“Close on the sides and high on top”. These are the words I would always utter to my favorite barber at Willie’s in Willingboro, New Jersey . back in the day. Going to the barbershop in those days was like visiting an art class. In one chair, someone was getting the staple of that time–box with high fade. In the other chairs, brothas were getting “the baldy”, modified afro, someone in the back getting Jordan’s famous #23 etched into the back of their head by the “specialist” barber (all with the exception of the baldy with the optional part on the side). Then there was (and still is) the brotha who wanted his barber to spend um-teen hours trimming his hair just right. We would all chuckle to ourselves while either looking at the game on TV or reading some sports magazine ’cause we all knew that this brotha was trippin’ while putting this po’ barber through hell with a razor. Then there were the brothas who sported Jeri curls (dripping Jeri curls). How about yo’ friend from around the way who seemingly spent years trying to grow a tail and all he could ever come up with was a little nap that was longer that the other naps on his head. One word–WHY? I also remember the times I would spend hours brushing my hair to no end trying to get my waves just right. Funny story alert: I remember back in the day first telling my mom I wanted to get waves, so she bought the kit AND LEFT IT IN MY HAIR TOO LONG. Needless to say, my nappy hair became straighter than any white man that I have ever known.
With all that being said, I have noticed for some time now that a lot of that originality has dwindled over the years. Sure, we still have the dread lock/braid thing, some “wavers” and “fadahs” out there, but that really about it. Maybe it was just a phase or something. I dunno. One thing is for certain, I sure miss seeing that part of our culture…
except the Jeri curls 
!
Let’s not forget the Saturday morning ritual here in the South. Every Saturyday morning, all the little boys are hauled into the neighborhood barbershop to get the classic haircut . If they are good in the shop, (some mom’s carried a belt in with them just in case of an episode of misbehavior) they are treated to their favorite kiddie meal and time to play in the play area at the restaurant. Oh, and don’t let it be the Saturday before Easter! Every shop for miles around is chucked full of little brown boys with a myriad of head shapes, getting the latest styles. You got to look “sharp” in you suit while reciting your Easter speech!
Usually I Get Balled Fades or I’d Grow my hair to an Afro & thats all.
When i was younger i used to want a huge afro.My goal was to have a really big one and to start on it in high school. But When i got there I Didn’t do it. because it was the latest trend . and then Braids got popular, so i went back to Baldfades and mini afros.
The Barbershop not only was a place of styles, but also a place of “silent codes”. A few time I went in to get a “shape up” and noticed how men communicated in “codes” when it came time to get their haiircut. For instance if a man had favorite barber, he walked in and they established eye contact then a slight nod of the head. (Now that meant “I’m here and work me in next. ) Then there was a barber that no one liked or had messed up folks hair too many times, when he was available and said “next” no one moved…just looked at each other with that “ignant” look that meant “Who Me? You ain’t messin’ up my Do!
Barbershop I my self have never got my hair cut because Im a female.but I love wane my borthers walk out the barbershop its nice to see the change the way they step out Its like they say in ther haeds “yea” I got that tap,frash cut and Im ready for the day!I like that, And I give all my barbershops props 4sho the more they do good the more are black man are going to come back and never for get that thy are black. Its in ther culter to set back get taps,brush cuts,braids,dread locks and be cool about it! I keep it real (MEME)