My First High 'n' Tight

| | | | | | |

Welcome Computer Board 2

Updated: 27 April 2008 (2:53 pm EDT)

About Me...

I am a 51-year old civilian supervisor working for the U.S. Army. I have been happily married to my wife, Sherry, for more than two decades. We met while auditioning for a musical review in 1975. I have two stepsons and three step-granddaughters. In my spare time I perform with local opera and theater groups. Musically, my great passion is baroque music, particularly the operas of Monteverdi, Cavalli, Lully, Rameau and Handel. When I sing in these operas, I normally perform either tenor or countertenor roles. I am also somewhat of a numismatist, but I am just a casual collector of ancient Roman, medieval, and early American coins. I am also greatly enamored of history--especially ancient history, and I love to read historical novels.

On Saturday, 2 April, I had my first razor-shaved "high 'n' tight" at Semoff's Barbershop in New Cumberland, PA. My experience is described below:

I arrived at the shop around 9:00 a.m. The shop had been open since 6:30 and things were really "buzzing". Semoff's is a five chair shop. Every chair was occupied, and there were a number of clients waiting. I was immediately immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of a great barbershop--the buzzing of the clippers, the hair falling to the ground, the aroma of witch hazel. My eyes naturally fixed on one young male barber who was obviously "tightening" up a Marine's HnT. The deftness and skill with which he worked was nothing short of amazing! When it was my turn to move to a chair, I was lucky enough to get him. "Good morning, sir,' he said, "what will it be today?" My heart pounding, I said, as casually as possible, "I'd like a high and tight, please." Because this was my first experience with an HnT, I brought pictures of what I wanted which I tried to pass to him. The young man politely declined and said, "Sir, I have been doing high 'n' tights for a long time and I know them inside out. I'll do a good job for you. I'll even razor-shave it if you want." "That'd be OK", I said, strangely relieved that that decision had been taken out of my hands. I remembered then to tell him that Mack sent me. Mack was the young Marine with the great medium fade who told me where most of the Marines get their cuts. "Oh, I know Mack," he said, "In fact, I do his fades." I was impressed that he actually remembered his customers. With that, he selected a pair of clippers and began to severely buzz the back and sides of my head, pressing hard against the scalp. Although there was a mirror next to the chair, the young barber kept my chair facing to the side, so I couldn't look into the mirror to see how things were progressing. I would just have to trust him. In what seemed like only a few minutes he said, "Well, the sides and back are basically done. Now I'll start working on the top." As he began, I told him to leave a little length there if he could. "Well, some will have to come off so that I can get a good blend, but I'll leave you as much as possible," he said. While he worked, we talked about the horrible weather, and how busy he had been. In fact he had done 28 cuts the previous day! Finally he put down the clippers, and I heard the sound of shaving cream being mixed vigorously in a cup. "You're going to really feel air in a couple of minutes!" the young barber said. Then I felt the warm moist lather caressing the back and sides of my head. This was a new experience for me. It was vaguely sensual, and I found myself secretly aroused. With short, swift, deft strokes of the razor, he quicky shaved the back and sides of my head. I thought he was finished, but again there was the sound of lather being mixed. As he brushed it onto my head again, I realized that he was now going to shave against the grain for the smoothest possible finish. This impressed me a great deal. Again the razor's strokes ran skillfully but firmly against the sides and back of my head. When he was done, the young barber wiped off the excess foam and then applied a stinging astringent solution which I took to be witch hazel or something similar. Then he was finished, and he proudly turned my chair toward the mirror so that I could at last see the finished product. I put my glasses on to see more clearly, and gazed at the recreated visage before me. I was nothing short of amazed. The cut looked fantastic! The bare sides of my head stretched upward until they reached a point less than an inch from the top of my skull. They gleamed with the glare of the barbershop lights. He held a hand mirror so that I could see behind, and again I was struck by the sight of the shaved back of my head rising to a line just above the crown. I could not resist feeling it, and the old cliche was quite true--it really felt as smooth as a baby's behind! That clandestine feeling of arousal returned, but I suppressed it as I rose from the chair. "How much?" I asked. "Eleven dollars," the young barber said. Amazed at the bargain, I also gave him a nice tip. As I walked out, I felt like a new man--more confident, more vigorous, more sexy even. I can't wait to return to have my "high 'n' tight" tightened up!

