Thought I would share my experience today.

About a year ago one of those new "retro" barber shops opened up.  Looked like a nice place lots of wood and leather.  Pool table big screen TVs that type of stuff.  So today I finally screw up the courage to walk in and ask for an appointment.  The receptionist was nice and made the appointment and brought me a cup of coffee.  No problems right?  Well this stylist comes out from the back and says we don't do women cuts  at all its because of our license.  BLAH BLAH. so the poor receptionist comes over to relay this information to me.  I say well I think that's a bad idea you are setting yourself up for a law suite, you are a public place and besides its a bad business practice turning customers away.  I also told her I knew that the license thing was bull because a barber cuts my hair now.  She says she agrees and will call the owner.  I was polite but firm and left.  Inside I was so very angry but kept my cool.

So the owner calls me at home very sorry and says if you wold please consider us again we would love to have you as our guest (meaning no charge for the cut).  Made a new appointment and when I went back totally  different story.  When the guy came out to cut my hair he was super polite and said he requested to cut my hair, so that was a relief.  He really listened to me and cut my hair in the classic "mad men" style I requested.  He did the whole bit too.  Hot towel on the face and massage!  The poor receptionist apologized again and hugged me.  The guy who cut my hair when finished gave me his card and asked me to tell my friends.   

So while I will be the first to admit I don't pass right now 90% of the time, I really felt like a man today.  I was able to stand up for myself with out loosing my cool and got what I needed.  and I have a kick ass hair cut to boot. !So what started off as a downer really turned into a great experience.

What do they need insurance for? And that doesn't sound right, that women could be banned from any type of business. I thought about going to a barber shop, well, if we had one where I live, just to see if I'd get away with it. We just have regular Supercuts type places here that are for men and women. So I just skipped it and shaved my head with the cheap clippers I have.

On the other hand, when I got my supplements today, the UPS driver was an older man and he said, "Hey man how's it goin'?" And when he gave me the thing to sign for it, and I did, before he walked away he asked if that was really my name (the female name on the package) and I said yeah. And he just said, "Ok then. Have a nice day." and didn't sound awkward or put off like people usually are.

Good for you, standing up for yourself man! That's insane and so stupid that they said that. I've had barbers doing my hair for a couple years now. Totally awesome too because even when I didn't pass they chopped my hair off without any of that "That's too short for a girl" crap the haircut chains usually gave me. Never heard of that hairstyle until now and just looked it up. Pretty awesome

Great news, Spenser! A barber shop is where you need to go if you want a mens cut, now spread the word to some of the other guys, they always complain about the cuts they get at salons. I thought the licensing issue was that stylists can't use the straight razor on you, but I might be wrong.

It's good you knew your law, apparently!

I've been considering a barber shop around here too. That "mad men" cut is what I've been trying to tell people to do with my hair! It's too finicky and long to cut myself, I can't devote the hours to it anymore, guess it's time to bite the bullet and try a barber.

Hopefully future experiences will be much better for you and anyone you may send there.

Tracey, I also thought the law pertained to straight razors.

Right on dude!    Good on ya for standing up for yourself

Here is a site some guys might find interesting

http://artofmanliness.com/2009/10/27/the-mad-men-guide-to-a-manly-haircut/

And a song to dance around and celebrate Spenser's victory

Good going, Spenser.

My wife cuts my hair, but am thinking bout finding a barbershop and getting a shave, too.
Went to the barber on post in the military...never any issues. No pixie looking haircut, either.

Thanks every one for the encouraging words!

I agree about the license thing.  I know that to do a straight razor shave they now have to use a disposable razor now not the old time sharpen it up and go thing.  Other than that I mean really who are you trying to kid with that?  as if xx hair is SOO much different that xy hair.  The owner did say that the stylist at the shop weren't trained to do traditional female hair treatments like a blow out.  All I could think was if you could see me you would not be surprised that i have no idea what that means in relationship to hair.  Blow outs are a bad thing that happens to tires.  lol 

Cheers
Spenser

Quote from: Virginia Marie on April 06, 2011, 11:10:56 PM
Here is a site some guys might find interesting

http://artofmanliness.com/2009/10/27/the-mad-men-guide-to-a-manly-haircut/

Ahh!  I love that website!

Well, Spenser, Auntie Tracey knows where they still use the old "strop and go" straight razor, with the hot lather, that gives your neck a nice straight line, very tidy and masculine.