Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla gets a haircut in space – See the viral pictures here

Shubhanshu Shukla Gets Rare Haircut in Space (Image: @Astro_Ayers/X)

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has become the first Indian to receive a haircut in microgravity while aboard the International Space Station during the Axiom Mission-4. The moment, shared by American astronaut Nichole Ayers, has gone viral.

A Space Haircut at 28,000 kmph

Shukla, currently on his return journey, got a trim from American astronaut Nichole Ayers. The two shared a light moment as Ayers snipped his hair while floating in zero gravity.

Later, Ayers joked that she might try haircutting professionally once back on Earth. “The reviews are still out,” she said during a farewell interaction.

Ayers, a major in the US Air Force, has spent 122 days in space. Her time includes six hours of spacewalks, making her an unusually qualified stylist in orbit.

See you soon Ax-4! Wishing you a soft landing! pic.twitter.com/qgsJQo2CRM

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— Nichole “Vapor” Ayers (@Astro_Ayers) July 14, 2025

Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force test pilot, had spent 30 days in quarantine before launch. His mission faced delays, pushing the launch from May 29 to June 25.

No Showers in Space, Only Wipes

The $150 billion ISS has no running water. Astronauts clean themselves using wet towels, dry wipes, and limited soap. Showers are not an option.

Though Shukla didn’t bathe in space, he managed well. From the station’s cupola, he looked fresh, clean-shaven, and camera-ready.

French astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who has spent over a year aboard the ISS, explained the hygiene system. He said there’s little dust or sweat in microgravity, and wipes work surprisingly well.

“Despite no showers, you stay clean,” he said. “The environment is well controlled, and we wipe ourselves daily.”

We said goodbye to our #Ax4 friends today. I was just reminiscing on the haircuts from last weekend! After a long quarantine, I think it was nice for them. 😊

We joked about how I might have a future in the haircutting business when I get back on Earth, but the reviews are still… pic.twitter.com/Y5QXV3fXJy

— Nichole “Vapor” Ayers (@Astro_Ayers) July 14, 2025

A Memory Like No Other

Shukla’s haircut became a moment of levity amid a serious mission. Orbiting Earth at 28,000 kmph, he floated in silence as strands of hair drifted around.

It was a simple act, but one filled with meaning. For Shukla, it added a personal memory to a national milestone.

As he returns aboard the Dragon spacecraft, the memory of his space haircut joins his collection of historic firsts—a reminder that life in orbit has its small, human moments too.