‘A human is like a tree’: At the hair salon

In the nooks and crannies of Mar Mikhael's quieter corners, Tony opens his salon three days a week, just as he has for 40 years. Despite moving through many locations, his salon stays true to its roots.

A regular customer, I came in for a quick blow-dry. I am chronically in a hurry, and Tony is one of the rare hairstylists who views the profession as an art. He gets the job done efficiently, without forgoing attention to detail, handling his clients’ hair with the utmost care. The sweet spot.

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The hair — it is an extension of the body. I believe it’s a part of the soul. I take it seriously; I don’t view it as just blow-drying willy-nilly and moving on to the next customer. I see it as a process of precision, worthy of the trust my clients place in me with a part of themselves.

We begin talking about the war as he curls the brush.

Of course, I can hear the strikes. But I still take my walks. If you ask me how I cope, I sleep. When I hear them, I sleep. I know it sounds bizarre, but sleep, to me, is a blessing from God — a way to stop overthinking. I find my fear isn’t as active when I’m asleep. This is not for lack of thinking — it’s the opposite. When I’m awake, I read a lot. I’ve been through a lot, and I try to retain something from it. I just feel like… I’m more at peace internally than externally, if that makes sense. That’s why I find myself going to sleep when the world is on fire.

We’ve been through many things in this country, but nothing like these days. Not like this. You’re heartbroken about people being killed, displaced, for nothing — and at the same time, you feel helpless. You can’t help or save anyone because you need help yourself.

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He makes the finishing touches to my hair, then sits down. He lights a cigarette and looks at the flicker for a moment before offering one of his familiar metaphors.

Many don’t realize they have to explore and understand their inner worlds before approaching the outside. It’s not education that allows one to grow and become wiser. One has to dive deep underground to rise upward. Look at the tree: The higher it grows, the deeper its roots.

This is my philosophy. Our internal worlds are those roots. There should be a balance in life between how grounded we are and how far we go. Part of the problem in the world today is that not everyone seeks this balance. And what they expect from others, they don’t apply to themselves.

As I leave the salon, I look around, as I always do. I take in the obscure comfort before returning to the outside world. The space feels like something out of an old photo album: dome hairdryers, facsimiles, vintage posters plastered on the walls, and an old silver stereo with the radio on. Everything Tony does follows a classic way, the kind that brings people solace. As he might say: If it isn't broken, don’t fix it.

I would've let you take a photo of me for your piece, but my beard and hair are a mess today.