I’ve never quite understood the time and money many women invest in visits to the hairdresser. Throughout my adult life, a ten-dollar haircut with a straightforward instruction of “Just a number one, thanks” has sufficed. However, this weekend, I found myself in the barber’s chair, succumbing to the “up-sell” and emerging seventy dollars lighter.
While the difference from my regular haircut may not be immediately apparent, Saturday’s treatment offered a more profound and satisfying experience than I anticipated. In addition to the clipper cut on my head, blades, lotions, and extra attention to my beard contributed to the indulgence.
Around halfway through the hour at the barber, It became clear to me aboout the “pampering” aspect, which many of my female friends likely enjoy, was also happening to me. Though it may be a while before I splurge on such a haircut again, I truly relished being present in the moment.
Despite not placing too much emphasis on my appearance throughot my life, I’ve always aimed to present myself decently. Occasionally, I’ll venture out with friends only to discover a food stain on my shirt, which I’ll typically laugh off. While I used to dress up for formal occasions and work, my post-operation return to work has seen me favoring shorts and polo shirts, for comfort and convenience.
Since my recent operation at the age of 57, coupled with a newfound physical disability, I’ve been contemplating my physical attractiveness more deeply. Questions about whether a potential partner will look at me, notice my missing leg, and decide “we can be friends, but nothing more” have occupied my thoughts. Although physical attractiveness becomes less important in attracting a partner as one ages, it undeniably still matters.
These thoughts are currently at the forefront of my mind, and so, spending an hour at the hairdresser yesterday, and paying the most I’ve ever paid for a haircut and beard trim, could be considered a part of my rehabilitation, perhaps?
I’d check if this newfound ‘indulgence’, I mean rehabilitation service is on the NDIS schedule ;-)
I’ll drop Bill Shorten an email, but I suspect not :)
Earlier this year I had my first pedicure and it wasn’t much more to have a manicure and I’m hooked now. I feel so good afterwards, it’s weird. I’ve never had that feeling after a haircut, aside from perhaps the first one at the end of the long lockdown. But maybe that is the difference between my $20 haircut and your $70 job.
Thanks Andrew, esp for the advice re manicure / pedicures. I suspect my next aircut will be $20, but this week’s cut was a lovely indulgence.