#102 - Don't Like Prickly Hair

Blank Slate

Yesterday I was pondering... "I know my hair will start growing back soon, but I want to begin with a blank slate."  I have prickly hairs that came back during chemo and I know to expect surprises in color and texture with new hair growth. But, I want to start fresh. So this is what I did!

Richmond Barber Shop
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​At 8:00 this morning, I met A.D. at his barber shop in Richmond, Texas.  I told him on the phone yesterday about my situation.  

He seemed delighted to help me out, but he said he'd only be there in the early morning before his grandson came in at 8:30. He actually arrives most mornings at 6 or before!

Richmond, TX
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​I heard about A.D.'s shop 10 days ago, when  I went into the antique store across the street.  

It was the afternoon of my last chemo and I was in good spirits.  I spent time with the chatty owner talking about Richmond history and she mentioned the barber shop across the street.   ​

The Shop
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​I looked across and saw the sign saying, "Best Little Clip Joint West of the Brazos" and I started thinking.  I wondered about getting my head actually shaved with a straight razor. How many chances in life does a woman get to do that?

I also knew there was a very small window of time for bothering.  Why shave your head, when hair is growing in?

​Cure for the Blahs

​I drove out on Highway 90 this morning.  Fog was hanging over the railroad tracks and the ranch land, beside the road.  I was feeling pretty giddy, because I love an odd adventure.  I had no idea how welcomed or awkward I might  feel, but I needed to shake it up.

The day before I was in a grumpy mood realizing I needed over 6 weeks of radiation, not 4.  I needed something fun to lift my spirits.  I could have done a spa treatment... or gotten a tattoo or anything.  But the barber shop was my choice, to cure the blahs.

My Buddies of the Morning
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​A.D. and his buddy, Silven were waiting for me. They both greeted me with smiles and handshakes.

They look pretty serious in this photo, but that's because A.D. told me to feel free to take photos.  They didn't know they were in this one. There must have been 500 framed photos. And I didn't even get a photo of the saddle or Elvis by the door.

Before
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​Silven was happy to sit with his coffee and take some shots.  

I had my paisley scarf for the photo, then whipped it off and took a seat.

Getting Started
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​A.D. couldn't have put me more at ease. He seemed pretty amused about me being the first woman to ever ask for a head shave. In fact I think I was his first woman customer since he started in 1960.  

But he was also warm and open about my situation. He told me he'd be taking his time. "I'll go slow." he said. I was pretty delighted with the warm towel on my head!

​The Brush!
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​My expression doesn't match how I felt. I actually loved that he was using a brush to dab on the lather... cream... what do they call it?

 I told him I felt like I was in Mayberry.  He didn't act at all like goofy Floyd on The Andy Griffith Show.

Straight Razor
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​A.D. didn't act like Sweeny Todd either... thank goodness.

He was cautious and gentle and only made me laugh when there was no razor in his hand.  

I laughed about all my head flaws that I never see.  "I heard there's a mole up there!" I told him. But he just complimented my round head.

Done!
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​We did laugh much of the time. It was hard keeping still because our  3-way conversation was lively.  And then another fella came in, waiting for an appointment with A.D.'s grandson.  

A.D. introduced us and teased, "Yeah, I messed up her haircut last week and she told me to just take it all off."  I told him to stop making me laugh.  We 4 chatted till I was done and A.D. cooled my head with cooling towel. He cautiously diluted it, so I wouldn't jump out of my seat. Then he fanned my cooling head. "How's that feel?"
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Me and My Barber
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​A.D. told me that my "bubbly personality" was going to get me through this thing, no problem.

He also laughed to Silven that it was a lot more fun having me in there than a bunch of men... and did I want a job?  He said it in the kindest of ways.   

Photos
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​Grandson, Colt came in to take over with the other barber chair. A.D. introduced us and I marveled that a man who had been "barbering" since the 1950's could have a grandson in the biz, now. Pretty cool.

A.D. pointed out some of the photos he'd been putting up since he opened up 56 years ago. "I just love photos." he said.  He said he had polio as a child and he was the only one in the hospital who had a camera. I would so love to see some of his photos from then!

​Mirror Pic
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​I asked my new friends if I should put on my scarf before heading out. They told me to go for it with my new head.  

So I tied my scarf around my neck.  I asked A.D. how much I owed him and he wouldn't even discuss being paid.  Silven said he was stubborn and don't even try.  They both gave me hugs before I left and I promised to come back and show them my hair when it grows in. 

Driving Bald
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​I rolled down the windows of my Honda Element, wishing I had a convertible.  Then I took a scenic route through Richmond, stopping to pick up some coffee with my scarf-less head.  

I drove down the highway feeling the breeze on my smooth skin and I smiled.  I sort of hoped I wouldn't see any neighbors as I pulled into my drive, but at least my confidence was up... if I did.
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