12mm

My hair was getting long and it was time for a cut. I tell you this only because of the drastic measures I took and because so many of you know how long it was only a short time ago.

As I've said before, I don't like getting hair cuts. The experience is too full of confusion and unease, only to end in dissatisfaction. Here in Sudan, I figured things would be no different. Plus, I'd have to deal with the language barrier. What's more, they don't get a lot of blond haired patrons in my neighbourhood.

Time to take matters in my own hands.

The answer? For 70 SDG ($25 USD), I bought a hair trimmer.

Unfortunately, the longest trimming option is 12mm, or about 1/2 an inch. That's pretty short. In fact, the last time I had it that short was in Oslo about three years ago. Not a good idea during winter in Scandinavia, but this is Sudan and it's hot. Screw it.

So, today I switched the trimmer on and took myself down to 12mm. As with any hair cut, it feels quite different and looks a little odd, especially since my hair was more than 15 inches long only two months ago. Some people look good with buzzed hair. My friend Dustin, for example, has sported super short hair for years and does pretty well. I, however, look more like the hulking military type; the kind of guy you'd never guess studied peace building.

It'll always grow back.