And now for something completely different

This is Scott here. I feel that's an important thing to clear up before I start my story.

I got my hair cut the other day. It was tough to chop off the long hair, especially when it was just starting to look cool, but for work reasons I really needed a clean(er)-cut look.

After the stylist finished cutting my hair she started to style it. Stylists normally ask if I want it styled, and I always say no because I immediately either go home and go for a run, or go home and shower. This time she didn't ask, she just started styling. But instead of just rubbing some product through my hair, she pulled out a straightening iron and went to work. I couldn't help but laugh, and I couldn't stop laughing. I don't know if she knew why I was laughing until I mentioned that this was my first time getting my hair straightened. Then with a completely serious face, she recommended that due to my naturally wavy hair, I might want to invest in a straightening iron. From the way she said it, I would guess that most men in Sweden may already own one before they reach my age.

As anyone who has ever looked at my head can tell, I can't and shouldn't claim to know much about styling, but still...do guys really own straightening irons? Have I been sheltered from the world of mens' hair styling all these years? I expected her to tell me which gel or cream might help keep my hair under control, and maybe give me some tips as to ways to brush or comb my hair to get it to behave, not to tell me to buy a straightening iron. To wrap it up, 27 years in the U.S. did not prepare me for this piece of advice.