Haircut 100

I really don't like to get my haircut. Not sure if it has to do with the sharp instruments, the smell of salon chemicals, or maybe even the feel of a barber's chair. Maybe it was that old wooden board my father's barber, Roy made me sit on... Roy used to lay the board across the arms of his red barber's chair. I'd sit on that board instead of in the chair. This made me tall enough so poor Roy wouldn't have to strain his back while he clipped my hair. Whatever the reason, to this day, I usually wait until my hair is getting a bit too shaggy before feeling the urge to get it cut. My problem has nothing to do with living in India. I've just never enjoyed getting my hair cut. Which brings me to today.... I looked in the mirror this morning and figured it was time to go...

There are a few options in India for getting a hair cut. The easiest one (and the most expensive) is getting an appointment at a nice, European-style salon. (these are often called "Saloons" here - no whiskey, just shampoo and mousse) These are usually located in expensive hotels or malls, but still cost less then a salon in a western country. The skill of the stylist may still be a crap-shoot. Lesa has actually finally found a pretty good one who is from France.

The next option is probably the most common, and the most colorful: the Indian street barber. These guys can be found in almost every neighborhood and have very little overhead - literally. They usually set up shop with a makeshift wooden table and chair. A mirror is often tacked to a tree or wall at curbside. Hygiene is not a main concern, but a customer gets a neat, quick haircut for about fifteen rupees. (that's about 30 US cents.) A shave will cost you another 10 rupees. Using a street barber is actually quite a spectator sport. A haircut and shave will almost always involve a small crowd of friends, neighbors or just simply curious onlookers...

Not being brave enough to take the sidewalk salon route, I have always opted for the neighborhood barbershop. These are a little more expensive - my haircuts cost 100 rupees (US$2) including tip. These shops are mostly clean and they smell just as bad as a barbershop anywhere. I wait with men who read the local newspaper, or style magazines with pretty girls on the cover. Conversation is usually minimal. My current barber's name is Sanjeet. His shop is only 2 blocks from our flat and he can cut my hair in about 15 minutes.... He even still knows how to use a straight razor. My kind of barber.

Hopefully I won't wait so long next time to get my haircut...