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every hair is numbered like every grain of sand
posted Friday, 12 October 2007
A last minute post before travelling to the UK for a couple of weeks.
In order not to scare the natives back home, I decided to have a haircut before leaving. Apart from anything else, it’s much cheaper here. Right outside my window are two hairdressers’ shops who only charge me ¥3 (20 pence UK / 40 cents US) for a snip. I usually use the one on the right. No particular reason.
I sit down and the woman does her thing. Long ago, the first few times I went I gave her detailed instructions as to what exactly I wanted, but she totally ignored me and did what she does to everyone. Her repertoire is limited. You get the standard haircut or nothing. I even took along a translator once, just in case I had screwed up a tone somewhere and ordered the standard cut by mistake. However, the hairdresser nodded sagely and carried on as always. So I gave up.
The good thing about this place is that she doesn’t chatter on incessantly like 99% of hairdressers in the world. What is that all about? Is there some course in Hairdressing University called “Inane Prattle 101?”
Of course, you have to be careful in China. “Going for a haircut” can be misunderstood! 99% of hairdressing salons are, in fact, brothels. I have seen whole streets of hairdressing salons, especially near bus or train stations. I was with my wife once, in a hotel which boasted a hair salon. Mrs LL decided to have her hair washed. The girl in the shop looked completely baffled and said that she could do the washing part, but that she didn’t have a hair drier. Mrs LL asked what kind of hairdresser didn’t have a hair drier. The girl then explained - to Mrs LL’s shock. I’m sure that, in 99% of hairdressers’, the only ones possessing scissors are those specialising in S & M.
Ever since then, I am only allowed to go for a haircut under the closest supervision!
Anyway, I survived the experience with my honour intact and now I'm off to the station. See ya!
1. Rover0818 left...
Tuesday, 16 October 2007 9:14 pm
I really wonder what your new hairstyle looks like.if only there is a
picture about it in your blog.
2. liuzhou left...
Wednesday, 17 October 2007 3:33 pm :: http://liuzhou.blog-city.com
Don't hold your breath.
