I had been on the train for what seemed like hours and hours, it was spring break and I was city bound. I’d just turned 18 after my mum, younger sister and I had moved interstate. Mum had accepted a new job offer that was too good to refuse. The unfortunate part of the story is this… as mentioned, it was spring break and I had just had my 18th birthday. It was not even a week ago that mum had gotten news of a family member passing, no one I knew but not nice none the less. Therefore she was flying back to our home town for a few weeks to be with that side of the family. I really didn’t want go back there for 3 weeks and waste my break, not to mention that we probably couldn’t afford the airfares at that point for the 3 of us. Mum agreed that I didn’t have to go, however I wasn’t I allowed to stay at our new place by myself. I argued tirelessly but to no avail. Eventually a comprise was met, I would go and stay in the city with a high school friend of hers. Mum saw her every so often but I had never met her. I wasn’t overly happy about staying with someone I didn’t know, but thought it would be a good opportunity to explore a city I had never been to. Mum also mentioned that if I wanted to I could earn some money helping out in her shop. I wasn’t sure what she did for work, but just knew her has my mum’s high school friend Sonya.
So after about 5 hours on the train and a 40 minute taxi ride I was here. I paid the taxi driver and stepped onto the pavement. The driver pointed to me and told me the address I was looking for was just down a side street that was foot traffic only, I thanked him and closed the door. I didn’t realise in the taxi but the heat outside was sweltering, no idea what the temperature was but it was certainly hot. I could not wait to change out of my jeans into some shorts or a skirt. I checked a note on my phone which had the street number then proceeded to walk down the lane way.
From what I had seen, the city was absolutely beautiful. Old architecture with the most stunning high rises, nothing like I was used to. I walked slowly down the cobblestoned lane way when I pulled out my phone to check the address of Sonja’s, it was number 34. I continued to walk until I saw number 30, 32…then finally 34. I looked at the shop front which was recessed into the street like all the others with a small stairway down to the front door. There was a large front window however the blinds were down. Mounted on the wall next to the brass number 34 was a spinning pole. It was similar to the ones you would see at a men’s barbershop, but smaller and pink opposed to the traditional red you see. I checked my phone for the address that mum had messaged me again just to make sure it was definitely 34. I assumed it must have been the right address so I hesitantly made my one down the small flight of stairs to the front door. Next to the door was gold plaque that was engraved in script writing, ‘Barber Le Femme’. I started to get a little more unsure and walked back up the stairs to the street. Once again I pulled out my phone and rang mum. As soon as I dialled her number I remember she would be on a flight, it went straight to message bank. I sighed deeply and proceeded back down the stairs to the front door. ‘Should I knock? Or just enter??’ I thought. ‘I suppose its a business so I can just walk in?? I turned the golden door handle and entered…
The bell above the door chimed and nervously crept in the front entrance. I stood like a deer in headlights and paused, it was a barbershop. There was a low hum of background music as my eyes made contact with the only other people in the shop. A younger girl was attending to a client and looked over to me. My mouth was completely dry, I went to speak but nothing came out. “Take a seat, I wont be long” she called out whilst motioning to the waiting area. I still stood there frozen unable to put 2 words together. Subconsciously I carried my bag and made my way over to a vacant waiting chair. A million thoughts were running through my mind. Surely I was in the wrong place?? Mum said nothing about Sonja being a hairdresser and the girl doing the cutting was far too young to be 40! My eyes darted around the room, there was so much to take in.
The shop was a rectangle shape which had the waiting area running along the front window. The floor was made from solid timber which adjoined the red exposed brick walls throughout the shop. There was the occasional piece of abstract art amongst various professional photographs. There was 3 chairs for clients and they all looked to be classical antique pieces, just like the ones you would see at a men’s barber. Large steel frames with ornate detail and what looked like the softest leather. All were similar in shape and size, but unique in colour. There was only 2 chairs exposed as one was occupied. The leather on one was red and purple on the other, truly like unlike anything I had seen. As my eyes continued to wander around the shop I noticed a name printed on the top of one of the mirrors, ‘Sonja’, I was somewhat relieved.
My attention was then brought back to the action in front of me. The hairdresser or barber, not sure what I should call her, worked meticulously with incredible focus. She also was unique to look at. At a guess I would say late 20s, she had a tanned complexion with tons of edgy style. Her hair was cut fairly short in one of those new bob type cuts. I say new because no one really has hair like that where I come from but i’ve seen them in magazines and on TV. It was like a normal bob to about her jaw length but was cut incredibly short in the back, I have to say it looked amazing on her. Her hair was dark with various chunks of red throughout the front bang area. My eyes kept going back to her neck line which was absolutely gorgeous. Never thought I would say that about short hair but it certainly suited her. Her neck was also tattooed with what looked like a pair of scissors half opened pointing downwards. She wore jeans that hugged her slender figure so tight I had no idea how she could possibly get them on. They had rips all through them and were accompanied by a pair of black pointed high heels. Her top half didn’t leave much to the imagination, my mum would never let me wear something like that, not even as a joke. One of her arms was also heavily tattooed with what looked like a japanese type symbols and images. As she moved around her client the heel of her shoes echoed on the wooden floor throughout the shop. She repositioned her self and continued to work. The air was filled with the sound of snipping scissors which became almost hypnotic.
The whole time I hadn’t even noticed it was a female sitting in the chair having her hair cut. The long black cape covered her whole body and the chair. All that was visible was the base, end of the foot rest and her head. Her hair had been cut soooo incredibly short. Judging by the hair on the floor I would say that it wasn’t much longer to begin with. It was literally a short boys haircut. When the hairdresser moved out of my line of site I saw the clients face, she too was beautiful, probably mid 30s. The hairdresser put her comb and scissor down before walking to the bench. It was then I looked up on her mirror to read her name, “Zoe” was written amongst a group of hand drawn love hearts. I must admit I was still a little shocked that firstly it was a women in the chair, secondly her hair was so short! I then noticed Zoe holding a pair of hair clippers! With a click she then positioned her self behind the client and gently tilted her head forward. I watched on in amazement as she proceeded to cut the outline of the lady’s hair. Zoe would occasionally look over and make eye contact with me, I would immediately look away to avoid awkwardness or seem like I was staring.
On the topic I should probably tell you about my own hair. Its pretty much been the same since I can ever remember. Long, blonde, dead straight to just past the middle of my back. All the girls where I came from were the same. No layers, no colour, just long naturally feminine hair. I couldn’t even tell you the last time I had a haircut. At our old house the lady next door used to trim it every few months. She would do our whole family and a large portion of the street as well. I hadn’t been to a salon in years and years., today it was just tied back and sat lifelessly as usual.
My attention was brought back to the the centre chair when I noticed the clippers were turned off, Zoe stood behind the chair. They were talking quietly whilst she ran her fingers through the clients hair. The client smiled and nodded. Zoe then reached for a large fluffy looking brush and began to dust off her neck and face. She undid the cape with a snap and pulled away what looked like a strip of tissue that had been around her neck. She used the tissue strip to clean up stray hairs around her neckline before throwing it on the floor amongst the hair. In one quick motion the cape was expertly peeled away and shaken off to the side whilst she lowered the chair. The client remained seated and fingered her freshly trimmed hair with a look of satisfaction. Zoe proceeded to fold the cape as the client stood up and and made her way to the cash register. She threw the cape over the chair and followed the client. The lady who occupied the chair was in full business attire. Zoe helped her ease her suit jacket on before the lady fetched her purse. I must admit she looked extremely striking in that suit with that haircut. What was happening around here?? I soon realized I wasn’t in a country town anymore.
It was then I noticed that the previously occupied centre chair had pink leather. Very retro looking, but beautiful all the same. I then heard the door chime and noticed the business woman had left. The sounds of high heels on floor boards grew louder as Zoe made her way back over to her chair. This was the part where I was supposed to stand up and introduce myself as Sonja’s friend’s daughter, I didn’t. I sat there lifeless, frozen. Zoe stopped at her chair, picked up that same black cape and let it fall open. She gave it a quick shake and then flicked it against her chair before looking directly at me. She paused whilst chewing her gum…
The cape hung idle in her grasp as she spun the antique chair around to greet me. I remained seated, throat dry, heart about to pound out of my chest. Why could I not just decline politely and tell her who I was and why I was here?? Seconds past which seemed like minutes and she gave the cape another rustle looking directly at me with an impatient glare. For some reason I rose off the bench tucking my hair behind my ear. I felt so compelled to sit in the chair but had no idea why. Just then, the silence was broken and the door opened, we both averted out gaze. An attractive middle age woman burst into the shop. She stood tall also dressed in a fashionable figure hugging outfit. Her hair was expertly styled in a blonde crop, short on the back sides with length on top which became a sweeping bang. She wore thick square black rimmed glasses which oozed elegance and opulence…. “Sally!??” she exclaimed in a questioning manner. I a breathed a gentle sigh of relief… it was Sonja.
“Hi, nice to meet you..”, I stammered politely. She walked over with an amazed look and placed both hands on my shoulders studying my face. “Well well well, my how you’ve grown into a fine young lady, look at you!” she remarked. “You remind me of your mother when she was your age, spitting image!! The last time I saw you, you were small enough to hold in my arms!”. I smiled nervously and didn’t really know what to say. “So you’ve met Zoe I take it??” She said looking over to Zoe who still stood cape in hand… which Sonja noticed… “Oh are you having a haircut..???” she stated with excitement. “uuh.. I…” she cut me off. “Your mother will kill me, I promised I would look after you and not send her little girl back looking too ‘grown up’!” she laughed. Zoe placed a hand on the back of the chair and look at me with an inviting gaze. “Umm…. maybe…… not today.. aah I’m a bit tired and just want to rest I think…..” I stuttered, I’d never felt anything like this before and just wanted to get out of the room, the tension was killing me. “Ok, well lets get you settled and I’ll show you your room” Sonja quipped excitedly. I picked up my bags and tried to avoid eye contact with Zoe. I couldn’t help looking over to her as I knew she was staring at me, she continued to chew her gum whilst she folded the cape. Her piercing gaze remained on me, when our eyes met she pouted and motioned a kiss. I went bright red and looked down at the wooden floor immediately, my heart was racing and my stomach was in knots. I tucked my hair behind my ears and followed Sonja out the back entrance and up the stairs.
Sonja talked and talked as we climbed the stairs above the shop. Upstairs was beautiful, fully refurbished into a modern loft style living space. It was mainly all open plan apart from a few bedrooms she had built recently. “Here we are, make yourself at home” she said as she opened the door. The room was perfect, much bigger than mine at home and double bed. Sonja went through all the ins and outs of everything, kitchen, bathroom, dinner times, weekends etc. “So I was speaking to your mother and we both agreed that it would be good experience for you to spend some time in the shop”. I immediately thought of Zoe and became uncomfortable. “You know, nothing major just cleaning, running errands, laundry etc? I’ll pay you $50 per day, might be some nice saving or shopping money as well as giving you some experience working. What do you think??” she asked. I didn’t really hear any of what she said, was just thinking of Zoe. That figure, her skin, that tattoo, her earrings, those jeans, that haircut, that chair…. I gulped and tucked my hair behind my ear again whilst I got a hot flush. “umm yep that sounds fine” I responded. “Great.. well you get settled and i’ll see you for dinner when the shop closes at 6″. She got up and made her way down stairs to the salon. I took my shoes of lay on bed, I was mentally exhausted.
