'Barbershop' by Steffe, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License I knew I wasn't made for blogging. I haven't blogged in over a month now. It's really a combination of (1) I don't always have something to say that's relevant to SeekOdin, and (2) I don't really have the time right now, what with major changes in my life (new job, lots of vacation travelling and finally coming back to Montreal after fifteen months in Paris). Anyhow, a couple of weeks ago I was in Montreal for five days. I needed a haircut before my brother's wedding in Nashville, Tennessee. I have always hated going to barber shops and salons, and so I spaced my visits out as much as possible, which usually means my hair is way out of control by the time I actually decide to get a haircut. For the past twelve years or so, I have been cutting my hair really short. I almost always go to a barber shop or non-fancy salon, and tell the hairdresser to just do my hair with the machine (down to number 3 or so). I just didn't want to bother with my hair in the morning. Keep it short and simple. By the way, I have very rough and wavy hair, so it's not like I can do much with it. However, since I've been in Paris, I've been going to (slightly) more upscale salons, mostly because that's all there is around where I live, but also because my wife kind of forced me to. I definitely see the difference, I have to admit; I now cut my hair much longer than I used to. These guys really took their time, listened to what I wanted and, for the first time since I noticed my receding hairline, I actually liked my hair. What was really annoying, on the other hand, was how much these places try to push and force you to buy their products. They always have a way to make you feel bad if you didn't buy this or that hair treatment. They almost convinced me that my hair was damaged and badly in need of repair. For a few months, I actually caved in and started using their expensive crap. But then I woke up, resurrected my old scrutinous nature, and put a stop to all that non-sense. So now I am back in Montreal, and I needed that haircut. I decided against going to my old barber shop, and instead walked in to La Coupe (I happened to be parked in the area for something else entirely). Man, did I enjoy that experience! First of all, you get a really long and relaxing shampoo/massage. Next, my hairdresser really took his time, used techniques I have never seen before, and produced a pretty good cut. Finally, even though they carry tons of their own products for sale, not one person mentioned anything about how "bad" or "damaged" my hair was, or that I should use this or that treatment. That was the cherry on top of the cake for me. Bottom line, it's really worth going to an upscale hair salon, even if you have to pay more. And, to be honest, it's really not THAT expensive ($45), especially after Paris prices (€40 for an average place, nowhere near as nice as La Coupe). |
