Getting my ears lowered

The before picture.

On our last day in Singapore I only had one task to accomplish, get a haircut.  It had been way too long since my last cut and I think I was only a few weeks away from rocking a mullet.  Now I’m not saying there is anything wrong with having “hockey hair” but I don’t think Kelly would like looking at me too much if I was sporting an ape drape.

A Reservoir Dogs poster was a good sign.

I had talked to a student on our first day in port who told me I could find a $5 cut in the Little India section of town.  Kelly and I wanted to explore that section anyway so we made a fun afternoon of it.  It was an easy 15 minute subway ride there.  The subway system in Singapore was really easy to use and we were able to get the hang of it after only a few rides. 

As we exited the subway the smell of curry was immediate.  I’ve really grown to love Indian food lately so my stomach quickly forgot about the breakfast we had just eaten and eagerly awaited lunch.  We walked the colorful streets for a bit until I saw a $5 haircut sign on a small door sandwiched between local market and a closed steel garage door.  I was a little nervous but I figured hair will grow back so why not try.

The barber shop was very simple.  There was only one chair and one guy cutting hair.  A flat screen television on the wall was showing Indian music videos and the walls had American movie posters covering them.  I’m guessing to hide cracks or holes in the wall.  I waited for a few minutes as the barber finished up an Indian guy who was in the chair and then waved me in. 

He there a wrap around me and clipped it on the side and asked what I wanted.  Kelly was quick thinking and took him outside the door where he had pictures of different hairstyles.  She pointed to the Brad Pitt style but I’m sure he was thinking there is only so much he can do. 

Over the next half hour my new friend weaved his magic.  There was no small talk, just a man working his craft.  The most amazing part to me was he never used a pair of scissors or any water.  He would comb my hair over, set the comb in place and then use a pair of electric clippers to cut off layers.  When he finished with the clippers he simply used a comb and a straight razor to cut the top down and style it.

In the end it was one of the best haircuts I’ve ever had in my life.  We chatted with him and his wife for a few minutes after, she had been sitting on an old couch in the corner reading, and they asked where we were from and showed us pictures of their baby.  It was a wonderful experience and I’m really glad I pushed past my initial apprehension and went for it.

The after.