I woke up later on to a knock at the door, it was Sonja. “Hey there sleepy, you ok?” she queried. I awoke slightly startled and briefly forgot where I was. “You slept through to dinner time, I guess you needed it!?”. I looked at the clock, 7pm. “I’ve saved you some dinner if you’re hungry??”. “Oh yeh… thank you. Sorry, guess I was tired from travel?” I said as I ran my hand through my hair, I wasn’t hungry at all. “Thanks, i’m not actually that hungry, might just rest” I stated. Sonja smiled, “no problem, well i’ll see you bright and early on the salon floor, look forward to getting to know you over the next few weeks, so glad you’ve come to stay. Good night”. “Sure thing, thanks for having me, good night” I replied. The light went out and I lay there awake thinking of Zoe. Couldn’t get that image out of my mind… her still standing next to the chair holding that black cape in her hand. I can see her piercing eyes and her pressing her pouted lips together… I felt feelings down below that I had never felt before… there was a warmth that I had never experienced… I tossed and turned uncomfortably until I eventually fell asleep.
Next morning I awoke to my alarm going off and once again took me a moment to realise where I was. After getting up, having a shower, I briefly made something to eat before making my way down stairs. I’d dressed in my jeans, sandals and a casual t-shirt as I wasn’t really sure what was expected. After all the trouble I had sleeping the night before, I was extremely nervous about seeing Zoe again. I got to the bottom of the stairs and could hear chatting. I took a deep breath and walked out onto the salon floor. “Morning sleepy head” quipped Sonja as she counted money at the register. “Morning” I smiled back. I looked to my left and saw Zoe…. She sat crossed legged in her own chair tussling her hair in the mirror. She wore the same black leather boots as yesterday, but today it was a black leather skirt in place of ripped jeans. Once again my heart raced and I got that same feeling in my stomach. She noticed I had walked in and looked over, “morning…” she said with a mischievous smile. I went bright red and smiled before tucking my hair behind my ear. “So Sal, let me show you around” said Sonja enthusiastically. She then showed me the register and how it worked before taking me out the back where the laundry and cleaning supplies were kept.
“So as you may of noticed, we cater for mainly women in my shop…..” she stated with a smiled. “Its a place for the modern women to get a top quality modern haircut without an appointment. That being the case we seem to appeal largely to the lesbian community…and mainly female professionals. As the shop has a reputation for specialising in shorter styles, we’ve also created a bit of a niche for what we call ‘disciplinary services’. Meaning that we cater for a lot of disciplinary requirements from military organisations, schools and also parents. So please don’t be too shocked if you see anyone here having a haircut that seems to be somewhat forced upon them…”. I was a little shocked, but was still a little unfocussed due to Zoe dominating my thoughts. Sonja then took me through the daily cleaning and replenishing tasks etc which all seemed straight forward. “Zoe and I will often sing out to you if we need anything. It’s going to be so helpful to have you here, I hope you enjoy it and have fun!”. Just then the the door opened and an executive women made her way through the door. “Morning” Sonja beamed. “Sally can you please take her suit jacket..” Sonja queried. I nodded and walked over to take the women’s jacket. I hung it up and on the coat rack whilst Sonja ushered her through to her chair. The women settled into red leather chair as Sonja shook out the cape. She elegantly crossed her legs as the black cape billowed out in front of her. Sonja let it settle on the women before walking forward to the counter. I was fascinated by this whole process as I was used to sitting on a stool with a sheet pegged around my neck. There was a roll of tissue hanging on the wall, Sonja pulled a long length before ripping it clear. Then she repositioned her self behind the chair and stretched the tissue around the women’s neck. The women raised her chin and Sonja folded it in place at the back. The cape was then drawn around the tissue and snapped closed with a pop. Sonja began to comb through the woman’s hair as they discussed her haircut. At this point I figured it probably rude if I continued to watch so I went out the back to the laundry where I knew was a load of washing to do.
After the washing machine was going I grabbed the broom and made my way back out to the floor. The same woman still sat there crossed legged having her already short haircut trimmed. Judging by the stray hairs all over the cape and floor I would I assume she was almost finished. I began to sweep in the waiting area when the door opened, two people walked in. A younger girl entered first followed by a tall older woman in her 40s. She was an imposing figure standing well over 6ft in a long black trench coat and high heeled boats. She was pristine in her grooming, her sleek black bob sitting perfectly at her shoulders with not a hair out of place. She removed her jacket and handed it to me before ordering the young girl to the chair in a stern manner. At a guess I would have said the younger girl was mid 20s. She had long her to her mid back which looked rather unruly and unkept. She just wore normal flat shoes, jeans and a plain t-shirt. Zoe stepped out of her chair and slipped the cape off the armrest with a smile. I was intrigued to see what would happen next.
The young girl sheepishly walked to the chair where Zoe waited, my heart raced as part of me knew what was about to happen. The girl turned to look at the older woman who had sat in the waiting area directly behind Zoe’s chair. She began to plead with the woman, “SIT!” she screamed, “It’s too late for that now!” scowled the woman. I was scared of this woman and I didn’t even know her! The girl seemed to accept her fate and hesitantly sat in the waiting chair. Zoe throw the cape over her own shoulder before clipping the girls hair on top of her head. She too reached forward and removed a length of tissue before placing it around the girls trembling neck. Watching this unfold was giving me mass anxiety, I couldn’t keep still. Zoe twirled the cape around the girl and snapped it in place. She then pumped lever on the bottom of the chair with her foot. I couldn’t take my eyes of Zoe, she was so incredibly appealing, unlike anyone I had ever seen back home. My concentration was broken by Zoe discussing the girls haircut with the older woman… “Number 1 and a wet shave on her neck please darling” she said looking up from her newspaper. The girls eyes widened in horror. “Sure thing” said Zoe with a smile before reaching for her clippers and the right guard.
“Number 1!” I thought to myself in amazement. Wasn’t exactly sure what that meant but knew it was going to be a big haircut and knew this girl didn’t want it. Don’t ask me why but I found myself getting slightly aroused. Zoe flicked the switch on the clippers which came to life with a hum. She looked over to me and I immediately looked away and kept sweeping. Meanwhile Sonja was dusting stray hairs off her client and was just peeling the cape and tissue away. The chair lowered and Sonja assisted the woman in stepping out. Sonja shook the cape out as the women stood up and fingered her new cut in the mirror. It looked amazing, she reminded me of one of those CEO women you see on TV. The woman then looked over at the young girl and seemed to take interest. Zoe placed the clippers at the girls front hair line and began to drag them back. Mounds and mounds of hair fell to the floor and leaving a path of stubble in their wake.
Surprisingly the businesswoman then made her way over to the chair. The girls head was now bent forward to her chest as Zoe methodically peeled her hair away in seconds. “Nothing says discipline like a good haircut” she stated approvingly. Hair was sliding down the cape and falling to the floor as the women from the waiting area looked up from her paper. “Too true indeed, this one but refused to comply with basic rules” she stated. The businesswoman nodded, “Well you wont do that again will you young lady?” she queried. There was silence from the girl as the last of her hair slid into her caped lap. No doubt this was the last thing she wanted to hear, some big-shot women preaching about discipline. “Excuse me!!??” exclaimed the older women, “This lady has asked you a question! What do you say??” she bellowed. “No” the young girl mumbled. “NO WHAT!?” the woman yelled before putting down the paper and walked to the chair. “No ma’am” the girl mumbled once more. “You’re lucky I don’t have you shaved to the skin this instant!!”. The girl cowered in the chair as Zoe put the finishing touches on her with what looked like a razor. The businesswoman smiled, “Let me get this,” she said before handing Sonja a $100 bill for the girls shaving. “what do you say!!!” said the women, “thank you for paying for my haircut ma’am” replied the girl. “My pleasure, I hope you’ve learned a valuable lesson”, the businesswoman and the other lady briefly conversed before she left. What a morning!
I began sweeping up the blonde clippings under Sonja’s chair. I couldn’t help but continually look over to Zoe. It was excited about what was taking place but equally as attracted to looking at Zoe. I don’t know if it was her or her haircut that I just couldn’t keep my eyes off. At that point she was cleaning the girls neck like with some tissue before peeling the cape away as the chair lowered. The woman walked to the chair and ran her hand over the girls head. “very good, thank you sweetheart” she said to Zoe. The girl, somewhat embarrassed stepped out of the chair and made her way to the exit. “See you again soon” said the woman before putting on her jacket and leaving.
The day went on and tons more clients came and left. Hair piled up on the floor and I kept sweeping. Between sweeping, register and laundry I was pretty busy all day. However my obsession with Zoe wasn’t going away. I just couldn’t stop staring at her. Sometimes I would be caught, sometimes not. I just couldn’t help it, I was fascinated in her and she did something to me that could not describe.
At about 5pm Sonja was finishing up a customer. The cape was drawn away and shaken out before the client stepped out of the chair. If there was someone waiting I would go to the register, if not I would get my broom ready to clean her station. On this occasion no one was waiting so I began to sweep around her chair. Sonja escorted her to the salon whilst Zoe had thrown her cape over a younger girl as the mother stood over the chair discussing how she wanted it cut.
“Girls i’m going to the bank and then out to see a girlfriend, i’ll be back later tonight so you’ll have to lock up Zo” stated Sonja. Zoe looked over, “no worries, see you tomorrow babe” she called. I couldn’t believe I was here alone with her. My anxiety started again and I panicked. Maybe I could just stay out in the laundry area for the rest of the day, hopefully it would stay busy so it wasn’t just us two. Zoe and I made eye contact, she smiled at me with a devilish grin. Once again I went bright red and quickly had to go out the back for a drink. A few minutes late I had composed myself and made my way out the front. I suspect the girls haircut was nearing completion as the mother was again at the chair nodding in approval. At that point I was cleaning one of the product stands when I heard the cape being whisked away. The girl and mother walked towards the register with Zoe and paid before departing out the front door. The bell chimed as Zoe saw them out and closed the door behind them. She then locked the door and flipped the open sign to closed. I looked at my watch at noticed it was 5:25pm and thought she must have decided to close slightly early.
I continued to spray and wipe the coffee tables etc at the waiting bench when I knew Zoe was walking behind me. Once again my heart started beating faster and I felt light headed. I took deep breaths as I could hear Zoe sweeping around her chair. I then heard the familiar sound of the cape being snapped open with a flourish. Assuming she was shaking it out ready for the laundry….”next” she called. My mouth went completely dry as I slowly turned around to see her standing next to her chair again. “I believe you’re next Miss…?” she said quizzically. My mouth opened by nothing came out. She stood there, same cape in hand, same leather boots, short leather skirt, tight fighting top… she smiled in a seductive way and patted the back of the pink barbers chair after spinning it to face me. I did my best but I couldn’t resist….something came over me and I put down my cloth and spray bottle before making my way hesitantly to her chair. It all happened in slow motion, she held the chair as I placed a foot on the footrest and climbed into her chair… “You didn’t really think you would get away without a haircut from me today did you babe…??” she asked in a low sexy voice. I went bright red once more as I settled back into the chair whilst she slowly spun me to face the mirror. I looked at myself sitting in that chair and couldn’t believe my eyes. Zoe smiled like a cat that got the cream and threw the cape over her shoulder.
