Press "Enter" to skip to content

I sold my self-esteem cheap

I found the price of self-esteem, and it is $3. I know because haircuts never lie.

You deserve an explanation. Here goes.

For haircuts, I go to a walk-in … salon? That’s hifalutin for a joint that takes no appointments.

My doo is simple: No. 5 clipper all over. The cut often takes less time than processing my credit card afterward.

Prices are displayed on a sign above the front counter. The top line – standard haircut, no shampoo – is the only line I’d ever read. It says $19.

I visited the doo factory in early June. The hairdresser surprised me by charging only $16.

“Must have a special going,” I thought.

I returned yesterday. Again, just $16.

Puzzled, I glanced at the sign. Imagine, please, a cartoon character whose eyes bulge out of his head, because right there, on the second line, blared these alarming words:

“Seniors $16.”

Youth has no price, of course. We might squander it but can never buy it back.

But self-esteem? In assuming (correctly) that I merited the senior rate, hairdressers bought mine for $3.


30-Second Read does doos

Bad hair, smelly pits

Your hair and your fame

Doo not orange

Distance diary

Shaving the old way


It could have been worse

We'll come to you!

Sign up to receive an email when each new 30-Second Read is published.

This field is required.

Check spam folder for confirmation email.

7 Comments

  1. Darlene Olivo Darlene Olivo

    Love it, Jeff.

  2. Steve fehr Steve fehr

    $40 here. No senior rate.

    • And we’ve got about the same amount of hair.

  3. Nancy Grush Nancy Grush

    What a deal!

  4. Bruce C Bruce C

    For 50-plus years, my barber’s price for a basic haircut ranged from $2 (50 years ago) to $5 (last year). He made his money in tips. I paid ten bucks for the past 15 years, which included a $5 tip.
    He retired last year, and I’ve window-shopped for a new barber, who all charge at least $25 or more. Talk about sticker shock. I haven’t had a haircut since he retired.
    My hair almost touches my shoulders. Once it’s long enough, I’ll donate it to Locks of Love.
    Once it’s cut, despite still having a full head of hair, I’ll probably shave it off.
    I’ve spent thousands on camera equipment. But I can’t bring myself to pay $25 for a haircut.

Comments are closed.