Gettin Yer Hair Did...Asian Style

It’s not that scary, is it? You walk in, motion some scissors at your hair and hope for the best. In Korea, I actually walked in with a picture of Posh Beckham and Shawn with David Beckham to get haircuts. This time we thought we could do it without the visual aids.

We got haircuts a while ago at a salon up the road. Apparently, this is where our neighbour Christine’s sister gets her hair done. She told us what “number” hairdresser should do our hair. We had #3!

I would suggest taking a Chinese speaking friend. She definitely came in handy!

Here’s a play by play of the events:

1. Walk in and disregard the fact that every person in the room has stopped what they are doing and are staring at you.

2. Motion for a haircut using scissor actions.

3. Sit down and use your best charades to decide on a style. Hairdresser runs over to my Taiwanese friend for translation.

4. Drink some complimentary tea while your hair falls to the floor.

5. Start to fall asleep because the hair dresser is meticulously measuring and cutting each strand.

6. All of a sudden, the hair dresser leaves and another employee comes over and starts massaging your back. Surprising and a little painful, but nice nonetheless.

7. The masseuse comes back with a bottle of soapy water and starts to shampoo your hair. You are still seated at the chair while this is happening.

8. You go to the back sink and lay down. After rinsing, a hot towel is placed on your hairline at your forehead and on your neck.

9. You go back to the seat to receive your head massage.

10. After, the original hairdresser comes back to make a few last minute changes and styles your hair.

11. You are now finished. After what must have been about an hour and a half, you have had a haircut!

The pros: The whole process cost about $15.00 CDN. I’ve had haircuts at home that weren’t even noticeable and cost twice that. I guess if you don’t want the pomp and circumstance of this experience, you can go for a simple haircut at another salon for only $3.00! I also appreciated the fact that my hairdressers took their time and didn’t rush. I’m pretty sure that they get paid differently than in Canada. Also, tips are neither permitted nor appreciated.

The cons: Shawn, being a male, is used to having cheaper haircuts. He didn’t want the massaging and shampooing and all that pampering that I so thoroughly enjoyed. I guess he can go to the $3.00 place instead next time!