Hair Cut Day

In preparation for a big family get together, I took the plunge and went to the "hair salon". I personally believe that hair should grow as it likes, only to hacked off if it starts to be a bother. Consequently, I've haven't seen a "stylist" in nearly ten years.

My hair is pretty simple. I like it long enough to tie back out of my way. As a bonus, I've kept it extra long to make the suits twitch. I'm a computer professional, we do that. We also often have beards.

My beard has been with me almost since I could grow one. Part of it is the same philosophy as the long hair; a beard requires far less attention than scraping a metal blade across sensitive skin daily. A few minutes of attention once a week can keep bushy facial hair looking reasonably maintained.

Due to circumstance and weather, my beard has been competing with Santa this year. Unkempt, but warm and full. So, with so much raw material, I thought a professional trim might be worth it. It wasn't.

Personal beard maintainance is pretty basic; pair of small scissors will do the job. For fancy, you get an electric trimmer that's basically gentrified sheep sheers with silly plastic attachments. I think RonCo makes beard trimmers.

My beard trimming experience has been mixed. I'm usually happy with the outcome, but I often think a much better job could be had from someone who know the mysteries of layering and didn't have to look in the mirror to do it.

What did the professional do? She took out a bigger pair of sheep shears and made me want to go "bah". She didn't even square it up. I felt like I'd paid for the spa package only to be given a bottle of Oil of Ole and a rubber glove. I don't know if I'm disappointed or just disillusioned.

It might be two decades before I bother with a hair professional again.