Posted on 05/12/2025 9:50:16 AM PDT by DallasBiff
Being a female, I don't have any personal experience with barbershops; however, I wonder how many modern men today visit one. (Yes, I know that some shops cater to women, but for the purpose of this post I'm talking about the barbershop as a male-centric business.) Back when I used to get my hair cut regularly at a local Supercuts (before I finally realized that they didn't know what they were doing and were butchering my hair) I noticed that the place was loaded with male clientele. It was always a little surprising to me, because in my opinion there's nothing manly about the inside of a Supercuts--there are screaming kids, perfume-y styling products and (often, but not always) incompetent stylists who don't know how to cut hair.
(Excerpt) Read more at goretro.com ...
I liked the masculine aspect of getting a haircut. I liked it when they would shave the back of your neck with the straight razor and hot shaving cream, and when they put that waxy stuff in your hair if you had a crewcut...it had a distinctive smell.
I came across a small container that had been lost on a back shelf in my house, and upon opening it, the characteristic smell of it took me back 60 years.
I was fortunate to find a good barber that I used for a number of years until he retired. I tipped double so a $15 haircut became a $30 one. But I think it improved the service I got quite a bit. For instance, he would take me early on Saturday mornings before the shop officially even opened so I could get on with my day.
Recently, I started growing my hair long and most barbers don't want to touch long hair. They typically like to keep things simple, grabe a number 7 clipper and get to work.
So I've been sort of forced to take on woman barbers (officially called "stylists"). Aside from the generally feminine trappings of their shops, they definitely do a better job than any of the male barbers I've ever had. I still tip double but that now costs me much more. They are in shock when I tip them as well, I guess their female customers don't tip nearly as well.
Just stopped cutting it and started having a pony tail many years ago.
In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s I wore my long hair in a pony tail. My Father never said a word to me about getting it cut.
One day I said to my father “ All my friends complain that their father is constantly on them to get a haircut. How come you never said a word to me about it?”
He laughed and said “Your friend’s fathers grew up in the 1950’s with flat tops and crew cuts. I grew up in the 1920’s and wore my long blonde hair in a ponytail. “
Mr. GG2 goes to a small barber shop in the rural town where we have our acreage and retreat. Two old guys own and operate it and its a real gossip center. He pays $20.
Hehehehe the comb in the jar of..what? Alcohol? Formaldehyde? Water? I never knew!
Just the comb I have in my bathroom drawer.
My wife had me cutting her hair for a while, but I think she picked up how much anxiety it caused me!
Ah-I was thinking of the barber shop, and they always had those combs immersed in some kind of liquid!
Mine still does!
My story as well.
I have cut my own hair since 1970. It is easy and quick with a hair cutting kit. Saves me driving to barbershop, waiting to get served, avoid un-sanitized cutting instruments and combs used by others, and a kit for DIY for $20 lasts 10-20 years.
Since it’s only your hair, you don’t have to worry about someone else’s cooties.
Used to go to the local barber shop every month. But then the owner forced out my regular barber. He ended up leasing spot at another place that houses everything from barbers to stylists to massage therapists, etc. Price went up, but still reasonable.
I remember guys going to the unisex shop for the females to cut their hair. They wanted the one with big boobs because she would rub them around their head while cutting their hair and they’d tip her heavily. These were married men. No, I didn’t go there.
There is one of those women at my local chain salon now. She wears low cut summer dresses and makes it a point to lean forward into view. I find it more bizarre behavior and unsettling than stimulating. One time she even seemed high. I avoid at all costs.
I visit my “Neighborhood Barber Shop” every two weeks for a “High and Tight” haircut. Only $12.00 but I give the barber $20.00.
I doubt any truly snooty woman or gay man goes there.
I’m 75 and I’ve never gone to anything but a regular barber shop. Current one is owned by a woman. $11 less tip and I’m in and out in 10 minutes.
Same here, have been cutting my own monthly since March, 2020. Fast, easy, no BS.
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