Wow, I just did something for the first time in my life - I had my shoes shined at a shoeshine stand. Got to say, it was an interesting experience.

The courthouse that I work in has a shoeshine man, and with winter set in and salt already on the sidewalks, I thought I'd get my shoes all cleaned up. Up on the stand, it felt like I was back in a simpler time. Buddy (the shoeshine man), and I talked about business, how folks are not as friendly any more, and life in general.

It was great to enjoy a simple pleasure from a nearly gone era. The ability to talk with someone that takes pride in his work and in talking with customers in this rush-around, surly-Wal-Mart-worker-world was great.

I started going to a regular barber recently instead of those mall hairstylist and it was a really nice change. It also cost a heckva a lot less also.

Guys,

I could not agree more, I started going to barber shop here that has the old style chairs, a hot towel and you can even have a beer while getting your hair cut. I costs a little more but it is really worth it.

Tex

I agree, a barbershop usually gives a better cut for a better price.

The "problem" with the shops in my town are that they are usually filthy and run-down. I guess I expect that if someone is going to have sharp instruments around my face they'd better have good attention to detail. A dirty place doesn't show that.

Gents,

Seeing how I have been getting my hair cut from a barber for the last 18+ years. I find going to a barber shop is very relaxing, the hot towels on the face, the shave with a straight razor and a little lucky tiger after shave not to mention the friendly banter on many subjects is an outstanding form of relaxation on a Sunday afternoon. I enjoy it so much that I have been taking my 7 year old son to a barber to get his haircut for the last 4 years. I thought it was a really neat when the barber started talking to my son about random subjects ( toys, sports etc etc)and even telling my boy he used to cut my hair when I was in my early 20's. I find it a shame that barbershops are falling victim to hair salons. I will always go to a barber shop over a hair salon.

Leatherneck66

Like I said, I like barber shops. I don't like dirty places, and unfortunately all the shops in my town seem to have been last cleaned sometime in the 80s.

If they want to survive, barbers are going to need to at least keep the place clean enough that you don't get your clothes dirty just sitting in a chair in the waiting area.