I went to get my annual haircut today. I was sitting in the chair with damp locks when the hairdresser asked me, “How would you like your hair dried today?” My mind whirled. I assumed a hairdryer was the only tool used, but now I searched for other options – an oscillating fan, a quick drive down the road with all the windows open… My blank look prompted her to continue: “Would you like it smooth?” My mind ricocheted from one tangent to another – smooth? What is that?! Luckily, a thought popped into my head – perhaps she meant to dry my hair so it is straight, or dry it wavy. “Uh, sure,” I responded. And so she went.

Wow, what a head-spin I had. Things sure had changed since my last visit. When I first arrived this morning, she invited me to sit near the basin so I could have my hair washed, even though I had only washed it myself last night. What was wrong with my standard of clean – not good enough for the professional salon these days? Anyway, after urging me to rest my head back and surrender to the soothing warm spray of water, she started a slow massage of my scalp. “Is this pressure not too hard for you?” she asked.

I approved of her movements and instead of relaxing, I grew suspicious. I don’t normally get my hair washed when I have my hair cut, and now a massage? I bet this would cost more. I really should have twigged once she wheeled out the silver trolley with the wine and caviar.

Sure enough, after a trim and intensive dry with a good coating of ‘product’ and a further adjusting trim, I was kindly presented with a service fee of $35. Thirty-five dollars?! I was gob-smacked, speechless and dumbfounded. Luckily my hands still worked so I was able to pay the lady and stagger out into the street. Now, for those who regularly get a style, perm, highlight and fashion makeover every couple of months, this may seem part and parcel of being a modern woman.

But my hair needs are simple and I don’t understand why a chick’s haircut costs so much more than a bloke’s. My hubby went into the barber the other day for a beard trim and it cost him $7. Now that seems like a fair price to pay… why can’t that be available for me too? Well, of course I don’t have a beard to trim. Not much, anyway, and I don’t really like to discuss it with strangers.

But the point is the lack of equality. It’s just like buying women’s clothing versus menswear. A shirt or pair of jeans in the women’s department costs twice as much as the male equivalent. Why is this so? I demand equal rights. Let’s stride down the streets waving our placards.

What do we want? Same price haircuts! When do we want it? Now!

What do we want? Same price clothing! When do we want it? Now!

What do we want? Shorter queues at the toilets! When do we want it? Now!

What do we want? Equal opportunities - as long as men change our tyres, split our firewood, and get spiders out of the house! When do we want it? Now! 

Yeah, right on, sister.

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