Conversation with a hairstylist in Madrid

This happened to me. For real. This morning. Here in Madrid… or at least in Vallecas.

I went to the place I’ve been going to for a few months now – mostly because my cute student works there.

Here’s what happened…

Me: Good morning, I’d like your most conservative haircut, please.

Stylist: Yes, of course. Might I ask where you are from?

Me: From the United States, sir.

Stylist: Interesting. You see, I have another American who comes in and asks for the same haircut. He says he wants to look “respectable.”

conversation with a hairstylist in madrid

When I’m not blogging, I’m standing in front of walls gazing off into the middle distance, influencer style.

Me: Yes, indeed, sir. Many Americans aspire to someday achieve a certain level of respectability.

Stylist: A Spanish man might ask me to make him look graciosillo.

(Graciosillo might be translated as “somewhat amusing and fun.” — Ed.)

Me: Yes, sir, Spanish people do seem to be interested in this phenomenon referred to as “fun.”

Stylist: Are you sure you don’t want me to make you look fun?

Me: Yes, sir, I’m sure. The last thing I need is to be considered “fun” by my associates and contemporaries.

Stylist: As you wish… While we’re on the subject, what would you say are the differences between Americans and Spanish people?

Me: Well, if you want me to make extremely broad generalizations about hundreds of millions of people, sir, I’d say that…

(The End.)

P.S. Ok, ok, I made the generalizations he asked for, eventually. Check out these two articles: 4 things I’ve learned about American culture and also Cultural differences between Spain and the US.

P.P.S. If you’re looking for someone to chop your mop, I’ve got just the person: Christina the English speaking hairstylist in Madrid.

P.P.P.S. These days I also have a stylist for my beard. But most days I just use this awesome comb and brush from Amazon. That’s an affiliate link (aren’t they all?) but I just wanted to drop that in there in case you’re into beard grooming on a high level.

Daniel
 

How did I end up in Spain? Why am I still here almost 20 years later? Excellent questions. With no good answer... Anyway, at some point I became a blogger, bestselling author and contributor to Lonely Planet. So there's that. Drop me a line, I'm happy to hear from you.

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