Comments on: What you can learn from barbershops

By: Michael Cornn

Michael Cornn — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:29:29 +0000

A barber in Kuwait shoved two Q tips covered in hot wax up my nose. He waited until the wax had cooled (and trapped my nose hairs) and then yanked the Qtips out as fast as he could. Ouch!!!

By: » The initiation rites of travel :: Vagablogging :: Rolf Potts Vagabonding Blog

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:01:25 +0000

[...] we bring upon ourselves. The trip to the barber. What we accidentally step in. The foray into public transportation. The first bite of street food. [...]

By: Joel Carillet

Joel Carillet — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:11:54 +0000

Hi Brett – The Chinese lady did, after expressing her opposition, shave my head. It worked out just fine.

By: Brett

Brett — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:33:25 +0000

Once an Indian barber sculpted my beard into a bit-too-devilish-for-my-taste point. But soon after, I noticed a change from the days of the untamed beard: Lots of mustached Indians were now starting up conversations on the particulars of facial hair ownership.

What I’d written off as a disappointing cut led to connections that otherwise wouldn’t have been made. So it seems that what might initially appear as a botched haircut actually can help close the distance between strangers.

Right on. Did you ever end up doing the bald thing?

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:30:13 +0000

Haha, I can relate to this as well! Who knew such a simple task could be such a source of adventure and inspiration. It’s a great way to relate to people because almost everyone in the world gets their hair trimmed in one way or another. No language skills required. (and in my opinion it’s more fun that way.) Joel, I had the flaming cotton swab of death shoved into my ear in Turkey as well. BEST HAIRCUT EVER.

By: Joel

Joel — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:13:58 +0000

The razor blade to your neck is the ultimate sign of trust…I’ve done it a few times and I always leave sweating.

By: Nate maingard

Nate maingard — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:55:48 +0000

Haha, thanks for the lovely little article!
I have been shaving my own hair for a few years and have often wondered what it would be like to have to get my hair cut wherever I went…I was considering growing it again and I’m not yet sure whether you have convinced me to keep it shaved or grow it long and prepare for razor blades in strangers’ hands.