With cleavers and blowtorches, Pakistan barber offers hair-raising cuts

Abbas's fringe style is proving a hit in the conservative nation, with customers flocking to his shop in the eastern city of Lahore.

During a typical trim, Abbas will take a bit off the top with a blowtorch.

He adds some layers with the help of a cleaver and butcher's block, while occasionally thinning out a thicker mane with a bit of broken glass.

"I thought I should do something different to attract more clients," Abbas told AFP.

"In the beginning, I tried it on artificial hair, and then after practising it for some time I used it on a client, and he liked it a lot."

Since first unveiling his style in 2016 and after brushing away customer fears, he says the unconventional approach has become a hit.

His popularity has only grown since, resulting in television appearances and fashion shoots.

"There has been a very good response from my clients, who were quite scared in the beginning," said Abbas, whose eccentric manner and own unkempt, frizzy locks gives him the look of a mad scientist.

Abbas charges 2,000 rupees ($13) for the unorthodox treatment or 1,000 rupees for a traditional trim with scissors.

"I am feeling quite relaxed and comfortable," said Ali Saqlain, as the barber took a blowtorch to his head.

Abbas says he also enjoys a large number of women customers, who he charges an additional 500 rupees for extra styling.

"I had my hair cut done at this salon three times," said Arooj Bhatti.