So the long weekend is coming up. I thought it’s time to “zheng” up my hair. My hair looks like a dried pile of grass from past summer and seriously need some reviving. Summo I now have like 2 inches of black hair growing out my scalp. YUCKS! So Meli introduced me to a hairdresser in Hamilton and I’ve decided to make some enquiries.

Hairdresser: Halo?

ME: Hi, it’s Ellen here. Are you guys open on Friday and till what time?

Hairdresser: Yes yes. Friday..mmm…we have late night….. so until 8.30pm.

ME: Ok good. I’d just like to do a perm and colour. Roughly how much will that cost?

Hairdresser: So you want to book for Friday? What time?

ME: Huh? Ok..say 5.30pm.

Hairdresser: U Asian? Kiwi? Chinese? Mandarin?

ME: Ahhh????? *thinking to myself, does he always ask his customers this?* Yes yes, I can speak Mandarin.

Conversation in Mandarin begins....

Hairdresser: Ehh…ni hao ni hao. Eh, if you want to cut hair on Friday, I can’t do it for you lah. The other guys in here cannot “harap” one. Saturday can anot? Did your friend book you in just now?

ME: Saturday cannot lah. I’m not from Hamilton. I’m only there for two nights..and no.. I don’t know anyone who would booked me in.

Hairdresser: Like that ah… I seriously advise you NOT to come loh. I'm all booked and the other guys reallyyyyyyyyyyy cannot harap one. Really really cannot lah.

(wah..what a way to draw away a business. BUT VERY HONEST...I LIKE)

ME: Ok ok. But I only want to colour loh. Can the other guys handle it?

Hairdresser: OOOOOOoohhh.. colour hia. Can can. No problem. Small small job only. But if you to cut next time ask for me only.. and only me OK??

ME: OK Good. Like that book me in for Friday. How much ar for colour?

Hairdresser: $32 bucks.

(Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttttttttttt!!!!!!!! SO CHEAPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I've never encountered such awkward conversation with a hairdresser. I guess he's just looking out for Asians. I like his attitude. I'll definitely go back if his colleague doesn't sabotage my hair. =)