Is it Weird to Get a Haircut with Your Father as an Adult?

The act of sharing the barber's chair with a parent, especially a father, as a child is woven into the fabric of many a family story. In “the olden days,” when barbershops were the social hubs of town, it was expected that when a boy was old enough, he would be initiated into the barbershop ritual, often by his father. However, today, this tradition can sometimes feel out of place.

Personal Experiences and Reflections

For me, until the age of 11, my relationship with the local barber, Pearly Marshall, exemplified this tradition. My father and I would journey to his shop, a stone's throw in the heart of our town. Pearly was not just a barber; he was a storyteller, offering tales of past clients and sharing wisdom on current events. While I appreciated his company in those early years, it was a rite of passage when I had to bike 3.5 miles downhill alone, my “ears lowered” as my father used to call it, before exploring the Willow Grove Cemetery and wishing I still had him by my side.

Reflecting on this, it struck me that now, as I navigate the contemporary landscape of family dynamics, the idea of going to the barber with my father as an adult raises questions. Is it strange, or is it simply a continuation of a cherished tradition?

Barbershops and Social Rituals

In the past, many men would gather in barbershops, enjoying the comfortable chairs and no-appointment services where they would exchange opinions and solve the world's problems over a shared newspaper. The barbershop was more than a place for a haircut; it was a communal space where men found camaraderie and a sense of belonging. This tradition laid the foundation for adults to share these spaces with their children, and particularly with their fathers.

So, when an adult decides to share a haircut with their father, it isn’t just about the cut; it's about preserving and reviving a bond that transcends generations. It's about asserting one’s independence while still holding on to the ties that bind.

Quality Time and Family Bonds

While the stigma of parents and children spending time together in modern society can be overwhelming, especially with the scrutiny that social media brings, the idea of spending quality time with a parent remains a positive one. As I reflect on my own experience, I understand the importance of that time even more deeply. When my daughter is about to become a mother, and I find myself lacking in quality time with her, I am faced with a poignant reminder of how much I would value that time now.

My initial reluctance to babysit her baby, despite my years as a father, speaks to the deep yearning for shared moments. I realize that I can’t spend time with my daughter because she is my daughter, but babysitting someone else's child should not carry the same stigma. It’s about cherishing the moments one has with the people who matter most.

In conclusion, sharing a haircut with a father as an adult is not a weird or out-of-place idea. It’s a traditional and meaningful practice that can help strengthen bonds and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.