There was still time to not go through with this, I could get up and walk away, I should get up and walk away. Do I want this?? How and why is this happening?? What is this feeling coming over me??? She pulled my hair through her hands before clipping it all above my head with a clip of her top. I still sat there silent, gripping the armrests so tight. She walked past the chair and pulled a long ream of tissue from the roll. It was torn loose before she stood behind me. Looking me in the eye she slowly reached forward and spread it around my quivering neck. It was pulled tight then folded together. I was completely new to this whole scenario and she knew it. Next she took the cape and violently shook it next to me whilst smiling seductively in the mirror, she knew she’d won. Then in one action it was floated in front of me and enveloped my entire body. I knew now there was no turning back… She pulled the ends together whilst she pumped the lever on the chair with her boot. The whole time she never took her gaze of me. My heart was pounding and felt like I was sweating profusely. My stomach was in knots and full of butterflies. The chair suddenly jerked to halt as she brought the cape together at my neck. She moved incredibly close to my ear as she drew it together. I could smell her strong scented perfume, it was then I started feeling a new arousal between my legs. The cape was drawn closed with a loud snap whilst she whispered in my ear…. “relax sweetheart…….. its just a haircut”
I swallowed again, in silence, looking directly back at the caped form that appeared as my reflection. Stiletto footsteps echoed throughout the room as she walked to the counter to pick up a comb and place some clips on her top. Zoe walked back behind me and began combing through my long lifeless hair. After what seemed like minutes, she broke the silence… “You haven’t been able to stop looking at me since you first walked in here…” she said quizzically. I averted my gaze and felt my face instantly go bright red, it was true. She continued to comb through my hair, her bangles jingled with each stroke. “So… am I right..?” she questioned. I didn’t know how to answer the question, I was dying with embarrassment. “I get a lot of women in here looking at me like that…..” she paused and looked at me once again with those piercing eyes.. “most of them just want to fuck me….”she whispered. I swallowed again and felt the tight cape around my neck, my stomach then began to turn inside out.
“I don’t think you want to fuck me…..do you?…” she said staring back at me with a promiscuous gaze. “I think you’re fascinated by me…. I’m different to most girls you know…”. This was also true, back home I had never seen anything like her, all girls dressed exactly the same and looked exactly the same. “I think you like my haircut… I think you fantasize about my haircut don’t you??….” She said softly within inches of my ear… “I think you fantasize about me giving you this haircut….. in this very chair….wearing this very cape don’t you…?” She breathed in my ear… and I let out a sigh. In between my legs was a feeling I had never felt before, I squirmed in the chair as my heart raced. I closed my eyes as she pulled my hair back repeatedly in a ponytail. I continued to keep my eyes closed, having her play with my hair was heavenly..…The combing then stopped…. I slowed my breathing and then felt something I never expected. I didn’t even notice her pick the scissors up, but after 3 swift snips she held my ponytail aloft. I opened my mouth but words couldn’t escape. She held her trophy out for me to behold with a devilish grin…. She let it drop to the floor beside me. I looked down at the oak floorboards and saw it lay idle in a pile….
I turned my head from side to side and saw my once long locks barely grazing my shoulders. “Wha..wh…” I started “ssssssh….” She cut me off softly. “Don’t fight this….….you know you want it…….embrace it…..” I was now panting, almost hyperventilating as she sectioned off the back of my head. She then strolled to the counter and picked up her black and white clippers off the hook. She looked me in the eye, put them to her lips and blew the loose hair off… “now we’re going to have some fun with you…” she smiled as she selected one of the colored guards lined up on the counter top. It was fixed to the large clippers with a snap. I could not believe I was actually letting this take place. She was right, I had fantasized about this moment but never expected to be sitting in her chair awaiting her clippers.
She stood at my side before placing a firm hand atop my head. With a gentle push, my head bent down so I was staring at my cape covered lap. I still can’t believe I was not refusing this. Then there was a loud click followed by a low hum that filled the room, I swallowed once more. Her hand remained firmly placed on my crown, “welcome to the club……enjoy….” She whispered before I felt the plastic card make contact with the nape of my neck. Vibrations coursed through my body starting at my neckline. I gasped aloud as she passed the clippers up my neck finishing just above that bone that sticks out. With a flick of the wrists a mound of hair fell to the base of the chair. Pass after pass the nape of my neck was soon reduced to stubble, I simply couldn’t describe the feeling, I never wanted it to end. The buzzing continued as the warmth between my legs grew and grew. It became so pleasurable that I couldn’t conceal it. I inadvertently let out a soft moan which Zoe would have heard clearly. I couldn’t help it, my right hand that had been locked onto the armrest wandered under the cape and found its way to the outside of my jeans which were now soaking. I couldn’t believe it but I was on the verge of climaxing right then and there in the barbers chair, receiving a short haircut from a woman. My heart continued to beat faster as I continued press against my crotch. I hadn’t opened my eyes but I was sure that Zoe was smiling seductively and she clipped my nape watching me squirm in her chair. Then it happened, I couldn’t avoid it and I felt myself climax… I tried to conceal my pleasure but it was no use ‘ooowww!!!!…aaahh!!’ I moaned quietly as my toes curled and my body tensed. Zoe paused, clippers poised and waited for the moment to pass.
The clippers were then shut off as I felt her reposition my head up right. She circled behind the chair before leaning in and blowing the loose hairs away from my neck. I opened my eyes and saw a smiling Zoe staring back with comb and spray bottle in hand… “finished…?” she giggled. Once again words couldn’t describe my embarrassment, I went beetroot red. “im sorry.. I..” I stumbled. “What for…?? Happens all the time sweets, just glad I could give you your first. Now you know why we cut our hair this way?… now lets finish you off, relax….” she cooed. I felt more relaxed than even before as she misted the rest of my hair down.
The rest of the haircut was a bit of a blur, she worked furiously combing, spraying, snipping. Clumps of hair rained down the cape and around the base of the chair. I just closed my eyes and enjoyed the sound of her scissors snipping in between her bangles jingling and the rich sent of her perfume. I never ever wanted this moment to end but was also dying to see the finished result, I felt so liberated.
Finally I opened my eyes and didn’t recognize the young woman staring back. She’d cut my hair into an extremely textured chin length bob that gradually got incredible short in the back. I absolutely loved it and began to smile in amazement which Zoe saw.. “you like it..?” she asked. “Its amazing, I absolutely love it” I stated with excitement turning from side to side. She repositioned my head and began to texturize the top further with a razor. I looked down at the cape which was littered with blonde clippings, I couldn’t believe how much hair had been cut but I felt so free. Zoe’s boots circled around the base of the barbers chair surrounded by my tresses that had now dried into blonde lifeless fluff.
Zoe put down her razor of the bench and proceeded to dry my new bob with her blow dryer. Minutes passed as my cut took shape and began to sit perfectly with a soft shiny gleam. My bangs swept across the corner of my eye which completed the cut perfectly. She busily fingered and style my hair until she was completely satisfied with. The cape was unbuttoned at the neck which had held me captive for the past hour. She removed the long length of tissue that had been around my neck and proceeded to clean strays hairs with it. After my neck was free of clipping she dropped it to the floor with the rest of my cut hair. My neckline was quickly dusted with her neck brush before she expertly peeled the cape from me. I immediately raised my hands to my new bob as the chair began to slowly descend. I looked from side to side and couldn’t not contain my excitement feeling the shortness as my nape, “Thank you soooo much Zoe, I love it!” I exclaimed. She smiled whilst she folded the cape, “you’re welcome, I knew you wouldn’t be disappointed…”. She placed the cape on the back of her chair as I stood up, “looks like you’ve got some cleaning to do miss….” She stated as she passed me the broom…, I was already thinking about my next haircut….
My once cherished locks now lay dormant on the distressed timber floor in a scattered pile surrounding the base of the chair. So much had just happened in the past half an hour, I’d seen a side of me that I never knew existed, or even could exist. Confusion and elation coursed through my mind as I struggled to concentrate whilst sweeping the lifeless tresses into a manageable pile. Not even every 20 seconds I would catch a gaze of myself in the mirror and finger my new bob, I absolutely loved it and for the first time in my life I felt like a young woman, I felt sexy. Zoe glanced over and smiled as she continued to count the days takings. I was no longer fearful of her, or embarrassed, I felt like I belonged and I had set myself free. Who would have thought a haircut could be explicit and so… so…liberating??
“Will you be right to lock up??” Zoe called from across the shop. I was still turning my head from side to side in the mirror. “Yeh, no problem” I stammered, not paying much attention. “Ok, well you have a good night, I’m off” she called. It was then I realized she was leaving… “Oh Zoe, thank you so much again. I just love it, I really owe you one”. She smiled, “It was my pleasure, you look hot! Perhaps we can get you behind the chair soon? Give me a hand??” she queried. “Me???” I questioned pointing at my chest. “yeh, why not?? You can prep some customers for me tomorrow, Sonja will love it. You’ll love it, that third chair might be yours one day…???”. My mouth was agape but her proposal sounded amazing. I didn’t manage to respond cause I had nothing to say, just pure excitement. “haha ok well I’ll see you tomorrow??” she questioned. I nodded, “definitely, thanks again Zoe!” she smiled, put on her coat and the door closed behind her. I locked it, then immediately lent my back and against it and closed my eyes….what a day.
A moment later I realized that for the first time I was in the shop all alone. No Zoe, and my aunty wouldn’t be back until after dinner. I quickly pulled the blind down on the front door and walked back over to the vacant chair. A long black cape lay idle on the armrest. I slipped it off and let it open with a flurry gripping it by the collar. Mimicking Zoe, I whipped it against the chair and called out ‘next!!’ whilst curling my finger to a pseudo waiting client giggling to myself. The prospect of helping Zoe prep clients the next day was very exciting, its what I wanted desperately. After throwing the cape across the armrest I looked to the counter where my hands then glazed over the tools in front of me until I stopped at the scissors. Having no idea how to hold them, I leant forward and picked them up. The cold steel felt amazing in my hands, so much power and authority. I opened and closed them right near my ear, the blades so sharp they barely made a noise. That snipping sound was so precise…
I then noticed the clippers hanging on a hook, I couldn’t wait until I could experience them again, it’d been simply blissful. Far too difficult to explain in words but the sound, the feeling and symbolism was a thing of beauty. I closed my eyes and recalled Zoe’s hand firmly atop my head, staring at my cape covered lap as she made pass after pass shearing my neck to stubble….Opening my eyes I then picked the menacing object up off the hook, much heavier than I had of imagined. They cradled in my hands perfectly as I imagined running them through someone else’s lifeless mane with slow but deliberate strokes, passing my experience onto them. I then couldn’t resist, I plugged them in and flicked the switch. After a short pop, they came to life and low drone filled the shop. I sat in the huge chair, closed my eyes and lowered my head reenacting early events….heavenly. They continued to hum in the palm of my hand, the feeling of empowerment absolutely indescribable. I now longed to take someone else on the journey I had just been….
The next day I awoke very early, simply beaming with excitement. I had showered, dressed and had breakfast before my aunty had even risen. I was doing a load of towels for the shop when she walked in… I quickly remembered that she hadn’t seen my haircut yet! “Sally! What on earth happened to your hair!” she exclaimed… “uuuh… I got Zoe to cut if for me…” I stammered nervously. “Your mother is going to murder me!!” she stated as she reached forward and ran her hand up my nape… “oh god she clipped you too!!! What are we going to tell your mother!?”… “She’ll be fine, I’m old enough to choose my own hairstyles now” I pleaded as Sonja looked at me concerned, “well this had nothing to do with me, ok??” she then broke into a smile… “it looks wonderful though, simply gorgeous! Do you like it??” she queried. “Sonja I love it, its amazing and I think I found my career…” I said with a beaming smile. She was somewhat surprised, “Is that so?? Well maybe we can get you a little more involved around the place?? Give you a taste for it??” I nodded in excitement, “that’d be great!” “Well you finish doing those towels and meet me out the front, we’ll get started”.
As I walked into the front room, the door opened. A businesswomen entered and began to take off her coat. It was the same woman who had been in previously when I first started. She was equally as elegant and beautiful as the first time I saw her. It seemed less than a week since her last visit. To the naked and inexperienced eye, you wouldn’t say she needed a haircut. Instinctively I took her coat from her and hung it on the rack before she made her way to Sonja’s chair like many times before. “Have a seat, Deborah” welcomed Sonja. “Sally, could you please get a clean cape from the laundry for Miss Harrison??” requested Sonja as Deborah eased herself into the soft leather chair with elegance before crossing her legs.
