Can Inverted Become Verted? すごい

Now, this isn’t my first time getting a haircut in Japan. I got one way back in August, well, I think it was August. Anyways, the way the first was quite ordinary and similar in style as to the service I receive back home.

About 3 weeks ago, we had a small gathering of people over celebrating the past season of snorkeling at our local pool. It was a wonderful time. Endless amounts of food, drink, and desserts were laid out across 3 tables for everyone to delight in. Someone that came near the end of the night was fellow Canadian who in fact teaches English to the neighbours every Monday afternoon. I made mention that a haircut was in order for my head fairly soon and he went on to ask if I had gotten a haircut since arriving in Japan. I said “yes”. His response kinda threw me off a little. He replied with something similar like “quite the experience, eh?” I immediately thought of my first haircut, which I mentioned was normal, and replied, “yah, crazy for sure!” I had no freaking idea to what he was referring to as “quite the experience” but I just went along with what he said. I obviously missed out on something my first go around.

So today, I finally made the effort to cut my long (for me it was) hair and made sure to find a place that would give me “quite the experience.”

I remembered when the kids next door got their haircut about 10 days ago or so. The place they went to was the exact same place I visited today. The price was reasonable and you didn’t need to make an appointment. Two things that were huge attractions for me. We all know my Japanese sucks and though I’m sure I could make an appointment face to face with someone, not having to was just a little stress I didn’t have to deal with.

I persevered the 20 minute walk of doom. The whole time wondering what the heck could they possibly do that would make getting a haircut so different. One part of me was hoping that this place would be normal like the first time, but other side was like, I wanna know. What do they do?

My curiosity was rewarded. This place was different from the last. I was in for a treat.

Everything started as one would expect. My hair was sprayed down with a water bottle and then cut in a regular cutting fashion. Blah, explaining the process of cutting hair is troublesome. Anywho, my hair was finished. It was short and super dandy. But wait, the treacherous neck hair was still looming around. Oh no! I made mention of this to the hairdresser and he informed me that he was not done. He did this by showing me an old school hand razer. Woah! He lathered up shaving cream on the back of my neck and under my side burns. Yah boi! I was getting the royal treatment. This was the first time like something like this happened and I was enjoying it. No battery powered device touched my head today. High five that!

After this close shave, he then proceeded to touch up my hair and make sure that it was up to spec. I never did mind double checking things myself. I like this guy. Though, it is common to have most hairdressers double check their job. I would too. Either way, this guy was awesome.

Next step, wash hair. I assumed this would be it, I’d pay, walk home, wash my hair to get all the lose hair out, and bam! Done! Nope, he was going to wash my hair for me. Thanks man! I appreciate it. This haircut keeps getting better and better. I’m feeling like a true champion right now. This is the pinnacle of haircuts. Oh, but don’t worry, there is even more in store. How about a head and shoulder massage? Uh, why, yes, of course. Thank you! Also, the guy patted my hair dry like it was an art. It was amazing.

This was a haircut experience I’ll never forgot for sure being my first true Japanese haircut. I won’t count the first one cause well, compared to this, it was lacking in every way. Not to mention I paid 3,400 Yen for the first. Today, for the bargain price of 1,680 Yen, I got a haircut, a close shave, washed hair, and a massage. Doesn’t get any better than that.

There are some other little details that I didn’t mention that added to the experience as well, but for the sake of keeping things kinda short, I omitted them. If you’re curious, just ask.

Before

After

I give my hairdresser 100 Pairs of Sharp Scissors out of 100. Good work!