Sabah parents find ‘hidden talent’ in cutting their own kids’ hair

SANDAKAN – As children cannot get their hair cut at salons, parents and grandparents are uncovering their hidden talents of being home barbers.

Despite the salons being back in full swing, barbers are still unsure how to deal with schoolchildren who have yet to be vaccinated, but are in need of a trim before returning to classes.

Since the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for these businesses are not comprehensive, many business operators are in a fix over how to cater to children under 18, most of whom have not gotten their Covid-19 jabs.

This has resulted in parents assuming the role of barbers.

“I just could not stand my daughters’ long and messy hair,” said Ahmad Jimmy, father of two.

The 36-year-old photographer said his 5- and 7-year-old daughters who usually get their hair cut at salons will now have to make do with him as their hairdresser.  

“I had never cut anyone’s hair before, but I had to do it because I had no choice. I think I’m doing a pretty good job after months of ‘training’,” he joked.

Other parents shared Ahmad’s experience, saying they could not bear the sight of their children’s overgrown hair.  

Mother of two Jee Cheng Yee, 31, said she cuts her 4-year-old son’s hair herself once a month despite having no prior experience. 

Jee said that she had to cut her son’s hair because long hair makes him uncomfortable.  

Besides parents, grandparents are also more than willing to play hairdresser.

A 31-year-old father of three Yong Chuan Kit said he only discovered his mother-in-law’s “hidden talent” in cutting hair during the lockdown, as she would regularly cut his children’s hair.

“It is like I have a salon at home. The results were good and I was surprised by my mother-in-law’s skill,” he said.  

Iswadiman Shamsuddin, 47, seeks help from a friend to cut his four children’s hair.  

“I am not confident in my skills, so I asked my friend, who is a barber, to help. He has been helping me throughout the pandemic,” he said.  

Even Tg Papat assemblyman Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung said he now cuts his eldest granddaughter’s hair whenever necessary. – The Vibes, September 27, 2021