My Barber, My Friend
Every man will attest to the fact that without their barber they would not look half as good. Considering that men have very few options when it comes to enhancing their looks, especially since we can't really do our eyes, get a bronzer (what?) or even apply heavy layers of foundation to cover our blemishes, our only option is to groom well. And everybody and their grandfather knows that grooming at home and being groomed by a barber always has vastly different results. But a visit to just another barbershop does not suffice. Your barber needs to know you and your personality and only then can you have the haircut that suits you the best.
Barbers are perhaps one of the most honest of professional men. They don't mince words when they tell you that you are balding or need to dye your hair blacker. Sure there is a monetary incentive, but they want you to look good as well. A barber is like a chum really, in how they joke with you and never fail to complement you when you end up looking good. They are also quick to reprimand when you are late with your haircut and the damn thing has grown beyond a manageable length. They are also keen to share the very latest gossips about what's happening in the locality, once you really get to know them. Unless you are one of those who likes to travel an hour to get a 1200 taka haircut and miss out on all the gossip because you are too busy being a snob.
However, getting your very own barber is a process and one that takes time. You cannot just walk in and sit in the first empty seat and expect to be bonded with a barber for life. Finding the right barber is like a blind date; it takes patience. The right barber is one who actually tells you what looks good on you and what doesn't. A good barber also doesn't want to burden you with costly but stupid services. They are upfront about the differences between a gel shave and a foam shave and they always treat you like a friend as opposed to a VIP.
Once you find the right barber though, your life is pretty much set. Barbers are willing to do house-calls if you are willing to pay them for the trouble. Also, a massage from a friendly barber is much more relaxing than having unknown men feel you up. All in all, if you haven't a personal barber yet, then it's time to go out and find one. It's not hard because barbers aren't that picky and have no patience for your intelligence, charm and disarming smile. They are what you see on the surface and making you look good will eventually make them look good too. So find a personal barber and stop thinking ambience and price makes a better haircut. It doesn't.
By Osama Rahman
Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed
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