I had my first Indian haircut yesterday. Friends had been recommending it to me, as you also get a head massage. I have been looking a bit shaggy, and two days ago I decided it was time.
I went to a ‘shop’ that a friend recommended. An older man started with my haircut. He kept his scissors clacking even when he wasn’t cutting, and I could almost believe they were electric. He gave me the standard Indian cut: short on the sides and a bit longer on the top. I was a bit disappointed, because there was only a bit of massage involved, but the haircut came out great.
Then I was passed to the younger barber for a shave. They use straight razors, which was a bit scary (they use a fresh disposable razor for each customer). Using a brush, he spent about 5 minutes working shaving cream into a lather. It’s rather odd to sit still while somebody swirls a brush around your cheeks and neck for that long. In fact the whole process involved about 4 different lotions. He gave me a great shave without a nick. Why does anybody bother shaving at home?
So, in the end it cost me more than 2 bits, but not much more (about 90 cents). I’m glad my hair grows quickly, so I can go again soon!