I quickly scurried off into the laundry to find the gowns I had washed the day before, luckily for me they had dried overnight. I made my way back over to the Sonja’s chair where the two conversed. I went to pass the cape to Sonja who stood back from the chair and smiled back, “All yours darling…” she said gesturing towards the seated lady. I looked at her, then at Deborah through the mirror. “Prep her for me please….Miss Harrison is having a haircut today”, she prompted. I immediately got nervous, began to panic and started feel nauseous. I took a deep breath and stood behind the lady as I fumbled with the cape trying to find the collar. I went red as I wrestled with the large material before finally gripping onto the ends. I had seen and watched Zoe and my aunty cape tons of people before, they looked so expert and swift. I reached in front of the lady and started to swing the silky gown over her before Sonja called out, “stop!”. I held the cape and looked back at her quizzically. “Forgetting something…?” she queried, not in a condescending way. My mind raced, what was I doing wrong? “Neck strip, darling?” she queried. I apologized and once again felt slightly embarrassed. “Remember love, It’s a health and safety legal requirement. We also like our customers to feel comfortable and prevent those loose hairs from falling down their back, particular on hair above the collar. Zoe and I pride our self on our professionalism” she continued.
I nodded and began to pull out a long ream of tissue from the dispenser, it reminded me of my time in the chair yesterday. I tore it loose before stretching it round Miss Harrison’s neck whilst I gripped the cape under my arm. I continued to fumble with the tissue trying fold it tight. It sat loosely around her neck before falling open. Deborah sat patiently as I began to fluster. “Sorry” I apologized meekly. Sonja walked forward and remove the tissue before throwing it in the bin, “don’t panic, it’s not as easy as it looks” she said reassuringly, I forced a smile. Sonja then expertly pulled a new length of tissue before positioning herself behind the chair. “Now, extend in your figure tips and stretch open. The client will naturally accommodate you” she said as Deborah did just that. “Now, bring it behind, left hand under right and fold”. It was perfect as you would imagine. She then removed it and made me try for myself. “Someone’s had a haircut since last I was here??” queried Deborah trying to change the subject and make me feel slightly more relaxed. I blushed, “Oh ummm yes…yesterday” I blurted. “It’s very nice on you” she said calmly with a wry smile. There was something about this woman that was so overpowering, such an aura. “Perhaps you will try something shorter next time??” queried Deborah.
I blushed and pulled a new length of tissue free before placing it in front of her. She raised her chin as I stretched it around her neck and brought it back folding the left end under the right, I did it! “Excellent!” remarked Sonja. “Now, you can cape her. Its very important to prep a client with confidence, it’s reassuring for them and your chance to set a professional tone and take control” she added. I gave the cape a good shake and settled it over before drawing the ends together around the tissue. Our capes all had buttons, or ‘snaps’ as I later learned. I couldn’t quite get the button to close before Sonja stepped in and showed me, she was now prepped. “Not bad at all darling, very good. You’ll be prepping all the clients today”, and prep them I did. For 8 hours we were none stop. I invited all the clients to their respective chairs and prepared them all for their services. By the end of the day I could do it with my eyes closed and was beaming with confidence, I yearned to learn more!
Finally the day was over, this was declared when Sonja ushered her last client to the door before flipping the closed sign. “Well done today Sal, you certainly picked it up quickly” said my aunty with praise. “Now Zo and I are going to go out for a drink, will you be right to clean up by yourself?” she queried. I assured her I would be fine then continued to sweep after than walked out the door.
About ten minutes later I was just finishing up when there was a knock at the door. There sounded like some commotion outside so I went to take a look. Sure enough, standing at the entrance were two women. I opened the door… “Oh I’m sor….” I started before I was cut off abruptly by the older women. “I know you’re closed, but I need your assistance desperately and will pay you handsomely”…. “Oh no you see I…” I tried to get out but was again interrupted. “Can we please at least come inside?? She requested. I opened the door and now realized it seemed to be a mother daughter combination. The daughter began to plead with her mum as she was being dragged into the shop, “oh please mum!! NO!!! Pleaseeee!!” I closed the door and didn’t really know what to do. “Not another word!” she bellowed with a stern gaze. At a guess I’d say she would’ve be about 17, quite pretty with long blonde hair mid-back. The mother was tall, stood well over her daughter in black leather boots and suit. She wore thick rimmed glasses and had a dark bob which grazed her collarbone, not a hair out of place.
I started again, “listen I’m not a hai…” before I was cutoff. “This here is my daughter….she’s in her final year of high school. Today I came home early from work to not only find her cutting class, but also in my living room on her knees with her dropkick boyfriend’s penis in her mouth…..” “Mooooom!!!” the girl complained. The mother turned to her and grabbed a fist full of her blonde hair, the girl yelped! “See this???… this is going, tonight…… all of it…now!!”. She turned back to me, “how much??” she queried. My mind was racing, did she just want me to shave her head?? I could do that….I’d love to do that in fact….. I think the mother took my silence as a no. “$500…. To take it all off…..” she posed. $500?? I thought, wow. That was more money than I would see all summer I pondered. Not sure what possibly came over me next but I got an air of confidence and made my way to the spare chair. My heart was racing as I slipped the long silky black cape from the armrest. I spun the red barber’s chair around to face the waiting area before I flicked the cape open and whipped it against the chair, “next!” I shouted with authority.
“Now… you go sit in that fucking chair, and don’t dare move until she’s finished!” Tears welled in her eyes as she pleaded with her mom. “Now!!!!!” she screamed. I still stood next to the chair with cape in hand waiting for my first ever client. She gingerly made her way across the floor as if it were an electric chair. I slapped the leather backrest, albeit in a little bit of a mocking way. She finally climbed into the chair and I spun it to face the mirror. She continued to sob as I sectioned her hair out of the way. I threw the cape over my own shoulder as I pulled a long length of soft tissue off the roll. This was placed out in front of her and stretched around her neck. She squirmed as I folded it perfectly tight, I could feel her pulse racing and body tremor in fear, I loved it! As Zoe had done to me, I aggressively shook the cape out and let it settle over the quivering figure with a rustle. I didn’t avert my gaze once, she was terrified. It was buttoned tightly, a little tighter than would be comfortable around the tissue. I pumped the pedal on the chair as it began to ascend jolting up and down, now for the fun to begin…
The mother sat crossed legged on a waiting chair, reading a magazine and occasionally glancing over to check progress. I let down the girls long locks from a sectioning clip and began to comb through it before calling to the older lady, “so how short are we going, Ma’am?” I queried. She closed her magazine and made her way over to the chair, he stiletto heels echoing throughout the shop. She began to rake her flawlessly manicured nails through her daughters mane, “well its all going… what do you think?” she asked turning to me. “uumm, well I guess its just a matter of choosing a suitable guard length for the clippers” I replied as I continued to comb through it. “I see…what’s the shortest??” she asked. “Well that would be no guard at all, similar to what you might see in the military” I stated. “That sounds perfect, maybe this haircut will be a good reminder of where she might end up if she doesn’t step into line??” she said glaring at her daughter. “No problem, would you like me to spin her to face you or the mirror??” I queried. “Oh she can face the mirror, I want her to think about what she’s done as she watches you work”. She made her way back to the bench.
My mind raced, I didn’t know what to do next. Should I sectioning it off? Cut it with scissors first or just shear her ruthlessly?? I decided I wanted my first haircut to be as dramatic as possible so there would be no sectioning or precutting lengths. I picked the clippers up off the hook and blew the loose hairs from the blades whilst giving the girl a little smile, she must have hated me! A few drops of oil and the switch was flicked. The girl jumped with the ‘pop’ as I turned them on close to her ear. A drone filled the room as the mother peered over her glasses before returning to her magazine. I moved in next to the girl who began to sob, she looked down at the ground. I couldn’t have her miss the first pass, my first pass ever! I placed my left hand under her chin and gently lifted her head back up so she was starting at the mirror, the clippers still purring in my right hand. I thought my heart was going to explode as I cupped the back of her head with my left hand and brought the clippers to her front hairline. Tears wept as I gripped her tightly and made the first pass slowly and deliberately down the middle of her head. The drone slightly changed in tone as they bit into her hairline. She had a lot of hair but it was fine, no match for my clippers. A fresh pale white strip now lay down the center of her head, the long lengths spilled down the back and side of the chair over her caped shoulder with a flick of my wrists. Before she knew it I had began the second pass. More and more silky blonde hair rained down as I continued to shear her, this was bliss!
After barely a minute and about 10 strokes the top of her head was the palest of white pate. Nothing on top but the lightest of stubble, being blonde it looked completely bare. I think she was still in shock, as she barely blinked or moved. Next I spread my hand firmly on top of her, the stubble felt amazing. Holding her in place I started to make passes up the side past her temple. The clippers continued to effortlessly plow through her tresses as they soon floated to her lap or the floor. I folded her ear down and made pass after pass, gaining confidence with each flick ensuring she saw the hair fall as dramatically as possible. With my grasp firmly atop her head I could feel all the vibrations with each stroke. This was a brutal and graphic shearing, I was loving it.
After finishing her left side I moved to around the chair and repeated the process. Gaining increasing dexterity her locks peeled off faster and faster with the pile on her shoulders, lap and floor growing by the second. With both sides and top complete she was left only with long lengths at the back. I stood behind her and made eye contact with a wry little smile, she knew I was enjoying myself and I didn’t care. I wanted her to fear me, I wanted her to know who had the power and who was in control… me. Placing my hand firmly on hair stubbly crown, I pushed her head down so she was staring at the pile in her lap. The blonde hair was such a contrast to the black cape. I racked my nails through what was left and positioned the clippers at her nape. Once again, with a long deliberate stroke up her neck, she was stripped bare. Hair spilled to the floor with each pass as I maintained my pressure on her forcing her head down.
Moments later her mother appeared on my side. I didn’t even hear her walk over, I was too intoxicated with the task at hand. I paused the clippers briefly as her mother examined progress. She raked her nails over the stubbly remains with a stern but approving nod, the raspy sound gave me shivers. “Excellent” she remarked, “we’ll see how Sam likes your new haircut wont we???” she posed. I assumed Sam was the boyfriend. The daughter wept and looked at the floor. Whilst I agreed it was a harsh penalty, it certainly seemed to be having the desired effect. Serves her right for being a little slut I thought, smiling to myself. I continued with the last few passes as lengths continued to float and gather around my feet. The timber floors were strewn with blonde highlighted piles.
Finally I was finished. After running them all over her head a few times to pick up any strays, they were shut off. Silence filled the room except for my shoes shuffling to the counter for the edging trimmer. Just then the door opened…. It was Zoe & my aunty. My mouth dropped, they paused. The mother looked over from the waiting area… “Oh… you stayed back late tonight, dear??” questioned Sonja with a wink. Relieved, I smiled back, “yeh, just had one walk in late”. The mother looked over, “I really appreciate her staying back to help me, she’s done a wonderful job” she stated with praise. Sonja walked over to assess the damage. “Wow…this is quite a severe change??” she said quizzically with a raised eyebrow. The mother walked over and introduced herself. She told my aunty the entire story as I looked over to Zoe. She was grinning and gave me a cheeky thumbs up. I flicked the switch and began finishing her neckline etc. A minute passed as dusted her free of clippings. I can only imagine what the last 20mins had been like for her. I unbuttoned the cape and removed the tissue, using it to dust her neck. Then expertly I peeled the long cape away, dumping its contents next to the chair. She sat there in shock as I shook the cape out and began to fold it. Her mum noticing I had finished, “Well… that’s much better”. Lost for words a hand slowly raised to touch her head. It was like she was stepping into a hot bath with the caution she used. I pushed on the foot pedal as the chair descended to its original position. “Come on! You’ve wasted enough of this girls time already!” scolded the mother. She gingerly rose from the chair looking down at the remnants from her haircut. I actually thought it looked quite good, she had a pretty face for it, last thing she wanted to hear though! Her mother lent forward and rubbed her head over her freshly clipper head. “You’ll be back weekly for a wet shave from Sonja if your behavior doesn’t improve” threatened the lady.
