It’s something I’m reminded of regularly by customers who have lost their job over the last couple of years since the ‘Celtic Tiger’ collapsed and died, leaving us to foot the bill for his extravagant lifestyle. But, recession or not, hair continues to grow, barbers keep cutting and where there are people there is conversation. There’s something about barber-shop conversations that sets them apart from the usual small talk that’s normal in a business environment, and in fact these exchanges are enjoyed on both sides of the chair. There are of course people who don’t want conversation to be part of the service, and there are a few shops that offer haircuts without the traditional banter; but, for the majority of barber-shop customers, the chat seals the deal, and some regulars who wait for a specific barber will tell you that it’s ‘for the chat rather than the haircut.’ I like to think it’s both, but as long as they keep coming I can’t complain!
