The barbershop
A while ago i wrote about my dissapointments with sloppy hairdressers. I got a little worked up. I pointed out that hair saloons operate on lousy business models to the disadvantage of customers and employees. I still see this, and the situation certainly won't change, unless somebody seizes the opportunity to make a difference. In a recent article about barbershops, Brett & Kate McKay echo the madness:
“If you’re like most men these days, you’re probably going to some unisex chain salon like Supercuts. I used to do it too. Most of the time, I’d walk out of these places with a crappy haircut.”
The article gives some insights into what a man (a manly man—a man who can afford to be more than a drone) is looking for in a haircut experience.
I have learned my lessons with the chain salons. I'd rather let my hair grow longer than go to super 10. Besides, that's actually how i go about shoes as well. I'd rather wear out already worn-out shoes, then buy ones i don't really like.
The only places in Cologne with a more traditional, laid-back, barbershop atmosphere are run by the Turkish community. That's where i go. The man who cuts my hair is also the owner of the shop. Ownership in what you do is the only way to make you care. Employed hairdressers, who are paid an hourly wage, don't have to care.
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