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View Full Version : here's what's wrong with the world in a nutshell



Neal Clayton
06-17-2008, 7:26 PM
i noticed this in a thread on another forum today, which is funny, sad, and pretty stupid all rolled into one...



I'm thinking of joining this place here that does haircuts with style. You basically join their club as a member and get unlimited haircuts for $35 a month. They give you a beer while you get a cut, good atmosphere like an old style barber shop, etc. For like $50 you get unlimited cuts and shaves or something, and for $75 a month you get your own box with your name on it. Clippers, scissors, etc inside are YOURS. They won't be used on anyone else. You get all the beneifits including free massage, facials, etc. I'm consdiering the $35 option due to a super-cut costing around $22, and I'd get 2+ a month if I could, but always do 1 a month due to cost. I go to a place that sounds like you're talking about. A lot like a barber shop. Hair cut, shave, hot towel, facial, and its for guys only. No people getting perms next to me, and they actually know how to cut a guy's hair.so they started going to the mall for haircuts and the downtown barber shop shut down, eh? now, years later, it dawns on them that a haircut from the mall for 30 dollars sucks, and they alleviate that by renting space at haircut depot.

nevermind the fact that you'll probably get a haircut from a kid who works best buy after the hair cutting job, who learned by a few corporate training videos and 10 mins of practice on a dummy with a wig. the fact that the guy next to you isn't allowed to get cooties on your comb is all that matters.

almost like a barber shop! (except for the massages and facials)

:rolleyes:

Matt Ocel
06-17-2008, 7:45 PM
Oh , Oh

I have a feeling this is going to be a big nutshell.

Ron Dunn
06-17-2008, 7:56 PM
A couple of years ago I paid $18 (AUD) for a hair clipper with three combs. The #2 comb gets run all over my head twice a month.

My motivation was that I'd been paying $10 per cut to a barber, he raised his price to $12 (understandable), and added a woman to his roster (inexcusable).

It isn't the prettiest haircut, but it isn't the prettiest head, either.

Extra money for tools and wood :)

Tom Veatch
06-17-2008, 8:10 PM
...It isn't the prettiest haircut ...

Remember seeing somewhere that the difference between a good haircut and a bad haircut was 3 days. The wife shears me whenever she can get me to sit still long enough. Must be 30 years or more since I sat in a barber chair.

Neal Clayton
06-17-2008, 8:30 PM
A couple of years ago I paid $18 (AUD) for a hair clipper with three combs. The #2 comb gets run all over my head twice a month.

My motivation was that I'd been paying $10 per cut to a barber, he raised his price to $12 (understandable), and added a woman to his roster (inexcusable).

It isn't the prettiest haircut, but it isn't the prettiest head, either.

Extra money for tools and wood :)

in fairness to my barber the only woman that works there is a relative of his and grew up in there, so she knows the routine. he's also 12 bucks.

i'm still trying to reason in my mind the image of a grown man sitting in a chair with cucumbers over his eyes getting a facial. i'm not sure that's something i could take seeing in person with a straight face (pun intended).

John Daugherty
06-17-2008, 8:40 PM
Since I lost half a head of hair and they still charged me for a whole head I haven't been in a hair cutting establishment in going on 15 years!:rolleyes:

Jason Roehl
06-17-2008, 9:03 PM
About 6 months into my marriage (coming up on 13 years in a couple weeks), I was tired of carrying a cap around to cover my helmet head from riding my motorcycle. So I decided that instead of spending $10/month on haircuts, I would just buzz it off myself. I used a beard trimmer at first, and burned up a couple consumer-grade clippers (~$30 each) before I finally asked my wife's maid of honor (a beautician) what to get for clippers. Turns out they only cost about $50 for an entry-level pro-grade set. Clean them and oil them and they'll last a very long time. My boys (8.5 and almost 7) have never been to a barber--I cut their hair, too, with the combs supplied--longer on top, shorter around the sides. My older son gets his shorter because his hair is thicker like mine. Anyway, for about $100, I've not spent about $2000 at the barber over the years. (I can't say I've SAVED that much...:rolleyes:)

David Freed
06-17-2008, 10:01 PM
I pay $9 a couple times a year. Why would someone want to spend that much time in a barber shop, let alone wasting that much money.

David G Baker
06-17-2008, 10:27 PM
I have been going to women to get my hair cut for the past 20 or so years and have never had a problem. The hair cut is great, done the way I want it and takes about 10 minutes. Costs me about $10 a month.
I was butchered a few times as a kid when I went to male barbers. They thought they knew how my hair style should look and did it their way.

