Tuesday, October 13, 2009

I need a haircut

I looked at myself in the mirror today. It's unusual for me to look at myself in a mirror - I tend to avoid mirrors, and not because of any supernatural reason, like being a vampire. I'm not. I just prefer not to look at my reflection if I can help it. So I may be standing in front of a mirror for some reason, but make no assumption that I'm looking at myself.

But yesterday (or the day before, I can't remember) I shaved, and I looked in the mirror then. I looked and I thought, goodness, my hair's getting long. I need a haircut. Society demands it.

I personally have nothing against haircuts. In fact I've been mulling over the possibility of getting one for almost a month now - don't want to rush into things. When I do get a haircut, I'm usually satisfied with, or at the very least ambivalent about the results. I never ask for my hair back, even if it doesnt turn out the way I like it.

But I don't like getting haircuts. I despise the act, in fact. Its all the socialization involved, sometimes the people cutting your hair want to talk, and normally I'd prefer not to. I'm also not that happy with strange people so close to my face, especially with sharp objects. I feel the awkwardness of leaving tips, never really knowing if I'm leaving too much or not enough. And there are other intangibles involved - the biggest one being that once you get a haircut, everybody knows it. I'd prefer not to give people a reason to notice me too much - and a fresh haircut gives people a perfect excuse to start talking to you about things.

"Oh you look so much better with a haircut"

Hmmmm. What did I look like before? Anyway, I need a haircut. And before too much longer, I'll take a deep breath and go get one.

6 comments:

Junk Drawer Kathy said...

I despise small talk during haircuts. I have been known to say outright that I "don't have the energy to talk much" and my stylist understands. I also don't ask for my hair to be dried because that tacks on another unnecessary ten minutes or so. Cannot wait to get out of there. Good luck with your cut. Maybe walk in with a mask on and tell them you think you have swine flu. Guarantee it'll be the fastest cut you get.

linlah said...

All that socialization...I'm with you on that.

Anonymous said...

That's why I cut my own hair...

Patti Anne said...

Hey, there's an idea! Cut it yourself!

Just teasing! If you want to grow it to your waist, I don't mind. You're beautiful to me regardless. Society has certain measures of hairiness that are "good" vs. "bad", but I grew up in the 60s when long hair was totally the norm on non-military guys. Course, I worked on an Air Force base for a while. They were kinda funny about long hair.

But, as long as it's clean and combed, I don't care how long it gets.

A Valdese Blogger said...

Kathy: I think a mask, with some coughing just might work. Thanks for the idea.

linlah: Yep. That, plus when they ask me how I want it cut, I never know what to say.

Grace: I'd be afraid to try to cut my own hair. I might start talking to myself.

Patti Anne: Well aint you nice!

Heather said...

My husband...when we meet, had hair down to his waist, beautiful thick and wavy. Now he buzzes it off down to the scalp.

He has never had someones else (other than me) do his hair. I believe it might be for the same reason..having to socialize with strangers.

Good luck and I like the mask idea Kathy.

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