What's New?

I had my second razor-shave HnT at Semoff's on Thursday, 7 April. The young barber's name is Chris, but as there are two Chris's at Semoff's, the young man I use is called "Chet". He doesn't know why they call him that. Again--an impeccable cut!

Tuesday, 12 April 2005--Returned to Chris at Semoff's to have the HnT "tightened" up. Discussed the possibility of transitioning to a horseshoe HnT or horseshoe recon prior to my first ever full head shave. Chris showed me how high the shaved area would go on the sides and back. He also indicated that my top hair would be cut back by more than half to reveal the wide landing strip which I want razor shaved as well. I am seriously considering asking him to raise the shaved areas on my back and sides about 1/4 to 1/2 inch on Saturday in preparation. This should achieve a "recon" look. What do all of you think? Let me know by signing my guestbook on the photo album page!

Saturday, 16 April, 2005--Went to Chris at Semoff's at 9:30 a.m. The shop was really jumping! I told him to raise the shaved parts of the HnT. He went as far as he could go without leaving too little to do the horseshoe HnT next week. The cut now has the suggestion of a recon, but, in my opinion is only "recon-like" not genuine recon mostly because the top and shaved sides are still blended and not left deliberately contrasted. I've posted new photos of this cut on my photo album page.

Monday, 18 April, 2005--Some recent e-mail I have received has inspired me to create additional pages on this website for some of my HnT'd comrades who have been good enough to write me of their experiences and send me photos. The first such page has been added.

Saturday, 23 April, 2005--Returned to Chris at Semoff's and told him to give me a recon-style horseshoe HnT flattop. I have posted photos of the results to my photo album page. Another masterpiece, Chris!

Saturday, 30 April, 2005--Couldn't resist the suggestions from all my new friends who e-mailed me about "taking the plunge". Went back to Chris at Semoff's and told him to take it all off. I am now BBC and loving it! Purchased a HeadBlade, HeadSlick shaving cream and HeadLube moisturizer to maintain the look. Will let you know what I think in a future update. When I gaze at the bald head in the mirror and realize it is me staring back, I realize that it is the look I was trying for all along. Latest photos are on my photo album page.

Tuesday, 12 July, 2005--I added three pictures to my photo album that were taken today at a farewell luncheon that I emceed. As you can see, the chromedome is really tanned and shining. As you can also observe, I have stopped coloring my goatee due to the bad allergic reaction I had to the Just For Men hair coloring product.

Thursday, 21 July, 2005--It ocurred to me that I didn't really have any photos from before I began my journey to BBC. Therefore, I have added some shots in photo album from last year that show pretty graphically what a mess my hair was before I decided to go short and then BBC. The dog is Shakespeare, our 11-year old Yorkie, and the young girl is our granddaughter, Dana.

Sunday, 24 July, 2005--All the reminiscing on the Buzzboard about hairstyles of the sixties and seventies prompted me to add some school photos of myself from the period 1967-1973. Prior to entering junior high school I had a flattop most of the time. Beginning with seventh grade, however, I grew my hair a little longer, finally, in 1972 and 1973, a lot longer. Hope you enjoy!

Thursday, 28 July 2005--I received an e-mail from my Internet friend Steve with some updated pictures of his new 000 recon HnT. I have posted them to Steve's page for you to view. Don't forget to let Steve know how you like his most recent cut!

Tuesday, 2 August 2005--My friend, Steve, is BBC! I've posted three photos on his page to prove it. Also, my friend, Gene, got a horseshoe flat from Chris (aka Chet) at Semoff's last week. I've also posted pictures of his outstanding cut. Don't forget to let Steve and Gene know what you think of their latest hair choices!

Friday, 19 August 2005--Another Internet friend, Dave, was in the area, and I took him to Semoff's for a headshave. He has been BBC for a while, but grew out his hair just a little in anticipation of the experience. Chris (Chet) did the honors, and Dave was very pleased. While I was there, I had Chris shape up the stubble that has grown on my scalp since my wife asked me to stop shaving. I told him that we are heading for either a short Ivy League or a Medium Fade.