Richard M. Wolfe
06-17-2008, 11:42 PM
My problem with haircuts is I keep outlasting my barbers. I'll try here and then try there and finally find one I like. Go there for a while and the next time I walk in find they've moved out of state or something like that. I'm not going to gripe about the cost of a haircut for no more than the number of times a year I go (which is probably about average).

Don Abele
06-17-2008, 11:54 PM
Barbers and haircuts...hmmm...

I guess being in the military for the last 22 years may have something to do with it. Or the fact that by the age of 20 my hair was already thinning and vanity has nothing on me (so no Rogaine or hair plugs :p).

Anyway, about 10 years ago I got tired of spending $10 at the base barber and bought a nice set of clippers. I've been running them across my pate 2-3 times a month since then without a single problem. High speed, low drag!

Recently started using some of the other combs that comes with it (I stick with the 1/8" one) for my three-year old son. I doubt he will see a barber any time soon. Wife won't let me do the two older girls hair (though I have threaten them with a haircut "like Dad's" if they didn't take care of it). :eek:

Be well,

Doc

Lee DeRaud
06-17-2008, 11:59 PM
My only haircut issue is that I'm just below Supercuts' cutoff for "geezer price": I always seem to show up there the same time as some old dude with way more hair than I ever had who's paying less to get it cut.

(The local theater chain raised their senior age from 55 to 60 about a month after my 55th birthday, so it's kind of a sore point with me.)

Stephen Beckham
06-18-2008, 8:00 AM
We've only got a couple barbers here in town (plenty of salons for gals) - who turn out to be school mates and still good friends - and one of them just upgraded from the old run down - tornado damaged shop to a brand new building, with three chairs instead of two, with 52" widescreen for sports, with a snack room and a mini basketball goal...

He charges $10 a month up from $9 last month. His customers complain that he raised a $1 because of the new digs... He's come up with a couple one liners already...

...it'll only cost you about $1.50 to go to the other guy down the street in gas...

...if you promise not to look at the TV screen once while you're here, you can only pay $9...

...the corn-oil base lubricant went up because of ethanol...

Greg Heppeard
06-18-2008, 9:20 AM
Hair???????? Wassat?????????? :eek: Complete shave 4 times a week does me good.

Jim Becker
06-18-2008, 9:37 AM
Interesting anecdote...growing up, all the hair cutting stuff was handled by "Frank the Barber" from my first cut as a young child to about the time I headed to college. When we moved at about my age 7, he also moved to the same town coincidentally. Frank Valenzano and his wife Phyl also became close family friends...she a warm hearted woman and he a zany "Italian" guy who loved to crack jokes, play golf and sing babershop music. (what a concept...) His shop for a very long time was just a traditional cut and shave operation; occasionally with another barber "renting a chair", but always his business. In the 1970s he did make some effort to keep up with the styles of the time. Interestingly, he did cut some women, including my mom, but that was for gals who didn't do the foo-foo hairdoos and just needed good hair maintenance. He retired a number of years back and passed on, but will always be remembered by folks for the consummate professional he was and the good friend he always tried to be.

More recently, I went for many years without seeing a "hair cutting professional", especially since I moved away from the area where a particularly skilled gal named Arlene had her business. For a long time, she was my go-to for the very slight and occasional trims I needed when my hair was long (pony tail and all that...) and also a good friend. Since then and until sometime last year, I would just have Professor Dr. SWMBO trim off an inch of the ends in the back to get rid of any damage. Then, my wonderful Russian princesses decided that their dad didn't strike the image that met their fancy, so I went short for the first time in about 20 years. (which they also complained about...LOL) Unfortunately, that means more regular maintenance. I do the SuperCuts thing for $16 plus tip every couple months and they generally do ok. My biggest issue with these outfits is the turnover...just as you get to know someone and they get to know your head and hair...they move on. Lately, I've been using the store manager when I can get her and that at least fixes the issue in some ways.

There is what appears to be a "traditional" barber up the road from the house, but they must have very sporadic hours...I rarely see the lights on.

Ken Fitzgerald
06-18-2008, 9:48 AM
There are fewer and fewer traditional barber shops where I'm at. By the time the 3 or so barbers retire, I'll probably not need their services anyway. I'm starting to look more like my maternal grandfather...more and more each day! I think I may find a new use for wax and my Beal buffing system.

Frank Kobilsek
06-18-2008, 9:58 AM
On my 42nd birthday I got up and looked in the mirror and realized my hair was white (suspect this is Mom's fault). I walked out and said to my wife 'My hair is white, I have to do something with it! I'm either shaving my head or growing a pony tail' She said 'I'll buy you a new razor'.

