Head Space Daily Words...

There is something revitalizing about having a hair cut. Psychologically, it puts a spring in your step and the world, for some reason, feels a more positive place. Why does this happen? It is that one moment, every six to eight weeks when it is all about you. Hairdressing salons by their very nature - low lighting, music, hair washed, the rhythmic snip snip of the scissors - are good places to think and unburden your mind. Hairdressers themselves are generally good talkers and good listeners. You can have a laugh, a moan, a gossip, a natter and generally put the world to rights. Or, alternatively – say nothing. I was chatting to my hairdresser today about how she sees her role with clients and she pointed out that as well as knowing the ins and outs of cutting hair, you also need strong social skills and the ability to deal with different people and their various moods and emotional baggage. She believes it is how you deal with the social side that makes or breaks hairdressers in the early stages of their careers. She thinks that because the hairdresser is a person they don’t know on a personal level, coupled with the relaxed mood, clients feel free to let it all out. In the past she has had people discussing affairs and asking for advice on what to do. The rule though is discretion and what is said in the shop, stays in the shop. A haircut it seems is a psychological pit stop, like a creature shedding its skin – some form of renewal and rejuvenation. Do bald men find a replacement for this psychological pitstop? Historically, a trip to the hairdressers, being a social necessity, brings with it a certain code of behaviour. I always think it is interesting that barbers would ask customers if they wanted ‘something for the weekend sir,’ as it was taboo to buy condoms – yet more social working. Maybe it goes back to when we were young and self conscious and that fresh hair cut, or number two all over, is what gave us the confidence to take on the world, or speak to that girl or boy that we fancied. These days, having a haircut allows us a pause for a cause. We momentarily stop dashing around like nutters. We aren’t glued to a screen. In my case, the mobile is firmly in the pocket, on silent. We can actually breathe. Right, I have made my psychological pit stop and am now ready to take on the world…