, he’s the ideal candidate. Ponmariappan describes himself as passionate about education, and was keen to make this part of his life’s work.

“I have always thought that being a well-educated person is of prime importance,” Ponmariappan told The Better India.

“Once I established my salon, I decided to look for ways to somehow integrate my passion for education with this job, and that is how the idea came about.”

All of us can learn from this example. Regardless of our background, and regardless of how busy life can get, we can all take a few minutes to enjoy a great book, and hopefully expand our knowledge in the process.