I like the idea of having some peace, but when I go silent, my colorist strikes up a loud conversation with another stylist, a waiting customer, or a passerby. I hate having a shouted conversation take place over my head, and I feel as if I should have his full attention while I am paying for his services. Romantic advice, entertainment culture, top news items, and supernatural phenomena are always good for starters. As a matter of fact, “How’s your [mother / niece / boyfriend / dog / vacation plans]?” is all it takes to get him going.
The stylist who cuts my hair is an intelligent conversationalist and can talk equally facilely about world travel, Russian history, opera, musical composition, politics, literature, and a host of other subjects. I chose him among several possibilities precisely because he wouldn’t serve up inane monologues.
I don’t feel like I have to entertain them. I just want to hold their attention so they focus on my hair and not on a multitude of distractions.