Hope Is Fading

It’s a weekday afternoon. A walk-in guy drops into the chair and pulls up a heavily filtered photo on his phone: some celebrity with thick, styled hair and perfect lighting.

Customer: “Can you make mine look like this?” 

Barber: “I can do a version of that, but your hair’s a bit thinner, so I’ll adjust the fade and volume to fit you.”

Customer: “No, I want it exactly like this. I’m going out tonight.”

Me: “Alright, just keep in mind it won’t be a carbon copy; everyone’s hair sits differently.” 

Customer: “But you’ve cut hair before, right? This shouldn’t be hard.” 

Me: “Sure, but that’s like handing a plumber a photo of Niagara Falls and asking for that in your bathroom.”

Customer: “I’m just saying, don’t overthink it. I’ve had this cut before, I know how it should look.”

I take a look at his fading hairline, having doubts.

Customer: “Just do what I ask. I want people to notice.” 

Me: *Calmly, as I grab the clippers.* “Don’t worry, they will…”