I do miss the barber shop in town. It has a regular business name but most people just call it 'The Temple of Truth'.

Frank

Steven Hardy
06-18-2008, 10:00 AM
i noticed this in a thread on another forum today, which is funny, sad, and pretty stupid all rolled into one...

so they started going to the mall for haircuts and the downtown barber shop shut down, eh? now, years later, it dawns on them that a haircut from the mall for 30 dollars sucks, and they alleviate that by renting space at haircut depot.

nevermind the fact that you'll probably get a haircut from a kid who works best buy after the hair cutting job, who learned by a few corporate training videos and 10 mins of practice on a dummy with a wig. the fact that the guy next to you isn't allowed to get cooties on your comb is all that matters.

almost like a barber shop! (except for the massages and facials)

:rolleyes:

Its not something that appeals to me...but I see absolutely nothing "wrong" with an enhanced service offering. There are quite a few people in this country that have a huge disposable income and you cant take it ($) with you! (There are also growing numbers that cant afford the services either).
Who knows....maybe the persons other "alternative source of attention" is visiting a psychiatrist or a bartender???

Doug Shepard
06-18-2008, 10:01 AM
I pay a woman $15 which includes shampoo'ed, conditioner, then cut - usually with cleavage shoved in my face while she leans in to work. I'm not complaining.

Greg Muller
06-18-2008, 10:17 AM
I've had a flat top (except for a few years including when my avatar pic was taken) since I was in the military- total of about 25 years now.

What happened to all the barbers that know how to cut a flat top???

I went to a place that was recommended to me by a friend, I got a crew cut, but it wasn't FLAT. A flat top should be FLAT. Hence the name; FLATTOP!!!

Finally found a guy that gets it mostly flat, but I have to do a little trim work on it after I get a shower.

oh well. If that's my biggest complaint, then whatamIbitchinabout, right?

Greg

Craig Summers
06-18-2008, 10:29 AM
i noticed this in a thread on another forum today, which is funny, sad, and pretty stupid all rolled into one...

I liked the "give you a beer", but i'm trying to figure how you drink it without getting your freshly cut hair in it ;). Beer with a lid and straw? How many refills?
For $75, my thinking is there should be some more entertainment or eye candy. :eek: Woodworkers afraid of cooties can build and bring thier own personal box.

Growing up, Dad always cut the boys and girls hair, until the girls were old enough to go off with Mom to the salon for a perm. You should have seen the line for haircuts, as there were 11 of us growing up. :cool:

Now its the local 'chain store' "American BarberShop" here in Woodbridge for now, but I might try the new one in Bristow closer to home, and take the (almost) 2 year old son to get his first barber hair cut.

Craig

Neal Clayton
06-18-2008, 10:41 AM
Its not something that appeals to me...but I see absolutely nothing "wrong" with an enhanced service offering. There are quite a few people in this country that have a huge disposable income and you cant take it ($) with you! (There are also growing numbers that cant afford the services either).
Who knows....maybe the persons other "alternative source of attention" is visiting a psychiatrist or a bartender???

it's not really a matter of affording it, it just seems ironic that younger people especially see such things and think "wow a place to get a haircut that's not for women and isn't in the mall" and you have to explain to them the fact that there were always such places...until they and everyone else stopped going to them and started going to the mall.

Eddie Watkins
06-18-2008, 11:05 AM
Even as a kid I hated to get my hair cut. I don't have but one or two school pictures where my hair looked unshaggy. It just seemed like such a waste to sit in line waiting your turn. About 4-5 years ago after a really long wait at a Super Cut I asked LOML to buy some clippers and start cutting my hair. The first few times I wore a hat alot but I have either lost all my vanity or she has improved and I don't wait in line!

Eddie

Scott Donley
06-18-2008, 11:13 AM
Had a friend who cut my hair for 20 years. About 5-6 years ago she moved out of state. It is about time I start looking for someone new, till than, elastic bands are cheap :D

Bob Moyer
06-18-2008, 11:53 AM
I sleep with my barber :D

Dennis Peacock
06-18-2008, 12:23 PM
I sleep with my barber :D

I sleep with my barber too Bob!!! She's a wonderful woman and an excellent barber.

Bob Moyer
06-18-2008, 12:26 PM
I sleep with my barber too Bob!!! She's a wonderful woman and an excellent barber.

Mine is also a wonderful woman and a nurse in case she nicks something. :) BTW, I barely have more hair than the smiley.

