Dilip Kumar, hairdresser of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, works on the hair of a customer at his salon in Jamshedpur. Dilip has grown his hair like that of Ranchi Rambo. Picture by Srinivas

Jamshedpur, April 11: Mahendra Singh Dhoni has inspired another man to grow locks like his own ? his hairdresser Dilip Kumar.

Kumar gave Dhoni the long haired look last year. He was so surprised at its success that he decided to give himself a look, identical to the cricketer.

?Dhoni had long, curly hair when he walked into my parlour last year,? said Kumar.

The cricketer had requested that his hair be straightened as it would better suit him. It took Kumar almost two hours to get the look right.

Soon after, Dhoni?s hair became an icon for youngsters and cricket lovers.

?Someone would come into my parlour everyday saying: ?Cut my hair Dhoni style,? said Kumar, who has given Dhoni?s look to more than 100 fans over the past few months.

Inspired at its success, Kumar, who kept short hair, decided to let it grow. ?It?s almost like Dhoni?s now,? he said.

Growing his hair like Dhoni?s is just the beginning for Kumar. The hairdresser recently opened a salon on the first floor of his present building, which stocks L?Oreal hair dyes.

?Dhoni is passionate about the range and I?ve stocked it for him,? said Kumar.

He said that the formal inauguration will ?only be done by Dhoni?.

There is an empty space on the main glass panel in front of the entrance reserved for Dhoni?s photograph.

?I spoke to Dhoni?s brother-in-law yesterday and asked him to ask Dhoni. I hope he?ll give me a date. I don?t mind if there?s a delay,? said Kumar.

There was, however, had advice for those wanting Dhoni?s look: ?A visit to the parlour will take over 90 minutes. One has to spend at least 20 minutes on their hair every day.?