Updated: December 20, 2015
Originally Published: August 1, 2015
A few summers ago, while enjoying a trip to New Jersey, I discovered that my youngest child was dealing with a lice infestation. This wasn’t our first encounter with these pests, so I approached the situation nonchalantly. However, I neglected to tie back my own long hair and panicked when I later found a lice on my scalp. In a moment of desperation, I asked my eldest son if he would be willing to shave my hair off. He had just finished shaving his brother’s head in the garage while I handled the cleanup. Although he seemed hesitant, he agreed to do it if I truly wanted.
I shared my predicament with my friend, Sarah, from California. She was horrified by the idea and quickly found a lice removal expert who came to my home that night. Thankfully, no shaving was necessary!
Fast forward two years, and I find myself captivated by my hair stylist, Vanessa’s, striking blue and black hair, styled with a trendy undercut. It looked incredibly stylish and practical—no more unruly hair that wouldn’t hold a curl. I contemplated shaving my own hair to simplify styling, but it felt like a significant change, especially as I’m in my middle age. After months of admiration, I finally mustered the courage to go for it. The sensation of the clippers gliding over my scalp was as liberating as I had imagined. I considered asking Vanessa to shave it all off for a fresh start, perhaps even going blonde. My mind buzzed with endless possibilities.
Venturing into this new territory opened my eyes to a world of creative hair designs. I began inquiring about intricate patterns to shave into my undercut—floral motifs, my business logo, the ideas were limitless. Vanessa suggested I seek out a barbershop with a “Z” in its name, like “Cuts and Zips,” typically located in less polished neighborhoods. That dampened my enthusiasm a bit.
During a vacation this summer, however, I stumbled upon a barbershop called “Rugged Edge.” While it didn’t have a “Z,” the window boasted services for fades and graphic styles. Curious, I called them up. “Do you cut women’s hair?” I asked.
“No.”
“I have an undercut and want graphics.”
“Okay. Come in.”
I brought along my friend, Amy, for moral support. The shop was filled with young men and the unmistakable aroma of cigar smoke. “Wow, you can smoke in here?” I gasped.
“It’s from the cigar shop next door,” Amy replied with an eye roll.
I was assigned to a barber named Jake, who set to work on the sides of my head.
“What do you want?” he asked.
“I’m open to experimentation.” Was that wise? He surveyed my undercut and finally began his artistic endeavor. I had never witnessed someone wield clippers with such finesse. Once he finished, he reached for a straight razor. My heart raced.
“Have you ever made anyone bleed?”
“Not anymore,” he assured me.
As the barbers around me joked and chatted about an upcoming bachelor party, I felt a wave of camaraderie. It was a different atmosphere compared to the quieter salon—a lively, testosterone-fueled energy permeated the space.
Jake skillfully maneuvered the razor, and when he completed the design, he generously applied talcum powder, something I had always wanted to try. He regarded me expectantly.
“Do you like it?”
“It’s fabulous!”
This experience taught me that stepping into unfamiliar territories can lead to exciting new opportunities. If you’re curious about the world of home insemination, you might find helpful resources at Make a Mom and CCRM IVF to guide you on your journey. Additionally, if you’re looking for more insights on various topics, you can check out our post on Intracervical Insemination for valuable information.
In summary, my venture into the barbershop world not only transformed my hair but also enriched my perspective on self-expression and creativity. Embracing change can lead to surprising and delightful outcomes.