Pimp My Camel: Barbers Create Spectacular ‘Haircuts’ On Camels Using Pair Of Scissors

The camels show off the intricate designs/Caters

Barbers in Asia’s biggest cattle market are increasing the value of camels by giving them spectacular haircuts.

The enterprising hairdressers use just a pair of scissors to create the geometric patterns during the Muslim festival Eid-ul-Azha in Karachi, Pakistan.

And their work means camel traders get anywhere between £63 and £94 more from a shaved camel compared to a simple one, with specialist barbers commanding a hefty fee for their artistry.

The spectacular results can be seen in stunning pictures taken by audit firm professional Anas Hamdani, 24.

He said: “I knew about this art form but only happened to witness it for the first time when I joined my family to buy a camel this year. It was a breathtaking experience. The unique designs created by patient artists were absolutely amazing.

“A trader told me that buyers prefer to look for the most beautiful amongst them so they seek services of camel barbers to give these animals a fascinating look that could appease buyers,” he added.

The intricately designed camels sell for more/Caters

Ali Hassan, a farmer from a nearby village who also moonlights as a camel barber during peak season, says it is the best way of earning extra money.

“I learned the art of camel hair designing from my forefathers. Every year I visit Karachi a few weeks before Eid-ul-Azha in a bid to get a reward for my art work. I charge two to three thousand rupees (£13-18) for one camel.”

“It takes about four hours to complete one side of the camel haircut depending on the size and colour of the camel,” said Ali, who boasts of knowing more than 15 types of ‘haircut’ designs.

The barbers start with by taking a few measurements with the help of a rope, so that both sides of the camel’s body look similar.

They then make an arc followed by a big circle in the centre and squares in the upper and lower part of the circle; then carve intricate designs inside the big circle and squares.