Thomas Harper examines how and why the art of the haircut helps promote his self-image and confidence.
The last thing you may think about when discussing the process of getting a haircut is the mental benefits of one, but for me; the transformation of my head gives me a much-needed psyche boost. For a bloke with little body confidence, a new haircut increases my confidence by ten-fold and I don’t know why? There are stretch marks I would rather not live with and I deal with a bigger belly than I’d like, but all that stress that manifests inside me disappears after a pair of scissors and electric razors finish their magic.
“I’m Sorry, I just can’t deal with him”
To give a background, as a child the barber was probably my least favourite place in the world. The over-stimulation of the razors, scissors, unnecessary chatter and weird noises led to me bawling and crying like I was in an accident that wasn’t my fault. Before moving up the Shetland Islands at the age of 5, I lived in Bucksburn, just outside of the city of Aberdeen. Due to my Aspergers, I was causing quite the fuss for a hairdresser to handle, so much so I was left with half of a haircut, meaning my Dad took over for a few years (the poor soul).
To calm down my anxiety of my brain’s most dreaded activity, a brave man stepped up to the plate. Speaking on those days, my father, Clive Harper looked back with fondness.
I introduced ye tae the clippers by letting ye handle them. Then I let you handle it with it switched on to get ye used tae it. Then held it up against yer cheek for short times tae let ye feel the vibrations and hear the noise. Held it against yer cheek for longer and made it a laugh by making daft noises and making ye laugh. I also put music on and put a cloak on you as part of the game tae get ye used tae it. The cloak of course was tae catch yer hair...
The early attempts you still got upset at times so I stopped part the way through. I’d start it up later in the day perhaps a few times and eventually…. Hey presto, A classic buzz cut… I actually came to look forward to and enjoy gaein ye the ‘treatment’”
It did the trick, thank heavens. I put my Dad through a lot trying to calm down and not fidget or scream, I wish had the same patience as him, alas it is something I aspire to adapt in my later days if I ever have children.
Cheers Clive.
Fast forward to the present day and my attitude towards the barber’s chair has improved tenfold, but it took me a while to build myself up to such a level of “zen”. I now feel it is a relaxing process, I close my eyes and try to doze off if I can, alas to no avail but it avoids pointless chit-chat with somebody who would rather get on with their job, that’s my preferred method. One who gets on with the task at hand with zero fuss, we’re busy people who have places to be, I am sure they could deal with not hearing my life story for one day, surely!
The Benefits of a “Fresh Cut”
As somebody who has had the same haircut for the last twenty one years of his life, I decided recently that enough was enough, I followed the crowd and looked into the world of fades in men’s hair. Yes, I know. SO ORIGINAL. But for me, this was an anxiety provoking decision, what if I hated it? What if it didn’t suit me? Would I be ridiculed for changing such a recognisable thing as my thick Lego man hair-style? Well, it was proven to be a good call. I walked out of the barber with a spring in my step, like nothing could stop me; I was walking on air.
It made me think to myself. Is this a universal feeling? Perhaps. It can help somebody develop a routine, gain more control over their appearance and relieve stress from a relatively busy university schedule, I was able to get more work done afterwards; the confidence translated to motivation. It has intriguing mental benefits, do these hairdressers/barbers have magic in their hands to make me feel better? And if so, where can I buy this dust?
Do I still feel anxious about the barber’s chair even though I know it’ll always end up okay? Yes. Do I still feel tension whilst the barber is examining my scalp? Of course, but now; Once I am comfortable, I can transport myself to the land of glorious slumber.
Self care in today’s age is more socially required than ever before. While it is important to look well, presentable in life, do not let it overtake your entire brain. A poor self image is extremely detrimental to your brain. So learn to love yourself gradually and carefully, it’s a journey that some never complete, but all you can do is try.
