Some things in life never stop bothering you, no matter how routine they become. Take shaving and haircuts, for example—they’re constant, irritating, and impossible to avoid. 

As we grow older, some aspects of our bodies slow down, but why can’t hair growth be one of them? Imagine how wonderful it would be—a perfectly groomed beard, mustache, and hairstyle that never needs maintenance. No trimming, no fuss, just effortlessly stylish. 

In my youth, I took pride in experimenting with different mustache styles. But now, it has lost its charm and practicality, so I shave it off entirely. Initially, it was a bit jarring, but everyone has grown accustomed to my new look. However, my beard is relentless. No matter how often I shave, it sprouts back quickly. I’ve now settled on shaving twice a week, even if it means occasionally looking a bit unkempt. 

The hair on my head is the biggest nuisance. Even 15 days without a haircut makes me uncomfortable. Picture enduring a thick crop of hair during the blazing Chennai summer—it’s torture. The constant sweating and itching drive me to sit under the air conditioner all day, leading to hefty electricity bills. Over time, I’ve become so used to the cool air that I start sweating even when the temperature is mild. My body demands comfort. 

Bald people are lucky. I have a small bald patch at the crown of my head, and I can’t help but wonder why it couldn’t spread to cover my entire scalp. Sure, I might look scary at first, but people would get used to it eventually. 

Yesterday, I had a much-needed, stress-relieving haircut—the first in two months. The man who cuts my hair knows me well by now. He greets me with a smile, takes my hand, and leads me to the chair. He doesn’t need to ask how I want my hair cut; he just gets to work with two clippers and a few snips of the scissors. 

When he’s done, I feel like a new person. The weight is gone—both literally and mentally. A refreshing bath at home follows, and I drift into a blissful sleep. For me, a haircut is heavenly relaxation. Maybe I should consider shaving every hour and getting a haircut every day. 

Contd. 341. Who Devised These? - Part 1