Okay so I’m from New York City. So, one of my biggest fears when moving to a new place is where I’m going to get my haircut. In Harlem, there is at least one barbershop every two blocks with at least two dudes who are nice with the clippers. I’d say most people find a barber, and stick with he or she if they do a good job the first time. The toughest part, is breaking a bond with your old barber and selecting a new one. To some people, this may seem like an easy decision to make. You could just look up a barbershop, walk in and go to the first person who invites you into their chair. However, if you have ever experienced a bad haircut, then you know that finding a new barber takes some research. Not all barbers cut hair the same way and not all people have the same type of hair. So finding the right fit is very important to me. I knew that when I arrived in Ireland it would take me some time to find a barber that I was comfortable with.
About a month after arriving in Ireland, I decided it was time to get my first haircut. I planned on letting my hair grow out while I’m abroad so I wouldn’t be getting complete haircuts, just shape-ups. A shape-up is when the barber just cuts the edges around your hair and cleans up your hairline. I wanted to find a local barber in Dundalk so I didn’t have to travel much when I decided to get a haircut. The first barber I went to had a really nice shop and he was young so I trusted him with my hair. This was a mistake. I was less than pleased with the result. My hairline was slanted and he had even pushed it back in the corners. One look in the mirror and I knew I wouldn’t be returning.
After that traumatizing experience, I thought I’d ask a kid on my team who cut his hair. We have similar hair and I liked his new haircut. He pointed me in the direction of a barber named Evan. Evan was nice with the clippers. He’s the artist responsible for the haircut I have in the feature picture of this blog. Evan’s from Dundalk and together, him and three other dudes around my age own a spot called Renegade 13 (look it up). At Renegade 13, they play Hip Hop music and talk about everything from sports to fashion. See the essence of a barbershop isn’t just about getting a fresh haircut, but also about the experience you attached to the haircut. Renegade 13 had the perfect formula. They were just a little pricey for my budget this year. But every now and then, I pop in on Evan at Renegade 13 for the experience and a fresh shape up.
I also stumbled upon another barber in Dublin. Moe was his name. I was referred to Moe by a kid on my basketball team name Hillary. I saw Hillary with a couple dope haircut’s so I knew he would point me in the right direction. Moe’s barbershop is named Caesar’s and the place is always full. Full of people and full of culture. Everyone who works at Caesar’s is of African decent but they still maintain a diverse client base. Moe is also nice with the clippers. On top of that, his haircuts are very cheap. Actually the cheapest haircut I have ever had. So Moe represents the golden combination of skill and cheap. Moe is my other regular barber and I know with his skills he could survive in the hair cutting business anywhere. Even in New York City. The moral of story, is there are good barbers everywhere. Even in Ireland. However, if you value perfection in your haircuts and overall barbershop experience, do some research before you sit down in a random barber’s chair.
