Phnom Penh

The $1.40 Haircut

There are always plenty of things in Asia that just astound me and keep me entertained, such as when parents ride with their kids on motor bikes the kids have no helmets but the parents do. But there is also things that surprise you such as when I walked by this hairdressing salon today I asked if they could cut my hair? They said no its only for girls. So I moved on and just by chance saw another salon and asked the same question. They giggled for a bit then said ok. I asked them how much? they said $1.40 (5000 Riel which is the local currency ). Anyway I sit down and the young Cambodian girl places me in the chair and I start to tell her in a fashion, what I want with my haircut. The next thing I know there are 3 other girls gathered around, not just standing but sitting down in chairs like a small audience. If that wasn’t enough, one of the girl hands me a mobile phone and I naturally say “Hello” . Now I don’t know anyone in this city so I find myself talking to this Cambodian guy who speaks English (sort of) and he was asking me what sort of haircut I want. So it’s kind of like haircut by Correspondence. I explain I want a “Same Same” haircut but just shorter. He then spent about 5 mins explaining to girl what I wanted. I’m sure the phone call was more expensive than the haircut. Next thing I know, the guy rolls up on a motor bike to meet me in person and to see if the haircut was satisfactory.