According to Edi, there were many reasons. Some of their old customers may have died. Meanwhile, young people were not too familiar with Shin Hua and deemed the hairstyle it offered old-fashioned.
“There weren’t many barbershops around so we became popular quickly. Additionally, Chinese films were trendy then. Many people wanted to have a haircut like Jackie Chan or Chow Yun Fat,” recalled Edi.
“Now Korean style is in the rage. But I only know Korean military haircut. As for celebrities, I don’t quite follow the trend,” he said, referring to K-Pop.
Time flies by, and Shin Hua started to be forgotten. With the price set at Rp50,000, Shin Hua has to compete with barbers who, according to Edi “grow like weeds”. He used to serve 100 customers but now getting 10 in a week is akin to a miracle for him.
“In the past, I cut hair until my legs were shaking. From 9 am to the evening, it was difficult to even sit down. Customers keep coming,” continued Edi.
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Edi has three children from his four marriages. He said none of his children wanted to continue his trade. But Edi said he is proud of his barbershop that has existed for more than 100 years.
“My kids don’t want to continue the business. But that’s okay. They deserve a better life. But being a barber, that’s not a bad thing either, is it? It’s an art to me. How nice it is to grow old with art, and still be able to work. It’s a privilege, isn’t it?” Eddie proudly said. (un)