Floating more than 400 km above Earth, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has added an unusual milestone to his cosmic résumé—becoming the first Indian to get a haircut in space.
Just hours before his crew’s undocking from the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla received a tidy trim with vacuum-powered clippers designed to prevent hair from floating into critical life support systems. Fellow astronaut Nichole “Vapour” Ayers captured the moment, sharing the photo that quickly went viral across social media platforms.
This “space salon” experience not only delighted viewers but emphasised the importance of hygiene and mental prep for re-entry. With pressure suits ready and Earth selfies on the horizon, Shukla’s zero-gravity grooming was both practical and symbolic.
Part of the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla has already completed over 250 orbits and numerous scientific experiments. But the haircut—efficient, gravity-defying, and oddly endearing—offered a rare glimpse into the human side of space travel.
As he prepares to splash down in the Pacific Ocean, his fresh trim stands as a charming reminder: even in orbit, a good haircut goes a long way.
