Alright yes the place is a hole in the wall -its not got any bells and whistles like the new salons in town but its an institution. I used to go to Barbara before I moved to New York and had to go through multiple salons there before I found one that managed to give me the same carefree haircut (as in not having to style it but letting it dry naturally and still looking good) . Anyway fast forward years - I come back and assumed that Barbara had shut down and tried so places from Ravissant to Oberoi to Looks and multiple others. One day out of sheer frustration and staright out of a particulalry bad haircut for which I paid a premium, I drove by Barbaras and lo behold was rescued. Barbara is extremely good at what she does - she knows her stuff. I always get compliments on my hair and people just assume that I still get it cut in NY since I go back often but I owe it to Barbara to talk about the fabulous work she does. I havent tried to get my hair down from anyone else at her salon so I cant speak for anyone at her salon but Barbara does great highlighting, cut and styling. I'm always have limited time and make unrealistic demands of a 20 minute in and out (I do make an advance appointment) and have never been disappointed or as another review said gotten any snobby treatment.

The only other salons that match the level of cuts Barbara does is BBlunt and Dilshads Salon both which I have tried in Mumbai- I know there is a BBlunt in Delhi which I havent gotten around to trying although heard Alex is there, who I know is great with hair. If you are looking for a pampering experience go to either of those but if you are just looking for a cut that looks great after a home wash and not much styling then go to Barbara. A review below mine says its a mix of a spa and salon but it isnt and not sure why a guy is reviewing since its a ladies only salon. It is a dingy hole in the wall but its the kind of hole in the wall that becomes your comfort place, I know we all have one of those.

Must try- hair cut, hair dry and highlighting - all by Barbara herself. Oddly enough they are quite good at french polish application which even the trendier salons havent mastered. I havent gotten a manicure done there (I'm a bit paranoid about hygiene standards in most salons) but get the french polish done all the time.