Getting a haircut in Germany is very similar to that in the United States.  The place I go to is in the Stadtmitte of Essen and is only 8 Euros for a cut.  I’ve looked around and found other hair cutting places (they are called Friseursalon’s here) but most of them are too expensive for my simple tastes. There were several very different things about having my hair cut here compared to the US.

• There is not a giant glass jar of disinfectant that the combs are stored in on the counter.
• The stylist kept his scissors in his back pocket which seemed convenient.
• The electric razor guard that they use to buzz the side of your head were not newly cleaned – they sat on top of the charging dock and I couldn’t verify any cleaning process
• At the end of my cut, when they clean up your neck hair, he borrowed the neighbors straight blade and used that to clean up the hair on my neck.  This was very cool because I’ve never had a straight razor used on me before (I believe they’ve outlawed straight razors in the US for fear of accidentally cutting the customer along with fear of spreading bacteria / viruses)

The coolest part of the experience though is having your hair washed. The picture shows the type of sink they use which I’ve never seen in the States. They basically cut your hair and afterwards swing the sink around to wash your hair.  Sure its an extra 4 Euros, but come on, you don’t even have to get out of your seat!