Every 3–4 weeks I get a haircut, usually a skin fade and a clean shave, but these last few months I decided to develop my beard and shape that up, so I did just that. I timed this trim purposefully, I knew London Fashion Week was coming and I knew there would be a lot of events to attend to show out.
I left the barber seat looked in the mirror, smiled so hard my cheeks began to hurt, I looked so fresh. Got up from the barber chair with my chest held high. When I left the shop I immediately saw the effect of this trim, a lady in a car couldn’t help herself from peeking at my trim, I gave her a quick nod and continued to walk home. This was when I knew my invincibility had begun, (invincibility; haircut means what it means; you are untouchable, your ego impenetrable, you are glowing). The energy post-trim was just different, I was different, I was a new person, this haircut and my frequent visits to the gym meant the sauce I was cooking with now was.. just different! You’re probably thinking “It’s just a haircut!” well look at this before and after:
That evening I attended the “WeWork creator awards” to network, spark some ideas and enjoy the festivities. Walked in, again the energy was different, I was glowing, I’m normally hesitant when It comes to talking to new people but this time around I was being approached. My confidence was extremely high I was able to engage with anyone like “I’m that guy!” and because of this haircut I made new connections, bless you barber. After the celebrations there was an open bar and the energy was the same.
“Hey! How are you doing, my name is Samuel..”
“What’s up! The name is (surname), Samuel (surname)”
My James Bond swag was in full force.
Day 2
I went to my friend’s office, I had to make sure they saw this trim. My friend had a camera so I had to make sure he documented the swag that was being exhibited. They tried to take a dig at my hairline but as aforementioned, I was 2nd day of invincibility, they couldn’t touch me. After some time we got some food and then went to The Curtain for a fashion related party and again, walked in confident, I was on 100, I had that je ne sais quoi (that’s french, google it).
Walked in, went down to the basement of the building and it seemed as if the interior design was built around the way I was feeling. James Bond Casino Royale vibes, gothic candles, checkered floors, large black leather sofas the setting was perfect. Entered the room and saw a bunch of familiar and new faces, Again I’m feeling invincible, begun talking to people who I didn’t know, had a nice conversation with this lady and usually what I do, I’ll ask for their number, their contact details so I can speak to them later but nope, I just said “it was nice talking to you”. For the first time, I wasn’t talking to people in hope of an outcome, I wasn’t thinking “let me get this girls number, instagram..”, just having a conversation. Do you know how much sauce is required to do that? Talk to the finest of people and not ask to further this conversation not because you aren’t interested but because you can, awesome.
Look, I’ve been doing some reading on this whole charisma thing and It did mention not being outcome driven, as in not forcing something to happen, not be disappointed if something doesn’t happen, you know what I mean? You act much differently with people once you have that mindset. Anyway, let’s continue…
Day 3
On the 3rd day of invincibility, I and my friends went to the OFF-White x Nike event to commemorate their collaboration. Silly me, I went in a bright, colourful Adidas jacket but I’m still invincible so it doesn’t matter right? Acknowledging this is the third day of invincibility my head was still held high. I walked in saw a few people I knew “Hey you, how you doing, you look good”, look at me introducing myself to a crowd of 3, I go around “My name is Samuel, what is yours?” (I never do this), I enter now, saying hello to people there, music is blazing and I’m catching a vibe, 1 step, 2 step It’s a movie. What I had experienced in the first 2 days of invincibility happened.
Then I returned back to normal on day 4. The haircut still looked good but at this point, you’re able to see hair regrowth, beard not being as tidy and confidence and ego takes a bit of a step back. I went from 0 to 100, It’s making me consider having my shape up and beard lasered so it’s always intact. It’s a shame, All jokes aside, it’s fascinating the effect a haircut can have on one person, the effect it can have on our self-esteem, confidence and all. Barbers play an important role in our lives and It’s time we show more appreciation to the communities magicians.
To all the barbers, we thank you for your service.
