A Jolly Good Haircut

image from tumblr.com

Even though we have already written two posts in Palolem, I feel that there is room for one more in order to highlight an experience I had today.

It was inevitable that after a while away from home, my hair would be ready for a cut and I'm glad it did. The process was wonderful from start to finish and it would be good to bear in mind that this all cost a mere 200 Rupees.

On a first look the Barbers is a tiny, run-down shack with three guys cramped around three chairs. In fact, the space is so limited that they seemed to have developed techniques to cut your hair from one side only, as not to get in one another's way. However, the cramped space was more than made up for by the warm welcome I received.

On arrival I was quickly ushered to my seat. The gentleman who was to cut my hair, I believe he was the manager, was very young. The cut started with a beard trim. My face was splashed with scented water and massaged before a very skillful cut-throat shave (excluding the beard of course). The attention to detail was fantastic and there wasn't the slightest irritation.

Next came the hair cut, which at first was pretty standard, with a number three round the sides. After that however came a head massage, followed by a trim. I can honestly say I haven't seen such rapid scissor action before, and in fact, this part was quite nerve-racking - especially with my big ears feeling the whoosh of each snip. Maybe in order to clam my nerves, this was followed by another head massage.

To finish the job, the gentleman dabbed my neck with talc powder to soothe the skin and massaged a rose moisturiser in to my face. If that had not been enough, he then offered me a full head a shoulder massage, which I politely declined due to my somewhat sun-burnt shoulders. I would definitely not decline him next time however. My head is now cool, soothed and I feel super-chilled. Hairdressers of Britain, take note!