Monday, 22 August 2005--Just got a new 8-megapixel digital camera! Downloaded some new images from it to the website. They show the impact of not shaving for a full week now. I guess the impression is not unlike a #1 buzz.

Tuesday, 30 August 2005--The hair continues to grow. The latest photos reveal the equivalent of a #2 buzzcut. I'm going to Chris at Semoff's on Friday for a "trim" before I go on vacation to Maine for two weeks. I'm still aiming for the short Ivy League or Medium Fade, but maybe I'll try a flattop!

Saturday, 17 September 2005--My friend Gene participated in a "Half-Way to St. Baldrick's Day event in York, Maine. He shaved his head for a good cause--finding a cure for childhood cancer. Photos of the event are on Gene's page.

Tuesday, 20 September 2005--I returned to Chris/Chet at Semoff's for a "clean-up" following my two-weeks' vacation in Maine. The result was a fairly tight and masterfully-cut taper. Photos are on my photo album page.

Saturday, 1 October 2005--Time for my next cleanup! Showed Chris/Chet a photo from Gunnys Quarters of a Marine with a medium regulation. We decided to do something similar--only in deference to my wife, we did not "skin" the sides--only clipped them very close. Last week my wife pronounced that the hair on the top of my head was finally "long enough", so Chris/Chet also took a little off the top as well. Photos are on my photo album page.

Friday, 14 October 2005--Since my wife had no comments about my last haircut, Chris and I decided to go with an even shorter version of the medium regulation this time. This time, Chris started with a #2 blade on top and then tapered gradually to a #00000 blade. My plan is to "push the envelope" a little more each time until I end up with my HnT back again! Photos of my latest cut are on my Photo Album 2 page.

Saturday, 10 December 2005--I have added a link on page 2 of my photo album which takes you to a series of pictures which demonstrate how I have gradually gone shorter from 29 October to today. I am currently wearing a #00000 HnT--mission accomplished!

Monday, 26 December 2005--Just to demonstrate what a difference losing seventy pounds and changing your haircut can make, I have added my old and new driver's license photos on page 2 of my photo album which I think dramatically show the change. Let me know what you think by signing my guestbook!

Tuesday, 10 January 2006--I have begun to add some haircut-related links to my website. It is my objective to become a "one-stop shop" for all haircut-related information on the Internet--something I will never achieve in a lifetime, but an admirable goal in the attempt.

Monday, 30 January 2006--I have added a link to the photos of my most recent HnT. This cut is the shortest I have had since my headshave last summer. The link is on page 2 of the photo album. I also continue to add haircut-related sites to my links page. Don't forget to sign my guestbook!

Tuesday, 8 May 2006--I've now been getting my hair cut extremely short or shaving my head for over year! I've added a link to the photo album of my latest razor-shaved HnT. Unfortunately the photos were taken about a day after the cut, so there is a little stubble.

Monday, 17 July 2006--Just got my HnT tightened up at Semoff's. Razor-shaved sides and back as smooth as a baby's behind! I posted a link to the photo album on page 2 of the Photo Album.

Tuesday, 25 July 2006--I actually got some compliments from my wife and her friends over the weekend, so I had Chris/Chet take it "to the bone" this week. Higher and tighter than last time! See the photos at the link on page 2 of the Photo Album.

Tuesday, 1 August 2006--Went a little higher with the HnT this week. Maybe next week I'll be nearly at "recon" level! See the photos at the link on page 2 of the Photo Album.

Monday, 7 August 2006--I found a roll of undeveloped film which I took to the pharmacy today to have developed. Along with some photos of our trip in March 2005 to St. Augustine, I discovered some photos that I took just after I began to grow my hair back in late August of last year. From a distance, the head still looks bald, but close up, you can see the beginnings of regrowth. The link to the photos is on page 2 of my Photo Album.

Tuesday, 8 August 2006--I added some more photos from another undeveloped roll of film from September of last year. The hair is slightly longer than in the previous group of photos from August 2005. I also have added the photos of my latest recon-style HnT which I just got carved today. There's no better way to beat the Summer heat than this! Both sets of pics are on Page 2 of the Photo Album.

Sunday, 20 August 2006--Well, the votes were tallied and a majority of you thought I should shave off the goat and stache. Today, I did just that! On the way, I had some fun with some different styles. The link to the photos is on Page 2 of my Photo Album. Let me know what you think in my guestbook!