As previously discussed, the woman paid me handsomely and apologized for their inconvenience. “Thank you ladies, Sonja I’ll be back soon to have my bob trimmed” she stated. “Anytime, I look forward to it” my aunty replied. “Good night” she said as she closed the door behind her. I nervously looked around to Zoe and Sonja who stood there with raised eyebrows… I didn’t know what to say or do but pass Sonja the $500…. There was silence…….“Welcome aboard…” she said with a smile.
So after about 5 hours on the train and a 40 minute taxi ride I was here. I paid the taxi driver and stepped onto the pavement. The driver pointed to me and told me the address I was looking for was just down a side street that was foot traffic only, I thanked him and closed the door. I didn’t realise in the taxi but the heat outside was sweltering, no idea what the temperature was but it was certainly hot. I could not wait to change out of my jeans into some shorts or a skirt. I checked a note on my phone which had the street number then proceeded to walk down the lane way.
From what I had seen, the city was absolutely beautiful. Old architecture with the most stunning high rises, nothing like I was used to. I walked slowly down the cobblestoned lane way when I pulled out my phone to check the address of Sonja’s, it was number 34. I continued to walk until I saw number 30, 32…then finally 34. I looked at the shop front which was recessed into the street like all the others with a small stairway down to the front door. There was a large front window however the blinds were down. Mounted on the wall next to the brass number 34 was a spinning pole. It was similar to the ones you would see at a men’s barbershop, but smaller and pink opposed to the traditional red you see. I checked my phone for the address that mum had messaged me again just to make sure it was definitely 34. I assumed it must have been the right address so I hesitantly made my one down the small flight of stairs to the front door. Next to the door was gold plaque that was engraved in script writing, ‘Barber Le Femme’. I started to get a little more unsure and walked back up the stairs to the street. Once again I pulled out my phone and rang mum. As soon as I dialled her number I remember she would be on a flight, it went straight to message bank. I sighed deeply and proceeded back down the stairs to the front door. ‘Should I knock? Or just enter??’ I thought. ‘I suppose its a business so I can just walk in?? I turned the golden door handle and entered…
The bell above the door chimed and nervously crept in the front entrance. I stood like a deer in headlights and paused, it was a barbershop. There was a low hum of background music as my eyes made contact with the only other people in the shop. A younger girl was attending to a client and looked over to me. My mouth was completely dry, I went to speak but nothing came out. “Take a seat, I wont be long” she called out whilst motioning to the waiting area. I still stood there frozen unable to put 2 words together. Subconsciously I carried my bag and made my way over to a vacant waiting chair. A million thoughts were running through my mind. Surely I was in the wrong place?? Mum said nothing about Sonja being a hairdresser and the girl doing the cutting was far too young to be 40! My eyes darted around the room, there was so much to take in.
The shop was a rectangle shape which had the waiting area running along the front window. The floor was made from solid timber which adjoined the red exposed brick walls throughout the shop. There was the occasional piece of abstract art amongst various professional photographs. There was 3 chairs for clients and they all looked to be classical antique pieces, just like the ones you would see at a men’s barber. Large steel frames with ornate detail and what looked like the softest leather. All were similar in shape and size, but unique in colour. There was only 2 chairs exposed as one was occupied. The leather on one was red and purple on the other, truly like unlike anything I had seen. As my eyes continued to wander around the shop I noticed a name printed on the top of one of the mirrors, ‘Sonja’, I was somewhat relieved.
My attention was then brought back to the action in front of me. The hairdresser or barber, not sure what I should call her, worked meticulously with incredible focus. She also was unique to look at. At a guess I would say late 20s, she had a tanned complexion with tons of edgy style. Her hair was cut fairly short in one of those new bob type cuts. I say new because no one really has hair like that where I come from but i’ve seen them in magazines and on TV. It was like a normal bob to about her jaw length but was cut incredibly short in the back, I have to say it looked amazing on her. Her hair was dark with various chunks of red throughout the front bang area. My eyes kept going back to her neck line which was absolutely gorgeous. Never thought I would say that about short hair but it certainly suited her. Her neck was also tattooed with what looked like a pair of scissors half opened pointing downwards. She wore jeans that hugged her slender figure so tight I had no idea how she could possibly get them on. They had rips all through them and were accompanied by a pair of black pointed high heels. Her top half didn’t leave much to the imagination, my mum would never let me wear something like that, not even as a joke. One of her arms was also heavily tattooed with what looked like a japanese type symbols and images. As she moved around her client the heel of her shoes echoed on the wooden floor throughout the shop. She repositioned her self and continued to work. The air was filled with the sound of snipping scissors which became almost hypnotic.
The whole time I hadn’t even noticed it was a female sitting in the chair having her hair cut. The long black cape covered her whole body and the chair. All that was visible was the base, end of the foot rest and her head. Her hair had been cut soooo incredibly short. Judging by the hair on the floor I would say that it wasn’t much longer to begin with. It was literally a short boys haircut. When the hairdresser moved out of my line of site I saw the clients face, she too was beautiful, probably mid 30s. The hairdresser put her comb and scissor down before walking to the bench. It was then I looked up on her mirror to read her name, “Zoe” was written amongst a group of hand drawn love hearts. I must admit I was still a little shocked that firstly it was a women in the chair, secondly her hair was so short! I then noticed Zoe holding a pair of hair clippers! With a click she then positioned her self behind the client and gently tilted her head forward. I watched on in amazement as she proceeded to cut the outline of the lady’s hair. Zoe would occasionally look over and make eye contact with me, I would immediately look away to avoid awkwardness or seem like I was staring.
On the topic I should probably tell you about my own hair. Its pretty much been the same since I can ever remember. Long, blonde, dead straight to just past the middle of my back. All the girls where I came from were the same. No layers, no colour, just long naturally feminine hair. I couldn’t even tell you the last time I had a haircut. At our old house the lady next door used to trim it every few months. She would do our whole family and a large portion of the street as well. I hadn’t been to a salon in years and years., today it was just tied back and sat lifelessly as usual.
My attention was brought back to the the centre chair when I noticed the clippers were turned off, Zoe stood behind the chair. They were talking quietly whilst she ran her fingers through the clients hair. The client smiled and nodded. Zoe then reached for a large fluffy looking brush and began to dust off her neck and face. She undid the cape with a snap and pulled away what looked like a strip of tissue that had been around her neck. She used the tissue strip to clean up stray hairs around her neckline before throwing it on the floor amongst the hair. In one quick motion the cape was expertly peeled away and shaken off to the side whilst she lowered the chair. The client remained seated and fingered her freshly trimmed hair with a look of satisfaction. Zoe proceeded to fold the cape as the client stood up and and made her way to the cash register. She threw the cape over the chair and followed the client. The lady who occupied the chair was in full business attire. Zoe helped her ease her suit jacket on before the lady fetched her purse. I must admit she looked extremely striking in that suit with that haircut. What was happening around here?? I soon realized I wasn’t in a country town anymore.
It was then I noticed that the previously occupied centre chair had pink leather. Very retro looking, but beautiful all the same. I then heard the door chime and noticed the business woman had left. The sounds of high heels on floor boards grew louder as Zoe made her way back over to her chair. This was the part where I was supposed to stand up and introduce myself as Sonja’s friend’s daughter, I didn’t. I sat there lifeless, frozen. Zoe stopped at her chair, picked up that same black cape and let it fall open. She gave it a quick shake and then flicked it against her chair before looking directly at me. She paused whilst chewing her gum…
The cape hung idle in her grasp as she spun the antique chair around to greet me. I remained seated, throat dry, heart about to pound out of my chest. Why could I not just decline politely and tell her who I was and why I was here?? Seconds past which seemed like minutes and she gave the cape another rustle looking directly at me with an impatient glare. For some reason I rose off the bench tucking my hair behind my ear. I felt so compelled to sit in the chair but had no idea why. Just then, the silence was broken and the door opened, we both averted out gaze. An attractive middle age woman burst into the shop. She stood tall also dressed in a fashionable figure hugging outfit. Her hair was expertly styled in a blonde crop, short on the back sides with length on top which became a sweeping bang. She wore thick square black rimmed glasses which oozed elegance and opulence…. “Sally!??” she exclaimed in a questioning manner. I a breathed a gentle sigh of relief… it was Sonja.
“Hi, nice to meet you..”, I stammered politely. She walked over with an amazed look and placed both hands on my shoulders studying my face. “Well well well, my how you’ve grown into a fine young lady, look at you!” she remarked. “You remind me of your mother when she was your age, spitting image!! The last time I saw you, you were small enough to hold in my arms!”. I smiled nervously and didn’t really know what to say. “So you’ve met Zoe I take it??” She said looking over to Zoe who still stood cape in hand… which Sonja noticed… “Oh are you having a haircut..???” she stated with excitement. “uuh.. I…” she cut me off. “Your mother will kill me, I promised I would look after you and not send her little girl back looking too ‘grown up’!” she laughed. Zoe placed a hand on the back of the chair and look at me with an inviting gaze. “Umm…. maybe…… not today.. aah I’m a bit tired and just want to rest I think…..” I stuttered, I’d never felt anything like this before and just wanted to get out of the room, the tension was killing me. “Ok, well lets get you settled and I’ll show you your room” Sonja quipped excitedly. I picked up my bags and tried to avoid eye contact with Zoe. I couldn’t help looking over to her as I knew she was staring at me, she continued to chew her gum whilst she folded the cape. Her piercing gaze remained on me, when our eyes met she pouted and motioned a kiss. I went bright red and looked down at the wooden floor immediately, my heart was racing and my stomach was in knots. I tucked my hair behind my ears and followed Sonja out the back entrance and up the stairs.
Sonja talked and talked as we climbed the stairs above the shop. Upstairs was beautiful, fully refurbished into a modern loft style living space. It was mainly all open plan apart from a few bedrooms she had built recently. “Here we are, make yourself at home” she said as she opened the door. The room was perfect, much bigger than mine at home and double bed. Sonja went through all the ins and outs of everything, kitchen, bathroom, dinner times, weekends etc. “So I was speaking to your mother and we both agreed that it would be good experience for you to spend some time in the shop”. I immediately thought of Zoe and became uncomfortable. “You know, nothing major just cleaning, running errands, laundry etc? I’ll pay you $50 per day, might be some nice saving or shopping money as well as giving you some experience working. What do you think??” she asked. I didn’t really hear any of what she said, was just thinking of Zoe. That figure, her skin, that tattoo, her earrings, those jeans, that haircut, that chair…. I gulped and tucked my hair behind my ear again whilst I got a hot flush. “umm yep that sounds fine” I responded. “Great.. well you get settled and i’ll see you for dinner when the shop closes at 6″. She got up and made her way down stairs to the salon. I took my shoes of lay on bed, I was mentally exhausted.
I woke up later on to a knock at the door, it was Sonja. “Hey there sleepy, you ok?” she queried. I awoke slightly startled and briefly forgot where I was. “You slept through to dinner time, I guess you needed it!?”. I looked at the clock, 7pm. “I’ve saved you some dinner if you’re hungry??”. “Oh yeh… thank you. Sorry, guess I was tired from travel?” I said as I ran my hand through my hair, I wasn’t hungry at all. “Thanks, i’m not actually that hungry, might just rest” I stated. Sonja smiled, “no problem, well i’ll see you bright and early on the salon floor, look forward to getting to know you over the next few weeks, so glad you’ve come to stay. Good night”. “Sure thing, thanks for having me, good night” I replied. The light went out and I lay there awake thinking of Zoe. Couldn’t get that image out of my mind… her still standing next to the chair holding that black cape in her hand. I can see her piercing eyes and her pressing her pouted lips together… I felt feelings down below that I had never felt before… there was a warmth that I had never experienced… I tossed and turned uncomfortably until I eventually fell asleep.
