A Man’s Session at the Salon

With all the bliss and relaxation that our female writers have spouted over spas and salons, I felt like a male’s perspective on the salon experience may help to establish a certain degree of gender balance on The Kingston Guide.

I value my hair a lot, but I’ve been, for the most part, a functionalist when it comes to getting it cut. As long as it was shorter when I walked out of a place than when I walked in, it looked good enough, and I didn’t have to part with much money, I was satisfied.

My functionalist side therefore bristled somewhat as I found myself seated in the James Brett salon, awaiting a haircut with a senior stylist there.

Christy, the stylist, informed me that my cut included a shampoo and head and neck massage. Never having received a head massage, I was curious.

My curiosity dissipated pretty quickly. Whatever functionalist skepticism I had felt went with it. This was quite lavish by my standards, and wholly enjoyable.

The hair cut seemed almost incidental really. I told Christy that I wanted my hair shorter, not conservative, and left the rest up to her. I can actually remember very little of the hair cut – probably because I was receiving a hand massage during most of it- only that Christy was very adept. When I put my glasses on to survey the work she had done, I was pleased.

It seems absurd, but my hair seemed to ‘fit’ better.

I departed the salon feeling fresh and smelling pretty (ylang ylang and mint perhaps?) and could not help looking at my well-styled hair a couple times in storefront windows along the way.

In retrospect, the haircut was very reasonably priced (in the $30 range). Considering what I have paid in the past for haircuts that were not as good and left out tea, hand, head and neck massages and hot towel treatments, this was good value.

I also realized that such things, while perhaps seeming to be unnecessary, are functional. There’s definitely a relaxation/enjoyment factor, and if you look good afterwards, why not? All in all, it was a recommendable experience.