Tuesday, 29 August 2006--I have added my first photos of friends to my website! Don't miss Stinkinsweat's fantastic horseshoe flattop on the new "Photos of Friends" page. If you like it, let him know by sending him an e-mail or signing my guestbook.

Monday, 25 September 2006--I have added some excellent photos of Flat Dave's freshly-cut flattop to my "Photos of Friends" page. Please let him know you appreciate his contribution by sending him an e-mail or signing my guestbook!

Tuesday, 3 October 2006--Since my wife and I are going to Myrtle Beach for the next ten days, I asked Chris/Chet to really tighten up my HnT today. The results are on Page 2 of my Photo Album. You will note that I grew back the "goat". I just felt that my chin was too short without it!

Thursday, 26 October 2006--I went to Chris/Chet this morning. After I sat in the chair, he asked, "The usual?" I said, "Yes." Well, the "usual" was a little bit higher and tighter than I have ever been before. He really skinned me today! The photos are on Page 2 of my Photo Album.

Thursday, 9 November 2006--I added a photo of Jose Fernandez to my "Photos of Friends" page. I think that his shaved head above his full sideburns looks awesome! If you want to, let him know what you think by e-mailing him or signing my guestbook.

Tuesday, 14 November 2006--I went to Chris/Chet today for my "usual". When I returned home, I took some photos, including some closeups, that I have posted to Page 2 of my Photo Album. Let me know what you think by signing my guestbook!

Wednesday, 22 November 2006--My friend, Jose Fernandez, has shaved off his sideburns, bowing to the will of the majority at Yahoo's Ultra Short Haircuts Group. I've posted a new photo, sans sideburns, at Jose's link on my "Photos of Friends" webpage. Let him know what you think by sending him an e-mail. Jose is also conducting a poll with the same group about what his next haircut "project" should be. I've heard HnT and horseshoe flattop are two of the options being considered. I've also posted a new link to photos of another friend, Red. Red has an awesome"brutal" recon HnT which he was kind enough to allow me to share with you. Let him know how much we appreciate it by e-mailing him or signing my guestbook!

Sunday, 26 November 2006--I've added a link to photos of my friend Virginiafella's shaved head on my "Photos of Friends" webpage. Let him and me know what you think by signing my guestbook or adding comments to the photo album!

Friday, 8 December 2006--My friend Gene Pearse sent me some holiday well wishes and a few photos of himself, two of which were from "before" the horseshoe and the headshave. I have posted a link to them on "Gene's Page". Don't forget to thank Gene for sharing by sending him an e-mail, adding comments to the photo album, or signing my guestbook!

Saturday, 9 December 2006--I went to Chris/Chet at Semoff's and told him to "raise" the HnT just a little. Although he expressed some doubt that he could do it without taking the top even shorter, he was able to raise the shaved area a bit. A link to the results are on Page 2 of my Photo Album. Let me know what you think by signing my guestbook or posting a comment to one or more of the photos!

Thursday, 14 December 2006--Returned to Chris/Chet for a recut. As I sat in the chair, he asked me, "The same as last time?" I answered yes. When he was finished, he said that he was able to raise the sides and back even further and shave them a little higher. I was surprised but pleased. The link to the photos is on Page 2 of my Photo Album. What do you think? Let me know by signing my guestbook or posting a comment to one or more of the pics!

Monday, 18 December 2006--I've decided to put all my future haircuts on a separate webpage starting with today's cut. If the style changes, I'll publish the full spread of photos on Page 2 of my Photo Album. Otherwise, please go to the "My Haircuts" webpage for pics! As always, let me know what you think by signing my guestbook or commenting on one or more of the photos!

Saturday, 23 December 2006--I posted a link to my "Christmas" clean-up at the "My Haircuts" page. Lots of pre-holiday action at Semoff's this morning. I saw Chris/Chet take two young men from grown-out buzzes to HnT flattops. Later, a young HnT'd Marine brought his two young sons into the shop. However, I had left the shop before they were in the chair. Happy Holidays to everyone!!

