Issue 26.10
The “$6.00 Haircut” is my favorite TV advertisement. It appeals to many of us because of the so-called “bargain” factor. Because of our human nature it grabs our attention, but in the end, it might not be exactly what it’s advertised to be. As you might remember, the local barbershop owner sees a new shop move in across the street, advertising $6.00 haircuts, and he’s concerned about how the lower prices will affect his business.
This ad made me think about the concept of bargain-basement pricing, discounts and deals beyond belief. As a result, on May 15th, I decided to experience a “real-deal” for myself, and decided to trim my own hair, which seemed a better deal than even the $6.00 haircut.
Using my moustache trimmer, which had been in the drawer for many years, and replacing the batteries, I began to cut. First, I trimmed the hair around my ears then pulled the sides forward and cut off about an inch. Before long I noticed the hair at my temples was standing straight! A little more clipping would surely help, but no… Now the sides stuck straight out too. It looked worse than ever! Do you think I could make this kind of a story up? Not on your life! Well, no amount of pomade would make it lie down or stay flat, so I got to experience what my real-deal haircut turned into. Before sunset that day, at my request, my daughter-in-law, a hairdresser, came to see if she could blend the mess together.
The next day I bought some butch wax – maybe the spiked look would be more becoming than what I saw in the mirror. Well, today is June 7th, 23 days later, and it is obvious that my hair is still “fly-away-Bob, definitely inferior to what a professional barber would have done.
Appearance is important in my profession; so quite frankly, this little experiment has not been worth it. Not even the local barber who advertised he Fixes $6.00 haircuts could have helped me.
Now for some people, a real-deal gives them a real lift, and a great feeling. But for me, when it comes to Barber, Doctor, Lawyer, and even Funeral Director, cheapest is definitely not always best.
It would be nice if you tried it before you knock it, those $6 haircuts carry no bargain factor as you speak of other then saving people a little money. our clients get a great haircut, great customer service & complimentary beverage all for $6 after all how much over head do you have when preforming a haircut? maybe a little shampoo & conditioner. Your daughter owns the salon down the street so I am sure that is what prompted your article and I’m just saying that is pretty crappy of you to not even give those $6 haircuts a try before writing about it as you did. I invite you to come get a haircut from us then write an honest article about your experience at the salon hell I’ll even do it for free that would be the honest and ethical thing to do. by the way business is great
I disagree. Sometimes a deal is just a deal. Businesses run promotions for all different reasons. I’m sure a $6.00 hair cut would be much better than any hair cut you could give yourself. Sales don’t last forever. In a week it’s over and you would pay that same person double for the same service. The hair cut will not be better or worse because you paid more or less for it. Not everyone is out to cut corners and rip you off. It is a highly competitive market out there in this recession, and a lot of businesses are running specials. Why be afraid of it? Sometimes a deal is just that… a deal.
I just got a $6 haircut in Hurricane a couple weeks ago and it was one of the best haircuts I have ever had. Before I was driving into St. George (spending gas money) and paying more for the haircut when I got there. Now I can stay here in town for the same experience at a lower price.