Vishal Salmani’s story is one of following an unexpected path to unexpected success. Growing up in Delhi, India, cricket was his passion. By ten years old, he was already a regular at his father’s salon, but his heart belonged on the pitch, not behind the barber’s chair.
Fate, however, had other plans. At 17, Salmani was sent to Kashmir to learn hairdressing from his uncle. Though initially resistant, he eventually returned to Delhi and joined his father’s business.
Dubai beckoned in 2013, and Salmani, then 20, set out for a new life. With a hairdresser’s skillset and a burning desire for something more, he landed a salon job. This was just the beginning.
Salmani wasn’t just good at his craft, he was also a keen saver. His dream? Owning his own salon. But a setback came in the form of a scam that wiped out his savings. Disheartened but not defeated, Salmani found support in a loyal client who helped him get back on his feet.
2021 marked a turning point. Salmani finally opened his salon in Dubai’s Oud Metha neighborhood. But his biggest break was yet to come. Through a friend and former client, he got the opportunity to style the Chennai Super Kings during the IPL season. This was his chance to brush shoulders with cricketing legends like MS Dhoni, Dwayne Bravo, and Suresh Raina.
The experience was a dream come true for the former cricket aspirant. Salmani’s talent and friendly demeanor impressed not just the CSK players, but also MS Dhoni, who recommended him to the Indian cricket team for the World Cup, which was also held in Dubai.
From there, things snowballed. Virat Kohli, a childhood idol for Salmani, messaged him requesting a haircut. Soon, he was styling the entire Indian team, followed by the England team as well. His client list grew to include star players like Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rohit Sharma.
Today, Salmani’s salon walls are adorned with photos of him alongside cricket A-listers and social media influencers. His dedication and passion have earned him a loyal clientele, some traveling from as far as Abu Dhabi for his expertise.
While his childhood dream of becoming a cricketer remains unfulfilled, Salmani has carved a successful niche for himself in Dubai. He may not be on the pitch, but he’s found his own place in the world of cricket, one haircut at a time.