Friday, 29 December 2006--I have posted a link to my last haircut of 2006. I went to Semoff's today and as I arrived, Chris aka Chet was just completing a fantastic skin-tight flattop on a handsome man in his late twenties. Saw some other transformations, too. For example, a young man went from a medium buzz with sideburns to a clipper-shaved HnT! Good pre-New Year action today at Semoff's! I've posted a link to the latest cut on the "My Haircuts" page. As always, please let me know your thoughts by signing my guestbook or commenting on the individual photos!

Thursday, 4 January 2007--Posted the latest photos from today's haircut on the "My Haircuts" page. Don't forget to post a comment or sign the guestbook!

Monday, 8 January 2007--My timing's a little off on my cut this week, but my schedule wouldn't permit a barbershop visit any other time this week, so I went for my "trim" today. The shop was not busy at all, and Chris aka Chet took his time making sure that everything was perfect! The link to the latest photos are on the "My Haircuts" page. As always, post a comment or sign my guestbook if you want to.

Thursday, 11 January 2007--I actually took off work today to go to a doctor's appointment this afternoon, so I stopped on my way for a clean up. I won't get the chance again until next Tuesday at the earliest, and I wanted to be skinned for the long weekend. The link to the photos is on the "My Haircuts" page. Don't forget to post a comment or sign my guestbook!

Tuesday, 16 January 2007--First day back to work after the long holiday weekend, and I stopped by Semoff's for another clean up. Link to the photos is on the "My Haircuts" page.

Saturday, 20 January 2007--I was in New Cumberland this morning, so I made a visit to Chris aka Chet at Semoff's for a "trim". Please see the "My Haircuts" page for the pics.

Friday, 26 January 2007--I have placed the usual pics of my latest cut on the "My Haircuts" page. I thought I'd venture into the new (for me) world of video, so I also posted the link to the YouTube movie as well.

Saturday, 3 February 2007--I went to Semoff's on Thursday after work, but Chris aka Chet had gone home with the flu. This was the first time in almost two years that he was not in the shop when I came for a cut. When I came back on Friday afternoon, he was back at his chair working his usual tonsorial magic. I didn't take the photos until this morning, though, because I wanted everyone to see the results of my first attempt to shave the sides and back myself. Links to the pics and to a short YouTube video are on the "My Haircuts" page.

Wednesday, 14 February 2007--I Mach-3'd the sides and back of my recon HnT today, raising the shaved area a little higher and making the contrast between the longer top hair and the shaved s/b a little more obvious. I am doing this for two reasons: 1) I simply love the absolutely smooth feeling of freshly razor-shaved sides and back, and 2) I'm hoping to encourage Chris aka Chet to take the next barbershop cut a little higher. Link to the photos can be found on the "My Haircuts" page. Let me know how you think I did with my self cut!

Friday, 2 March 2007--Due to the large number of videos purged from YouTube recently, I have done some "housecleaning" and removed all of the borken links from my "Haircutting Links" page. Thanks to Imagehound for the suggestion!

Tuesday, 27 March 2007--After having been on vacation for over two weeks, I finally made it back to my barber for a much-needed cleaning up! Before and after pics are on the "My Haircuts" page.

Thursday, 5 April 2007--I have begun to use a rotary-blade electric razor to maintain my Recon HnT between visits to the barber. I find that the rotary blades give a completely clean-shaven look and an almost completely clean-shaven feel while allowing for some blending at the top hairline. A YouTube video of today's cleanup is on the "My Haircuts" page.

Thursday, 19 April 2007--Using the rotary-blade razor, I cut the top of my HnT recon just a little higher so that when I went to Chris aka Chet today, he had to do the same. The results are on the "My Haircuts" page.

Tuesday, 24 April 2007--I've posted some pictures to demonstrate how, using the electric razor, I carve the Recon HnT a little higher as the week between haircuts progresses. The pics are on the "My Haircuts" page.

Friday, 27 April 2007--When I went to Chris aka Chet today for my weekly haircut, my Recon HnT was almost what my wife termed a "mohawk". I've posted the results from Chris's professional cleanup to the "My Haircuts" page.

Thursday, 10 May 2007--I stopped by Semoff's on my way home from an epidural today to clean up the recon. Chris aka Chet told me that he thought I should be a little less aggressive with the self cuts, because it was getting a little hard to maintain any semblance of blend. He worked extra hard, and I think the results are outstanding! I tipped him a little extra today. See the results at the "My Haircuts" page.

