Barbershop Beacons!

These shops are easily identifiable by the candy-cane, spinning poles in front of the buildings. Counting over twenty of these on "hypnotic street", I assume that I've either stumbled into a hair-trim lair or found the private residence of Claus and his friendly elves.

Approaching Santa's first workshop, I descend stairs, knocking on a door to a basement suite.  A friendly Korean lady answers the knock and asks politely (in Korean) how she can help me.  No translation necessary, she notices that I definitely need a haircut.  

Invited into the shop, I walk in a crouched/defensive stance to avoid a "free" hot water pipe trim.

Acknowledging that the residence was possibly not designed for a 6'4" Canadian, I bow stating "Thank-you" and leave for the next shop.

 Hair shop Heaven!

Entering my first Korean hairstylist boutique, I'm relieved to receive an enthusiastic greeting! With excellent customer service, I'm handed a modern hairstylist book within minutes! Wow, they've anticipated my need for a haircut, realize that I can't speak Korean and plan to communicate through magazine photos!

First problem... it's a women's hair style magazine.

Second problem.. there are no men's style magazines.

I scan through their literature looking for a photo of a "Sinhead O'Connor" look-alike. 

 Communication Charade

The stylist holding the shortest-straw, reviews my choice and promptly requests translation assistance from all the women in the boutique.  (including customers)

Abandoning their posts, and chatting amongst themselves for five minutes, the confusion is replaced with banter, chuckles and a conclusion. 

Hearing the Korean phrase "American GI" and watching their "sweep across the head" gestures ... I quickly clarify with my rock/scissor/paper technique that that I'm a Canadian simply looking for a scissor trim!

 Dome Dilemma...

I sense the cut is going badly when the stylist reaches for clippers instead of scissors.   

I confirm the cut went badly when I see half the hair on my head drop and lie motionless on the floor... after the first clipper pass!

I motion for her to stop and request a mirror.   

Sunspots

The sun beam, reflecting off the back of my head, off the mirror, catches me squarely in the right eye!

Blinded by light reflecting off new chrome, blinking rapidly to restore vision, I realize that I possibly appear quite upset as water cascades and my vision clears.

Laughing, I simply ask her to finish the job, hoping the baldness spreads evenly. 

Checking the weather forecast, I expect the overcast predictions will reduce the luster.

 Three Weeks Later...

 Happy Chuseok ! (추석 잘 보네세요!)

May your haircuts go as expected for your Chuseok holiday (Korean Thanksgiving) pictures!
 

Best wishes from all your friends at Insadong Korean BBQ & Fresh Seafood Restaurant!