Thursday, June 28, 2007
GETTING A HEAD
I cut my long hair off today. Four years worth.
Well, I didn't do it.
I went to a barber that I used to attend. He didn't remember me but he is something of a jerk so I didn't take it personally.
He is a pretty good barber though. You just have to steer clear of the rapids when canoeing down his conversation flow.
Block that metaphor.
I ordered the traditional. Number two thing on the clipper, no taper, no ear lowering, natural at the back of the neck. No powder please. No mustache trim.
It looks good. I am used to it. It is my default haircut for my entire life.
I got my first buzz when I was a freshman in high school. It had started as a thing to do among the seriously hip (meaning the seniors and jocks).
I remember that my barber almost refused to do it. Called my mother. We told him we would go elsewhere. He did it.
When you go for something that strong, you stick with it.
I have had the long hair several times.
John has the pony tails. I saved mine from this time too.
I am happier without it. It is time for a change.
I was beginning to get all fussy about getting my hair wet in the pool. Just like my mother.
It was also getting long enough to come over my shoulder.
There is a serious line there that you need to cross. At a certain length we get to the doper/outcast/serious rebel look. Shit kicker. Trailer trash.
Now that is where I come from so it is not that big a stretch.
In the past I would have embraced it but at 70 I am going a bit soft on the rebel look.
And, I am tired of hairs in the sink and drains.
I cycle.
Everything has to change every three or four years.
I wonder what will be next.
Hair today. What tomorrow?
Labels: coming of age, culture, nostalgia