Sunday, 13 May 2007--I just received permission from my new Russian friend, Ven, to display photos of his HnT on my "Photos of Friends" page. Please take the time to check them out. And don't forget to send an e-mail to Ven to thank him for sharing!

Tuesday, 5 June 2007--I've just added a brief how-to video to the "My Haircuts" page which attempts to explain how I use an electric razor to keep my HnT Recon sharp between weekly visits to Chris aka Chet at Semoff's. Maybe a few of you will find it useful and, if not, maybe entertaining!

Wednesday, 20 June 2007--I though I would demonstrate how daily maintenance can keep a great cut looking smooth and sharp even on the day before the weekly visit to the barber's. The new photos and video on the "My Haircuts" page show my recon Hnt as it looks today just about sixteen hours before my next stint in the chair at Semoff's.

Friday, 29 June 2007--Semoff's is closed from 1-8 July for the Independence Day holiday, so Chris aka Chet asked me if I wanted to take it a little higher and tighter since I wouldn't be seeing him until at least 9 July. I said, "of course!" Results are posted on the "My Haircuts" page.

Monday, 9 July 2007--Thank God the summer vacation at Semoff's is over! I returned today to Chris aka Chet for an obviously overdue cleanup. Results are on the "My Haircuts" page.

Tuesday, 31 July 2007--Following our family cruise to Bermuda, I returned to Semoff's to discover that Chris aka Chet was out with a broken ankle! After over two weeks, I was desperate for a cut, so I tried one of the other talented barbers. The results, which I think are great, are on the "My Haircuts" page. Get well soon, Chris!

Tuesday, 7 August 2007--I returned to Semoff's today and still no Chris! So I waited for the guy who did my cut last week. His name is Zachary, and he was a few years ahead of Chris aka Chet at the same high school. I think he did another great job. Results are on the "My Haircuts" page.

Wednesday, 15 August 2007--On my return to Semoff's this week, I chose another of the excellent barbers--one with 42 years of experience! The results are on the "My Haircuts" page. Also, I was told that Chris aka Chet is now in a walking cast and will return to his chair in September. Good news!!

Tuesday, 21 August 2007--I asked Zach to go a little higher and tighter on the sides and a little shorter on top this week. The results are on the "My Haircuts" page. Let me know what you think by signing my guestbook!

Friday, 14 September 2007--I heard some very disturbing news when I went to Semoff's today for my weekly clean up. Zach told me that someone from the shop had seen Chris/Chet and he them that he was retired from the profession! I hope this is not true as barbering was Chris's chosen trade, and he was really good at it. I will let you all know when I hear more. By the way--the latest photos and video are on the "My Haircuts" page.

Monday, 8 October 2007--I was on vacation in Virginia for the past ten days. After my return, I went to Zach at Semoff's for another much-needed cleanup. The results are on the "My Haircuts" page.

Monday, 12 November 2007--When I returned from my vacation in Egypt, I saw a message on my Guest Book fom Chris aka Chet. I called him, and we hooked up this evening for some cutting action. The results are on the "My Haircuts" page. Welcome back, Chris!

Saturday, 24 November 2007--Stopped by Chris's for another cut, and the results are on the "My Haircuts" page. This is the cut I am entering in the Crewcuts.com High n Tight Contest. Wish me luck!

Thursday, 17 April 2008--Sorry I have been gone so long. I have some good news to report. Chris aka Chet is now at the Comb and Scissors barbershop at 219 East Main Street in Mechanicsburg, PA! If you're in the area and you need an excellent short or military cut, give him a call at (717) 766-5917. Now that Chris is there, the owner of the shop is going to open another location and eventually Chris may get his own shop to manage! This is really great for Chris, and he deserves the chance because he is a truly great young barber. By the way--I've posted a link on the "My Haircuts" page to the photos that I entered in Crewcut.com's latest High n Tight Contest. Let me know what you think.

Sunday, 27 April 2008--I have spent the last several hours updating my photo links. When Yahoo discontinued their on-line photo service, they transferred all of my albums to Flickr. Obviously, the links to the old photos on my website were woefully out of date. That situation has now been corrected. Thanks for checking back from time to time!

Number of Visitors since 4 April 2005: