OpenClips / Pixabay
Today, you are getting a haircut. This statement is most commonly spoken from a parent to their son or daughter. However, it has been known to roll off the lips of one spouse to another. Once in awhile, in odd cases, a child will offer this comment to their parent.
Regardless of whoever speaks the words, today you are getting a haircut; it will often disturb the sanctity of even the most peaceful of households. Shrill cries of protest filled with terror can often be heard echoing throughout halls and down the street. However, sometimes with careful planning, this issue of the head can be put to bed without too much of a fuss.
Several options are available to resolve this matter. First, there are the high priced personal hairstylists that sport their little black books, or these days their smartphones or iphones that proudly display client lists that include the rich and famous. These types will often travel at the expense of their client to be on alert in order to handle anything from an on the spot makeover to providing that special little snip or clip that needs to be done with expert precision.
Customers of these high end stylists generally seemed pleased with the handy work of their stylists. This testament is based upon an observation from afar, as I have not experienced this first hand. In fact, I will venture out on a limb and boldly assert that most people do not have the discretionary income that John Edwards apparently has to keep his hair as fit and sleek as it is. I wonder if some day his hair may displayed in the Smithsonian for people of all walks of life to marvel at. Picture his hair displayed on a mannequin, with a placard with just these simple words; “this is hair.” This is a simple, yet all encompassing statement. People would ooh and aah and perhaps even write in “this is hair” for President in the next election, the hair without the man, now there is an idea.
Other options include the full service salons. Generally, the upper and upper middle classes are the patrons of these types of operations. However, as a treat, members of other socio-economic classes may partake in this type of hair styling service. Many people take advantage of in type of hair salon, which for lack of better words, I will call an in between salon. These salons are not too upscale, but not bargain bin either. Here, as a patron you can expect to receive personalized service by generally the same person over a period of years.
For years, it was the discount salons that dominated the hair cutting market. They set their roots throughout the country and sprouted up all over this land. Some are multi-location franchises while others consist of a few locations or even only one location. They are fairly generic in their appearance and welcome costumers of both sexes and all ages. Generally, most cuts at these sorts of operations are decent. Hopefully, you might happen upon someone with special hair styling skills that you will want to return to in the future. Also, there are those hair stylists that you know to avoid after just one session in their chair. Unfortunately, stylists at these discount salons tend to shuffle around quite a bit so it is difficult to predict with any certainty who will be cutting your hair the next time the need arises.
Recently there has been a marketing strategy to draw men and boys away from these generic unisex salons. I believe this marketing technique is working. This strategy has been to revitalize the concept of the good old fashioned barbershop. Like the discount salons mentioned earlier, they come in all shapes and sizes. However, contrary to their discount salon rivals, they have a masculine identity. Often, you are allowed to snack on peanuts or drink coffee while you wait your turn. There is always a ballgame on a large HDTV. When your turn arrives, you are generally greeted by a woman who will be your barber. Most guys of all ages tend prefer a female when it comes to working on their heads. Often she will have a record of how your hair was cut on previous visits. Therefore, if you were satisfied the last time, it is likely that you will be satisfied again. While your hair is cut, you are treated to small talk. More important though is that usually each barber chair is paired with its own small HDTV, so you can watch the ballgame of you choice. In addition to the basic cut, you can opt to have a shave and if you want to spare no hair, you can have your ears and nose trimmed as well.
After your hair is cut you can have your hair washed so as to rinse away all the itchy and annoying hair that has just been separated from your scalp. Lastly, you can have your session finished with a warm towel facial compress and a light massage of your face, neck and back. I have seen this appeal to the elderly, middle aged and even kids as young as four. This modern day trip to the good old fashioned barbershop is more than just a haircut, it is an experience. Males of all ages emerge from these barbershop chairs not only neater in appearance, but also seeming more relaxed and revitalized.
Originally published on Associated Content / Yahoo Contributor Network (YCN) on April 28, 2009
© Copyright, Han Van Meegerin – All Rights Reserved
Han Van Meegerin
I still have not found a decent barber. That sucks at my age. But life is looking good. Hope all is well my friend.
E (Craig)
How the hell do I stalk you? Where’s the Follow button? The Like button??? 🙂
I don’t know much about haircuts except from observing family and friends. I stay away from hairdressers that seem too eager to cut hair and once I find a hairdresser that treats my hair with care, I stick to that particular person. Usually make appointments ahead of time too.
I remember those days. My boys would loathe the haircut. It was get up on Saturday morning, eat breakfast and out we went. We generally spent about 4 to 5 hours there because while they had their haircuts, I had my perm done. Dad was never the dad he should have been. Rather than him taking them, I had that job while he laid in bed. But then he wondered why I knew so many males. Well it was hard not to know them. There were tons of them in the Barbershop waiting to have their haircuts or sons done. So while they waited, we all talked about games and boys, schools and whatever. The one thing I can say about the owner is he never allowed the men to be disrespectful. When I walked in with my sons, the talk would always be respectful.