Getting a haircut

So the time finally came where I felt I needed a haircut. I have been here for 5 weeks now (crazy to think about) so it was time. As my Korean is not very good or anywhere near a level of explaining to someone how I would like my haircut I thought about asking one of my coworkers who speaks Korean to come with me whenever I would first need one. Well it was Thursday afternoon and I didn't have much goign on with plenty of time to kill before having to go into work. I ran some errands and with plenty of time to spare I though what they hell Ill just go myself. I walked to the hair salon I pass on my bus ride to work and it appeared to be closed but as I got closer I realized it was open with very few people inside.

The place was called Mix & Match salon. I walked in and the hairdresser was cutting a gentleman's hair at the time. She turned around and looked at me so I said Kotu haryogo hanundeyo (I would like a haircut). She was still just kind of looking at me so I said it again but it wasn't really getting me anywhere. She then proceeded to mine hair cutting with her fingers to her hair and said Kotu? Ne I responded (yes) olmayeyo? (how much is it?) She pointed to the chair in front of me gesturing for me to take a seat and that she would be with me shortly. From what I have experienced here thus far plus what I heard about getting your haircut I didnt think it would be too expensive. While waiting I found a book of prices, used my somewhat ability to read and found cut on the menu (same price for males and females) 15,000 won ($12.60).

After waiting for a couple minutes she was ready and took my coat to hang. I sat down and she basically just started cutting the sides looking at me with approval of the length. Short Jjalbun and i put my fingers close together to show her. I think it was lost in translation as I meant for the hair on my head to be short and I think she thought I meant to only cut a little. So I had to keep telling her shorter shorter until she got out the buzzers and started using them with the comb instead of the scissors. During the experience we had a couple of laughs over trying to communicate with each other but it got done in the end. After they cut your hair, they wash it for you (no additional charge and massage your head a little which was nice). You then go back to the chair where they dry your hair and style it and add product if you wish. All this while they meticulously make sure no hairs fall on you so you don't have to go home, shower and change for the price of 15,000 won and remember you dont tip in this country.

Overall the haircut experience was a good one but when I got home I noticed that the length of hair on my right side burn and above my ear is shorter then the other side or anywhere else for that matter. I almost look like Billy Bob Thornton in sling blade on one side of my head, except not as bad. Maybe ill go with someone who speaks Korean next time...