In contrast to almost everyone else I know, my mother doesn’t enjoy going to a beauty salon. When I asked her why, she replied saying that it was always an awkward experience for her where she was always stared at by all the other employees in the hair salon and felt like the hairstylists would ask so many questions that she had no choice but to eventually answer and tell them about her personal life.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized a beauty salon was the perfect setting for a sociological experiment. I asked my mother to book a hair appointment for me and also asked her if I could accompany her to her next appointment at the LaDuree Salon at La Cigale Hotel.
While my mother was getting her hair cut, I observed my surroundings and tried to figure out what the social norms of a beauty salon were. There’s a conventional procedure that most beauty salons follow if you’re getting a haircut: first, the receptionist greets you. After she/he confirms your appointment, you’re asked to sit down and wait your turn. This is really the only time you’ll have to yourself, so you’ll pick up a magazine and flip through pages. In Qatar, they usually ask you if you’d like to order anything – usually a drink. After a few minutes, you’re asked if you want to wash your hair. After your hair is washed, you’re seated for the cut.
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I found the hair stylists themselves to be the most interesting aspect of the salon. I realized that they tend to be overly friendly, they listen to what you have to say, and not only do they probe you with personal questions about their lives, but they share a lot of personal information about their own lives. (I can guarantee what any woman who has ever gotten a manicure or a pedicure at a salon has been asked at least once whether or not she has a boyfriend).
As it is portrayed in several different films, such as Beauty Shop, a hair salon is usually a place where people aren’t afraid to speak their minds. This explains why the hair stylists themselves are so intrusive with their questions – this is what’s normal for them. Even looking at the layout of the salon, I noticed that the waiting area and chairs are usually placed in front of where the haircuts are taking place. This allows multi-way conversations to take place, as other people are able to overhear conversations.
During an interaction between the salon owner and the hair stylist, I found myself relating the “beauty salon industry” to the entertainment industry, in which I found the hair stylists very similar to music artists, actors, or even filmmakers and the owners to the big corporations that own everything. The relationship between the owner and the stylist reminded me very much of the company conglomerates and music artists. The owners only seem to care about themselves and the money they make, as do production companies.
When it came time for my own hair appointment, I decided I would defy the social norms of the salons and see what sanctions I would receive in return. After my mother greeted the receptionist, my mother and I went and sat down, waiting for my hair wash. My mother’s hand automatically reached for a magazine. I looked around the room and noticed that two of the other hair stylists were staring and my mother and me. Instead of looking away, I met their stare and tilted my head slightly. I’ll have to admit, holding that stare was very difficult and awkward, but eventually, they both frowned and looked away, staring a conversation with one another.
A woman passed by my mother and I and asked if we would like to order anything. Before my mother could politely decline, I asked the woman if there was a menu I could look at to order food from. She gave me a strange look and apologized, saying they only served water and coffee.
After I had my hair washed, the hair stylist, Lawrence, came up to me. He asked me how I wanted to cut my hair. I told him I just wanted it trimmed. He proceeded with a joke, asking me if I wanted to cut it as short as my mother’s (my mom has a pixie-ish hair cut). My expression remained the same. He hesitated, upset at the fact that I didn’t laugh at his joke. He took the joke even further and asked me if I wanted to shave my head. I paid no attention to him. He frowned and started to cut my hair.
Throughout the haircut, he tried to start a conversation with me. I only replied with one-word answers, and at times, I wouldn’t even give him an answer. I don’t think I’ve ever had a faster hair cut in my life. It seems that by breaking the norms, I made him uncomfortable enough for him to just want to get rid of me as soon as possible.
I don’t blame my mother for not liking the “beauty salon experience.” I realized that it can be quite the awkward experience for someone who doesn’t like to be social with strangers. If you do participate in the conversations, you’ll feel uneasy. If you choose to ignore the norms and conversations, then you’ll receive negative sanctions from the employees, making your experience just as unpleasant. However, despite the potentially socially awkward situation, if you're looking for a good haircut - then this is definitely the place to go.