Next morning I awoke to my alarm going off and once again took me a moment to realise where I was. After getting up, having a shower, I briefly made something to eat before making my way down stairs. I’d dressed in my jeans, sandals and a casual t-shirt as I wasn’t really sure what was expected. After all the trouble I had sleeping the night before, I was extremely nervous about seeing Zoe again. I got to the bottom of the stairs and could hear chatting. I took a deep breath and walked out onto the salon floor. “Morning sleepy head” quipped Sonja as she counted money at the register. “Morning” I smiled back. I looked to my left and saw Zoe…. She sat crossed legged in her own chair tussling her hair in the mirror. She wore the same black leather boots as yesterday, but today it was a black leather skirt in place of ripped jeans. Once again my heart raced and I got that same feeling in my stomach. She noticed I had walked in and looked over, “morning…” she said with a mischievous smile. I went bright red and smiled before tucking my hair behind my ear. “So Sal, let me show you around” said Sonja enthusiastically. She then showed me the register and how it worked before taking me out the back where the laundry and cleaning supplies were kept.
“So as you may of noticed, we cater for mainly women in my shop…..” she stated with a smiled. “Its a place for the modern women to get a top quality modern haircut without an appointment. That being the case we seem to appeal largely to the lesbian community…and mainly female professionals. As the shop has a reputation for specialising in shorter styles, we’ve also created a bit of a niche for what we call ‘disciplinary services’. Meaning that we cater for a lot of disciplinary requirements from military organisations, schools and also parents. So please don’t be too shocked if you see anyone here having a haircut that seems to be somewhat forced upon them…”. I was a little shocked, but was still a little unfocussed due to Zoe dominating my thoughts. Sonja then took me through the daily cleaning and replenishing tasks etc which all seemed straight forward. “Zoe and I will often sing out to you if we need anything. It’s going to be so helpful to have you here, I hope you enjoy it and have fun!”. Just then the the door opened and an executive women made her way through the door. “Morning” Sonja beamed. “Sally can you please take her suit jacket..” Sonja queried. I nodded and walked over to take the women’s jacket. I hung it up and on the coat rack whilst Sonja ushered her through to her chair. The women settled into red leather chair as Sonja shook out the cape. She elegantly crossed her legs as the black cape billowed out in front of her. Sonja let it settle on the women before walking forward to the counter. I was fascinated by this whole process as I was used to sitting on a stool with a sheet pegged around my neck. There was a roll of tissue hanging on the wall, Sonja pulled a long length before ripping it clear. Then she repositioned her self behind the chair and stretched the tissue around the women’s neck. The women raised her chin and Sonja folded it in place at the back. The cape was then drawn around the tissue and snapped closed with a pop. Sonja began to comb through the woman’s hair as they discussed her haircut. At this point I figured it probably rude if I continued to watch so I went out the back to the laundry where I knew was a load of washing to do.
After the washing machine was going I grabbed the broom and made my way back out to the floor. The same woman still sat there crossed legged having her already short haircut trimmed. Judging by the stray hairs all over the cape and floor I would I assume she was almost finished. I began to sweep in the waiting area when the door opened, two people walked in. A younger girl entered first followed by a tall older woman in her 40s. She was an imposing figure standing well over 6ft in a long black trench coat and high heeled boats. She was pristine in her grooming, her sleek black bob sitting perfectly at her shoulders with not a hair out of place. She removed her jacket and handed it to me before ordering the young girl to the chair in a stern manner. At a guess I would have said the younger girl was mid 20s. She had long her to her mid back which looked rather unruly and unkept. She just wore normal flat shoes, jeans and a plain t-shirt. Zoe stepped out of her chair and slipped the cape off the armrest with a smile. I was intrigued to see what would happen next.
The young girl sheepishly walked to the chair where Zoe waited, my heart raced as part of me knew what was about to happen. The girl turned to look at the older woman who had sat in the waiting area directly behind Zoe’s chair. She began to plead with the woman, “SIT!” she screamed, “It’s too late for that now!” scowled the woman. I was scared of this woman and I didn’t even know her! The girl seemed to accept her fate and hesitantly sat in the waiting chair. Zoe throw the cape over her own shoulder before clipping the girls hair on top of her head. She too reached forward and removed a length of tissue before placing it around the girls trembling neck. Watching this unfold was giving me mass anxiety, I couldn’t keep still. Zoe twirled the cape around the girl and snapped it in place. She then pumped lever on the bottom of the chair with her foot. I couldn’t take my eyes of Zoe, she was so incredibly appealing, unlike anyone I had ever seen back home. My concentration was broken by Zoe discussing the girls haircut with the older woman… “Number 1 and a wet shave on her neck please darling” she said looking up from her newspaper. The girls eyes widened in horror. “Sure thing” said Zoe with a smile before reaching for her clippers and the right guard.
“Number 1!” I thought to myself in amazement. Wasn’t exactly sure what that meant but knew it was going to be a big haircut and knew this girl didn’t want it. Don’t ask me why but I found myself getting slightly aroused. Zoe flicked the switch on the clippers which came to life with a hum. She looked over to me and I immediately looked away and kept sweeping. Meanwhile Sonja was dusting stray hairs off her client and was just peeling the cape and tissue away. The chair lowered and Sonja assisted the woman in stepping out. Sonja shook the cape out as the women stood up and fingered her new cut in the mirror. It looked amazing, she reminded me of one of those CEO women you see on TV. The woman then looked over at the young girl and seemed to take interest. Zoe placed the clippers at the girls front hair line and began to drag them back. Mounds and mounds of hair fell to the floor and leaving a path of stubble in their wake.
Surprisingly the businesswoman then made her way over to the chair. The girls head was now bent forward to her chest as Zoe methodically peeled her hair away in seconds. “Nothing says discipline like a good haircut” she stated approvingly. Hair was sliding down the cape and falling to the floor as the women from the waiting area looked up from her paper. “Too true indeed, this one but refused to comply with basic rules” she stated. The businesswoman nodded, “Well you wont do that again will you young lady?” she queried. There was silence from the girl as the last of her hair slid into her caped lap. No doubt this was the last thing she wanted to hear, some big-shot women preaching about discipline. “Excuse me!!??” exclaimed the older women, “This lady has asked you a question! What do you say??” she bellowed. “No” the young girl mumbled. “NO WHAT!?” the woman yelled before putting down the paper and walked to the chair. “No ma’am” the girl mumbled once more. “You’re lucky I don’t have you shaved to the skin this instant!!”. The girl cowered in the chair as Zoe put the finishing touches on her with what looked like a razor. The businesswoman smiled, “Let me get this,” she said before handing Sonja a $100 bill for the girls shaving. “what do you say!!!” said the women, “thank you for paying for my haircut ma’am” replied the girl. “My pleasure, I hope you’ve learned a valuable lesson”, the businesswoman and the other lady briefly conversed before she left. What a morning!
I began sweeping up the blonde clippings under Sonja’s chair. I couldn’t help but continually look over to Zoe. It was excited about what was taking place but equally as attracted to looking at Zoe. I don’t know if it was her or her haircut that I just couldn’t keep my eyes off. At that point she was cleaning the girls neck like with some tissue before peeling the cape away as the chair lowered. The woman walked to the chair and ran her hand over the girls head. “very good, thank you sweetheart” she said to Zoe. The girl, somewhat embarrassed stepped out of the chair and made her way to the exit. “See you again soon” said the woman before putting on her jacket and leaving.
The day went on and tons more clients came and left. Hair piled up on the floor and I kept sweeping. Between sweeping, register and laundry I was pretty busy all day. However my obsession with Zoe wasn’t going away. I just couldn’t stop staring at her. Sometimes I would be caught, sometimes not. I just couldn’t help it, I was fascinated in her and she did something to me that could not describe.
At about 5pm Sonja was finishing up a customer. The cape was drawn away and shaken out before the client stepped out of the chair. If there was someone waiting I would go to the register, if not I would get my broom ready to clean her station. On this occasion no one was waiting so I began to sweep around her chair. Sonja escorted her to the salon whilst Zoe had thrown her cape over a younger girl as the mother stood over the chair discussing how she wanted it cut.
“Girls i’m going to the bank and then out to see a girlfriend, i’ll be back later tonight so you’ll have to lock up Zo” stated Sonja. Zoe looked over, “no worries, see you tomorrow babe” she called. I couldn’t believe I was here alone with her. My anxiety started again and I panicked. Maybe I could just stay out in the laundry area for the rest of the day, hopefully it would stay busy so it wasn’t just us two. Zoe and I made eye contact, she smiled at me with a devilish grin. Once again I went bright red and quickly had to go out the back for a drink. A few minutes late I had composed myself and made my way out the front. I suspect the girls haircut was nearing completion as the mother was again at the chair nodding in approval. At that point I was cleaning one of the product stands when I heard the cape being whisked away. The girl and mother walked towards the register with Zoe and paid before departing out the front door. The bell chimed as Zoe saw them out and closed the door behind them. She then locked the door and flipped the open sign to closed. I looked at my watch at noticed it was 5:25pm and thought she must have decided to close slightly early.
I continued to spray and wipe the coffee tables etc at the waiting bench when I knew Zoe was walking behind me. Once again my heart started beating faster and I felt light headed. I took deep breaths as I could hear Zoe sweeping around her chair. I then heard the familiar sound of the cape being snapped open with a flourish. Assuming she was shaking it out ready for the laundry….”next” she called. My mouth went completely dry as I slowly turned around to see her standing next to her chair again. “I believe you’re next Miss…?” she said quizzically. My mouth opened by nothing came out. She stood there, same cape in hand, same leather boots, short leather skirt, tight fighting top… she smiled in a seductive way and patted the back of the pink barbers chair after spinning it to face me. I did my best but I couldn’t resist….something came over me and I put down my cloth and spray bottle before making my way hesitantly to her chair. It all happened in slow motion, she held the chair as I placed a foot on the footrest and climbed into her chair… “You didn’t really think you would get away without a haircut from me today did you babe…??” she asked in a low sexy voice. I went bright red once more as I settled back into the chair whilst she slowly spun me to face the mirror. I looked at myself sitting in that chair and couldn’t believe my eyes. Zoe smiled like a cat that got the cream and threw the cape over her shoulder.
There was still time to not go through with this, I could get up and walk away, I should get up and walk away. Do I want this?? How and why is this happening?? What is this feeling coming over me??? She pulled my hair through her hands before clipping it all above my head with a clip of her top. I still sat there silent, gripping the armrests so tight. She walked past the chair and pulled a long ream of tissue from the roll. It was torn loose before she stood behind me. Looking me in the eye she slowly reached forward and spread it around my quivering neck. It was pulled tight then folded together. I was completely new to this whole scenario and she knew it. Next she took the cape and violently shook it next to me whilst smiling seductively in the mirror, she knew she’d won. Then in one action it was floated in front of me and enveloped my entire body. I knew now there was no turning back… She pulled the ends together whilst she pumped the lever on the chair with her boot. The whole time she never took her gaze of me. My heart was pounding and felt like I was sweating profusely. My stomach was in knots and full of butterflies. The chair suddenly jerked to halt as she brought the cape together at my neck. She moved incredibly close to my ear as she drew it together. I could smell her strong scented perfume, it was then I started feeling a new arousal between my legs. The cape was drawn closed with a loud snap whilst she whispered in my ear…. “relax sweetheart…….. its just a haircut”
I swallowed again, in silence, looking directly back at the caped form that appeared as my reflection. Stiletto footsteps echoed throughout the room as she walked to the counter to pick up a comb and place some clips on her top. Zoe walked back behind me and began combing through my long lifeless hair. After what seemed like minutes, she broke the silence… “You haven’t been able to stop looking at me since you first walked in here…” she said quizzically. I averted my gaze and felt my face instantly go bright red, it was true. She continued to comb through my hair, her bangles jingled with each stroke. “So… am I right..?” she questioned. I didn’t know how to answer the question, I was dying with embarrassment. “I get a lot of women in here looking at me like that…..” she paused and looked at me once again with those piercing eyes.. “most of them just want to fuck me….”she whispered. I swallowed again and felt the tight cape around my neck, my stomach then began to turn inside out.
“I don’t think you want to fuck me…..do you?…” she said staring back at me with a promiscuous gaze. “I think you’re fascinated by me…. I’m different to most girls you know…”. This was also true, back home I had never seen anything like her, all girls dressed exactly the same and looked exactly the same. “I think you like my haircut… I think you fantasize about my haircut don’t you??….” She said softly within inches of my ear… “I think you fantasize about me giving you this haircut….. in this very chair….wearing this very cape don’t you…?” She breathed in my ear… and I let out a sigh. In between my legs was a feeling I had never felt before, I squirmed in the chair as my heart raced. I closed my eyes as she pulled my hair back repeatedly in a ponytail. I continued to keep my eyes closed, having her play with my hair was heavenly..…The combing then stopped…. I slowed my breathing and then felt something I never expected. I didn’t even notice her pick the scissors up, but after 3 swift snips she held my ponytail aloft. I opened my mouth but words couldn’t escape. She held her trophy out for me to behold with a devilish grin…. She let it drop to the floor beside me. I looked down at the oak floorboards and saw it lay idle in a pile….
I turned my head from side to side and saw my once long locks barely grazing my shoulders. “Wha..wh…” I started “ssssssh….” She cut me off softly. “Don’t fight this….….you know you want it…….embrace it…..” I was now panting, almost hyperventilating as she sectioned off the back of my head. She then strolled to the counter and picked up her black and white clippers off the hook. She looked me in the eye, put them to her lips and blew the loose hair off… “now we’re going to have some fun with you…” she smiled as she selected one of the colored guards lined up on the counter top. It was fixed to the large clippers with a snap. I could not believe I was actually letting this take place. She was right, I had fantasized about this moment but never expected to be sitting in her chair awaiting her clippers.
She stood at my side before placing a firm hand atop my head. With a gentle push, my head bent down so I was staring at my cape covered lap. I still can’t believe I was not refusing this. Then there was a loud click followed by a low hum that filled the room, I swallowed once more. Her hand remained firmly placed on my crown, “welcome to the club……enjoy….” She whispered before I felt the plastic card make contact with the nape of my neck. Vibrations coursed through my body starting at my neckline. I gasped aloud as she passed the clippers up my neck finishing just above that bone that sticks out. With a flick of the wrists a mound of hair fell to the base of the chair. Pass after pass the nape of my neck was soon reduced to stubble, I simply couldn’t describe the feeling, I never wanted it to end. The buzzing continued as the warmth between my legs grew and grew. It became so pleasurable that I couldn’t conceal it. I inadvertently let out a soft moan which Zoe would have heard clearly. I couldn’t help it, my right hand that had been locked onto the armrest wandered under the cape and found its way to the outside of my jeans which were now soaking. I couldn’t believe it but I was on the verge of climaxing right then and there in the barbers chair, receiving a short haircut from a woman. My heart continued to beat faster as I continued press against my crotch. I hadn’t opened my eyes but I was sure that Zoe was smiling seductively and she clipped my nape watching me squirm in her chair. Then it happened, I couldn’t avoid it and I felt myself climax… I tried to conceal my pleasure but it was no use ‘ooowww!!!!…aaahh!!’ I moaned quietly as my toes curled and my body tensed. Zoe paused, clippers poised and waited for the moment to pass.
The clippers were then shut off as I felt her reposition my head up right. She circled behind the chair before leaning in and blowing the loose hairs away from my neck. I opened my eyes and saw a smiling Zoe staring back with comb and spray bottle in hand… “finished…?” she giggled. Once again words couldn’t describe my embarrassment, I went beetroot red. “im sorry.. I..” I stumbled. “What for…?? Happens all the time sweets, just glad I could give you your first. Now you know why we cut our hair this way?… now lets finish you off, relax….” she cooed. I felt more relaxed than even before as she misted the rest of my hair down.
The rest of the haircut was a bit of a blur, she worked furiously combing, spraying, snipping. Clumps of hair rained down the cape and around the base of the chair. I just closed my eyes and enjoyed the sound of her scissors snipping in between her bangles jingling and the rich sent of her perfume. I never ever wanted this moment to end but was also dying to see the finished result, I felt so liberated.
Finally I opened my eyes and didn’t recognize the young woman staring back. She’d cut my hair into an extremely textured chin length bob that gradually got incredible short in the back. I absolutely loved it and began to smile in amazement which Zoe saw.. “you like it..?” she asked. “Its amazing, I absolutely love it” I stated with excitement turning from side to side. She repositioned my head and began to texturize the top further with a razor. I looked down at the cape which was littered with blonde clippings, I couldn’t believe how much hair had been cut but I felt so free. Zoe’s boots circled around the base of the barbers chair surrounded by my tresses that had now dried into blonde lifeless fluff.
Zoe put down her razor of the bench and proceeded to dry my new bob with her blow dryer. Minutes passed as my cut took shape and began to sit perfectly with a soft shiny gleam. My bangs swept across the corner of my eye which completed the cut perfectly. She busily fingered and style my hair until she was completely satisfied with. The cape was unbuttoned at the neck which had held me captive for the past hour. She removed the long length of tissue that had been around my neck and proceeded to clean strays hairs with it. After my neck was free of clipping she dropped it to the floor with the rest of my cut hair. My neckline was quickly dusted with her neck brush before she expertly peeled the cape from me. I immediately raised my hands to my new bob as the chair began to slowly descend. I looked from side to side and couldn’t not contain my excitement feeling the shortness as my nape, “Thank you soooo much Zoe, I love it!” I exclaimed. She smiled whilst she folded the cape, “you’re welcome, I knew you wouldn’t be disappointed…”. She placed the cape on the back of her chair as I stood up, “looks like you’ve got some cleaning to do miss….” She stated as she passed me the broom…, I was already thinking about my next haircut….
My once cherished locks now lay dormant on the distressed timber floor in a scattered pile surrounding the base of the chair. So much had just happened in the past half an hour, I’d seen a side of me that I never knew existed, or even could exist. Confusion and elation coursed through my mind as I struggled to concentrate whilst sweeping the lifeless tresses into a manageable pile. Not even every 20 seconds I would catch a gaze of myself in the mirror and finger my new bob, I absolutely loved it and for the first time in my life I felt like a young woman, I felt sexy. Zoe glanced over and smiled as she continued to count the days takings. I was no longer fearful of her, or embarrassed, I felt like I belonged and I had set myself free. Who would have thought a haircut could be explicit and so… so…liberating??
“Will you be right to lock up??” Zoe called from across the shop. I was still turning my head from side to side in the mirror. “Yeh, no problem” I stammered, not paying much attention. “Ok, well you have a good night, I’m off” she called. It was then I realized she was leaving… “Oh Zoe, thank you so much again. I just love it, I really owe you one”. She smiled, “It was my pleasure, you look hot! Perhaps we can get you behind the chair soon? Give me a hand??” she queried. “Me???” I questioned pointing at my chest. “yeh, why not?? You can prep some customers for me tomorrow, Sonja will love it. You’ll love it, that third chair might be yours one day…???”. My mouth was agape but her proposal sounded amazing. I didn’t manage to respond cause I had nothing to say, just pure excitement. “haha ok well I’ll see you tomorrow??” she questioned. I nodded, “definitely, thanks again Zoe!” she smiled, put on her coat and the door closed behind her. I locked it, then immediately lent my back and against it and closed my eyes….what a day.
A moment later I realized that for the first time I was in the shop all alone. No Zoe, and my aunty wouldn’t be back until after dinner. I quickly pulled the blind down on the front door and walked back over to the vacant chair. A long black cape lay idle on the armrest. I slipped it off and let it open with a flurry gripping it by the collar. Mimicking Zoe, I whipped it against the chair and called out ‘next!!’ whilst curling my finger to a pseudo waiting client giggling to myself. The prospect of helping Zoe prep clients the next day was very exciting, its what I wanted desperately. After throwing the cape across the armrest I looked to the counter where my hands then glazed over the tools in front of me until I stopped at the scissors. Having no idea how to hold them, I leant forward and picked them up. The cold steel felt amazing in my hands, so much power and authority. I opened and closed them right near my ear, the blades so sharp they barely made a noise. That snipping sound was so precise…
I then noticed the clippers hanging on a hook, I couldn’t wait until I could experience them again, it’d been simply blissful. Far too difficult to explain in words but the sound, the feeling and symbolism was a thing of beauty. I closed my eyes and recalled Zoe’s hand firmly atop my head, staring at my cape covered lap as she made pass after pass shearing my neck to stubble….Opening my eyes I then picked the menacing object up off the hook, much heavier than I had of imagined. They cradled in my hands perfectly as I imagined running them through someone else’s lifeless mane with slow but deliberate strokes, passing my experience onto them. I then couldn’t resist, I plugged them in and flicked the switch. After a short pop, they came to life and low drone filled the shop. I sat in the huge chair, closed my eyes and lowered my head reenacting early events….heavenly. They continued to hum in the palm of my hand, the feeling of empowerment absolutely indescribable. I now longed to take someone else on the journey I had just been….
The next day I awoke very early, simply beaming with excitement. I had showered, dressed and had breakfast before my aunty had even risen. I was doing a load of towels for the shop when she walked in… I quickly remembered that she hadn’t seen my haircut yet! “Sally! What on earth happened to your hair!” she exclaimed… “uuuh… I got Zoe to cut if for me…” I stammered nervously. “Your mother is going to murder me!!” she stated as she reached forward and ran her hand up my nape… “oh god she clipped you too!!! What are we going to tell your mother!?”… “She’ll be fine, I’m old enough to choose my own hairstyles now” I pleaded as Sonja looked at me concerned, “well this had nothing to do with me, ok??” she then broke into a smile… “it looks wonderful though, simply gorgeous! Do you like it??” she queried. “Sonja I love it, its amazing and I think I found my career…” I said with a beaming smile. She was somewhat surprised, “Is that so?? Well maybe we can get you a little more involved around the place?? Give you a taste for it??” I nodded in excitement, “that’d be great!” “Well you finish doing those towels and meet me out the front, we’ll get started”.
As I walked into the front room, the door opened. A businesswomen entered and began to take off her coat. It was the same woman who had been in previously when I first started. She was equally as elegant and beautiful as the first time I saw her. It seemed less than a week since her last visit. To the naked and inexperienced eye, you wouldn’t say she needed a haircut. Instinctively I took her coat from her and hung it on the rack before she made her way to Sonja’s chair like many times before. “Have a seat, Deborah” welcomed Sonja. “Sally, could you please get a clean cape from the laundry for Miss Harrison??” requested Sonja as Deborah eased herself into the soft leather chair with elegance before crossing her legs.
I quickly scurried off into the laundry to find the gowns I had washed the day before, luckily for me they had dried overnight. I made my way back over to the Sonja’s chair where the two conversed. I went to pass the cape to Sonja who stood back from the chair and smiled back, “All yours darling…” she said gesturing towards the seated lady. I looked at her, then at Deborah through the mirror. “Prep her for me please….Miss Harrison is having a haircut today”, she prompted. I immediately got nervous, began to panic and started feel nauseous. I took a deep breath and stood behind the lady as I fumbled with the cape trying to find the collar. I went red as I wrestled with the large material before finally gripping onto the ends. I had seen and watched Zoe and my aunty cape tons of people before, they looked so expert and swift. I reached in front of the lady and started to swing the silky gown over her before Sonja called out, “stop!”. I held the cape and looked back at her quizzically. “Forgetting something…?” she queried, not in a condescending way. My mind raced, what was I doing wrong? “Neck strip, darling?” she queried. I apologized and once again felt slightly embarrassed. “Remember love, It’s a health and safety legal requirement. We also like our customers to feel comfortable and prevent those loose hairs from falling down their back, particular on hair above the collar. Zoe and I pride our self on our professionalism” she continued.
I nodded and began to pull out a long ream of tissue from the dispenser, it reminded me of my time in the chair yesterday. I tore it loose before stretching it round Miss Harrison’s neck whilst I gripped the cape under my arm. I continued to fumble with the tissue trying fold it tight. It sat loosely around her neck before falling open. Deborah sat patiently as I began to fluster. “Sorry” I apologized meekly. Sonja walked forward and remove the tissue before throwing it in the bin, “don’t panic, it’s not as easy as it looks” she said reassuringly, I forced a smile. Sonja then expertly pulled a new length of tissue before positioning herself behind the chair. “Now, extend in your figure tips and stretch open. The client will naturally accommodate you” she said as Deborah did just that. “Now, bring it behind, left hand under right and fold”. It was perfect as you would imagine. She then removed it and made me try for myself. “Someone’s had a haircut since last I was here??” queried Deborah trying to change the subject and make me feel slightly more relaxed. I blushed, “Oh ummm yes…yesterday” I blurted. “It’s very nice on you” she said calmly with a wry smile. There was something about this woman that was so overpowering, such an aura. “Perhaps you will try something shorter next time??” queried Deborah.
I blushed and pulled a new length of tissue free before placing it in front of her. She raised her chin as I stretched it around her neck and brought it back folding the left end under the right, I did it! “Excellent!” remarked Sonja. “Now, you can cape her. Its very important to prep a client with confidence, it’s reassuring for them and your chance to set a professional tone and take control” she added. I gave the cape a good shake and settled it over before drawing the ends together around the tissue. Our capes all had buttons, or ‘snaps’ as I later learned. I couldn’t quite get the button to close before Sonja stepped in and showed me, she was now prepped. “Not bad at all darling, very good. You’ll be prepping all the clients today”, and prep them I did. For 8 hours we were none stop. I invited all the clients to their respective chairs and prepared them all for their services. By the end of the day I could do it with my eyes closed and was beaming with confidence, I yearned to learn more!
Finally the day was over, this was declared when Sonja ushered her last client to the door before flipping the closed sign. “Well done today Sal, you certainly picked it up quickly” said my aunty with praise. “Now Zo and I are going to go out for a drink, will you be right to clean up by yourself?” she queried. I assured her I would be fine then continued to sweep after than walked out the door.
About ten minutes later I was just finishing up when there was a knock at the door. There sounded like some commotion outside so I went to take a look. Sure enough, standing at the entrance were two women. I opened the door… “Oh I’m sor….” I started before I was cut off abruptly by the older women. “I know you’re closed, but I need your assistance desperately and will pay you handsomely”…. “Oh no you see I…” I tried to get out but was again interrupted. “Can we please at least come inside?? She requested. I opened the door and now realized it seemed to be a mother daughter combination. The daughter began to plead with her mum as she was being dragged into the shop, “oh please mum!! NO!!! Pleaseeee!!” I closed the door and didn’t really know what to do. “Not another word!” she bellowed with a stern gaze. At a guess I’d say she would’ve be about 17, quite pretty with long blonde hair mid-back. The mother was tall, stood well over her daughter in black leather boots and suit. She wore thick rimmed glasses and had a dark bob which grazed her collarbone, not a hair out of place.
I started again, “listen I’m not a hai…” before I was cutoff. “This here is my daughter….she’s in her final year of high school. Today I came home early from work to not only find her cutting class, but also in my living room on her knees with her dropkick boyfriend’s penis in her mouth…..” “Mooooom!!!” the girl complained. The mother turned to her and grabbed a fist full of her blonde hair, the girl yelped! “See this???… this is going, tonight…… all of it…now!!”. She turned back to me, “how much??” she queried. My mind was racing, did she just want me to shave her head?? I could do that….I’d love to do that in fact….. I think the mother took my silence as a no. “$500…. To take it all off…..” she posed. $500?? I thought, wow. That was more money than I would see all summer I pondered. Not sure what possibly came over me next but I got an air of confidence and made my way to the spare chair. My heart was racing as I slipped the long silky black cape from the armrest. I spun the red barber’s chair around to face the waiting area before I flicked the cape open and whipped it against the chair, “next!” I shouted with authority.
“Now… you go sit in that fucking chair, and don’t dare move until she’s finished!” Tears welled in her eyes as she pleaded with her mom. “Now!!!!!” she screamed. I still stood next to the chair with cape in hand waiting for my first ever client. She gingerly made her way across the floor as if it were an electric chair. I slapped the leather backrest, albeit in a little bit of a mocking way. She finally climbed into the chair and I spun it to face the mirror. She continued to sob as I sectioned her hair out of the way. I threw the cape over my own shoulder as I pulled a long length of soft tissue off the roll. This was placed out in front of her and stretched around her neck. She squirmed as I folded it perfectly tight, I could feel her pulse racing and body tremor in fear, I loved it! As Zoe had done to me, I aggressively shook the cape out and let it settle over the quivering figure with a rustle. I didn’t avert my gaze once, she was terrified. It was buttoned tightly, a little tighter than would be comfortable around the tissue. I pumped the pedal on the chair as it began to ascend jolting up and down, now for the fun to begin…
The mother sat crossed legged on a waiting chair, reading a magazine and occasionally glancing over to check progress. I let down the girls long locks from a sectioning clip and began to comb through it before calling to the older lady, “so how short are we going, Ma’am?” I queried. She closed her magazine and made her way over to the chair, he stiletto heels echoing throughout the shop. She began to rake her flawlessly manicured nails through her daughters mane, “well its all going… what do you think?” she asked turning to me. “uumm, well I guess its just a matter of choosing a suitable guard length for the clippers” I replied as I continued to comb through it. “I see…what’s the shortest??” she asked. “Well that would be no guard at all, similar to what you might see in the military” I stated. “That sounds perfect, maybe this haircut will be a good reminder of where she might end up if she doesn’t step into line??” she said glaring at her daughter. “No problem, would you like me to spin her to face you or the mirror??” I queried. “Oh she can face the mirror, I want her to think about what she’s done as she watches you work”. She made her way back to the bench.
My mind raced, I didn’t know what to do next. Should I sectioning it off? Cut it with scissors first or just shear her ruthlessly?? I decided I wanted my first haircut to be as dramatic as possible so there would be no sectioning or precutting lengths. I picked the clippers up off the hook and blew the loose hairs from the blades whilst giving the girl a little smile, she must have hated me! A few drops of oil and the switch was flicked. The girl jumped with the ‘pop’ as I turned them on close to her ear. A drone filled the room as the mother peered over her glasses before returning to her magazine. I moved in next to the girl who began to sob, she looked down at the ground. I couldn’t have her miss the first pass, my first pass ever! I placed my left hand under her chin and gently lifted her head back up so she was starting at the mirror, the clippers still purring in my right hand. I thought my heart was going to explode as I cupped the back of her head with my left hand and brought the clippers to her front hairline. Tears wept as I gripped her tightly and made the first pass slowly and deliberately down the middle of her head. The drone slightly changed in tone as they bit into her hairline. She had a lot of hair but it was fine, no match for my clippers. A fresh pale white strip now lay down the center of her head, the long lengths spilled down the back and side of the chair over her caped shoulder with a flick of my wrists. Before she knew it I had began the second pass. More and more silky blonde hair rained down as I continued to shear her, this was bliss!
After barely a minute and about 10 strokes the top of her head was the palest of white pate. Nothing on top but the lightest of stubble, being blonde it looked completely bare. I think she was still in shock, as she barely blinked or moved. Next I spread my hand firmly on top of her, the stubble felt amazing. Holding her in place I started to make passes up the side past her temple. The clippers continued to effortlessly plow through her tresses as they soon floated to her lap or the floor. I folded her ear down and made pass after pass, gaining confidence with each flick ensuring she saw the hair fall as dramatically as possible. With my grasp firmly atop her head I could feel all the vibrations with each stroke. This was a brutal and graphic shearing, I was loving it.
After finishing her left side I moved to around the chair and repeated the process. Gaining increasing dexterity her locks peeled off faster and faster with the pile on her shoulders, lap and floor growing by the second. With both sides and top complete she was left only with long lengths at the back. I stood behind her and made eye contact with a wry little smile, she knew I was enjoying myself and I didn’t care. I wanted her to fear me, I wanted her to know who had the power and who was in control… me. Placing my hand firmly on hair stubbly crown, I pushed her head down so she was staring at the pile in her lap. The blonde hair was such a contrast to the black cape. I racked my nails through what was left and positioned the clippers at her nape. Once again, with a long deliberate stroke up her neck, she was stripped bare. Hair spilled to the floor with each pass as I maintained my pressure on her forcing her head down.
Moments later her mother appeared on my side. I didn’t even hear her walk over, I was too intoxicated with the task at hand. I paused the clippers briefly as her mother examined progress. She raked her nails over the stubbly remains with a stern but approving nod, the raspy sound gave me shivers. “Excellent” she remarked, “we’ll see how Sam likes your new haircut wont we???” she posed. I assumed Sam was the boyfriend. The daughter wept and looked at the floor. Whilst I agreed it was a harsh penalty, it certainly seemed to be having the desired effect. Serves her right for being a little slut I thought, smiling to myself. I continued with the last few passes as lengths continued to float and gather around my feet. The timber floors were strewn with blonde highlighted piles.
Finally I was finished. After running them all over her head a few times to pick up any strays, they were shut off. Silence filled the room except for my shoes shuffling to the counter for the edging trimmer. Just then the door opened…. It was Zoe & my aunty. My mouth dropped, they paused. The mother looked over from the waiting area… “Oh… you stayed back late tonight, dear??” questioned Sonja with a wink. Relieved, I smiled back, “yeh, just had one walk in late”. The mother looked over, “I really appreciate her staying back to help me, she’s done a wonderful job” she stated with praise. Sonja walked over to assess the damage. “Wow…this is quite a severe change??” she said quizzically with a raised eyebrow. The mother walked over and introduced herself. She told my aunty the entire story as I looked over to Zoe. She was grinning and gave me a cheeky thumbs up. I flicked the switch and began finishing her neckline etc. A minute passed as dusted her free of clippings. I can only imagine what the last 20mins had been like for her. I unbuttoned the cape and removed the tissue, using it to dust her neck. Then expertly I peeled the long cape away, dumping its contents next to the chair. She sat there in shock as I shook the cape out and began to fold it. Her mum noticing I had finished, “Well… that’s much better”. Lost for words a hand slowly raised to touch her head. It was like she was stepping into a hot bath with the caution she used. I pushed on the foot pedal as the chair descended to its original position. “Come on! You’ve wasted enough of this girls time already!” scolded the mother. She gingerly rose from the chair looking down at the remnants from her haircut. I actually thought it looked quite good, she had a pretty face for it, last thing she wanted to hear though! Her mother lent forward and rubbed her head over her freshly clipper head. “You’ll be back weekly for a wet shave from Sonja if your behavior doesn’t improve” threatened the lady.
As previously discussed, the woman paid me handsomely and apologized for their inconvenience. “Thank you ladies, Sonja I’ll be back soon to have my bob trimmed” she stated. “Anytime, I look forward to it” my aunty replied. “Good night” she said as she closed the door behind her. I nervously looked around to Zoe and Sonja who stood there with raised eyebrows… I didn’t know what to say or do but pass Sonja the $500…. There was silence…….“Welcome aboard…” she said with a smile.
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