Brent Ring
06-18-2008, 12:33 PM
I am in the "sleep-with-my-barber" category as well. She has always done a great job of cutting my hair exactly how she likes it. When I tried a flattop for a year, she would not cut it that way, and so I had to pay.

She cuts it how she likes it, and is happy. That means I am happy, and all is well with the world!

Bob Moyer
06-18-2008, 12:41 PM
I am in the "sleep-with-my-barber" category as well. She has always done a great job of cutting my hair exactly how she likes it. When I tried a flattop for a year, she would not cut it that way, and so I had to pay.

She cuts it how she likes it, and is happy. That means I am happy, and all is well with the world!

Happy Wife - Happy Life

Michael Weber
06-18-2008, 10:38 PM
I am in the "sleep-with-my-barber" category as well. She has always done a great job of cutting my hair exactly how she likes

Well, I used to be. Then after 30 years she just decides she wasn't going to do it anymore.:confused: Never really gave a good explanation. Anyway, I got one of these. http://store.diyhut.com/vachaircut.html Does an okay job if I don't go overboard and take off too much.

Dennis Peacock
06-19-2008, 12:02 AM
Happy Wife - Happy Life

Down here Bob????

If momma ain't happy? Ain't Nobody Happy!!! ;)

Rob Bodenschatz
06-19-2008, 1:06 AM
Okay, I have to chime in here since I owned a hair salon for about three years. And no, I don't cut hair. Hair stylists are a different breed. Boy, I could tell you some stories. :eek::eek::eek:

Jim, you mentioned the turnover. Think it's hard on the customers, imagine how it is on the owner.:( In fact, that trip out to your place to pick up the router table was spent on the phone with my manager trying to talk her off of some ledge. Something about everyone quitting because they don't like her. My trip home was spent on the phone trying to sell the joint.

Justin Leiwig
06-19-2008, 8:32 AM
What happened to all the barbers that know how to cut a flat top???

Greg

I feel your pain. It seems to me that I only get a short amount of time with a good barber before they pass on. Many were old school military barbers. There was nothing like going to get your flat top cut and being able to put a level on it it was so flat. My favorite part was the trim with the hot shaving cream and a straight razor.

For a while I found a lady who did a decent job, but it wasn't quite a flat top. They continued to raise their prices to the point where I said no more and bought a set of clippers and buzz my own head now.

I'd kill for a place with a skilled barber, a barber pole, a leather strop, and all the other manly things I remember from growing up. It just makes you feel like more of a man when you walk out the door.

Greg Cole
06-19-2008, 8:41 AM
Remember seeing somewhere that the difference between a good haircut and a bad haircut was 3 days.

I thought that's what hats were for.....
I defer to the Brad Paisley song I'm still a guy.. "I don't highlight my hair and I've still got a pair"

Greg

Joe D'Attilio
06-19-2008, 2:14 PM
I actually go to one of these fancy schmancy Day spa type places. I liek the finer things and a little pampering every once in a while...

I'm going to be 33 in a few months and still have my "locks". SO I tend to "take care" of what I got before it is gone. You know - not take it for granted" ...

That being said it's my ONLY "pamper". Yes I pay $40+ for my hair to be cut...at least 6 or more times a year. My selling point here is that I arrivea few minutes before my appt, greeted by some young "chippy" who shampoos me for about 10-15 mins, which includes a heavenly neck and scalp massage. (it's truly worth it). I then am escorted by said "young chippy" to my stylist who also isn't hard to look at and proceedwit ha 30 min primping :D

Don't get me wrong.. growing up in a smalltown I alway slooked forward to going to the "barber". I was able to indulge in the conversation of adults...not chime in, but i still got to sit "at the table" with grown-ups.
NOt to mention, my barber was my great-uncle. Now 4 generations deep in tradiotional barbering; complete w/ , talc brush, razor and strop, ball game on the tube and that ever so sweet sound of broken English -italian, chiding me to "quit slouching". So I'm def not a "head snob" in the least bit. Just got a little tired of my hair being "butchered", family or not LOL

So is it reasonable for a guy to spend an hour and the cost of a new tool gloat at the "salon", NO! absolutely NOT..

But in this day and age of all the hustle and bustle... it's just a little time out my busy life that makes feel good and is very relaxing.

I take the good with the bad. I look at it this way, I pay for the atmosphere and tranquility and get a much needed maintenance for FREE

I wish someone would mix the 2, old barbershop feel and services with a new look and atmosphere. Scalp massages by young ladies and a nice afordable haircut by a "old school" barber, complete with Flat screens and cold beer on tap!

My $.02 ...