Set your hair on fire for a new look

A new trend of using fire to cut and style men’s hair is on the rise in Dhaka, since Adonis Makeover Salon first introduced their “fire cut” in June this year, during Eid. The unusual technique that uses fire, to set and cut men's hair, is drawing attention of many. The type of styling became popular in other parts of the world, including India, Pakistan, Egypt, Afghanistan and England, and now in Bangladesh for people who love experimenting with their hair. Mohammad Zainal Abedin, an expert at Adonis first covers the hair with chemicals and then sets fire to it, where the flame continues to burn for 10 seconds every time. “The overall process takes about three to five minutes where we set the hair on fire twice. The fire cut is mainly used for setting the hair up properly and giving it a shape for further styling,” said Zainal Abedin. While alight, the barber styles the hair with two combs and continues until the client’s new look is prepared. Once that is over, the barber can apply a fade-cut, undercut and some more to complete the look. A customer must have at least three to four inches of hair to experiment with the styling.

According to Zainal, Adonis is the first salon to bring this innovative method of cutting hair to Bangladesh, and now it is gaining popularity among youths. When asked about the negative effects of fire, he claimed, “Although many people are worried about the negative effects of using fire for styling hair, we can guarantee that there is no danger. The chemicals are brought in from India and are safe.” This correspondent met 22-year-old Eran Hassan, who came to Adonis to get the “fire cut” for the first time, after being informed by his friends and online videos posted by Adonis’s Facebook page. “When I learned about this, I thought I could try it too. So I came here to have my hair done and expect to get a new look with the fire cut,” he said with his hair set on flames. Adonis Makeover Salon started its journey eight months ago. According to salon owner Mohammad Hossain, they brought the styling to Dhaka after being inspired from different countries where the same method is used. “We always try to give something new to the young generation. Keeping that in mind, we introduced this new hairstyling technique of using fire since Eid-ul-Fitr,” he said. “Fire cut has begun a new chapter of hairstyling in Bangladesh. Two of our experts received training in Kerala, India,” he added. “After watching several online videos of using fire for styling hair, I was inspired. I thought the fire cut would become popular in Bangladesh, just like in other countries,” said Mohammad Hossain. When asked about the response they have received so far, Zainal said the salon received around 100 customers a day during Eid, while they get around 20 people everyday specifically requesting the fire cut on regular days. Adonis has stressed that all their barbers are trained professionals and therefore has asked people not to try such styling at home. The Adonis Makeover Salon charges Tk350 for styling the hair with fire. If a customer wants to get their hair cut with the fire, they will have to fork over Tk500.

Mahmud Hossain Opu took the picture at the Adonis Makeover Salon