Choppa's is an unpretentious shopfront hairdresser in a small non-descript set of shops in a busy industrial zone - but don't let that put you off.
Like a great sculptor who reveals the angel trapped in a shapeless block of marble, the woman (lady!) who cut my hair today managed to turn a grisly, balding truck driver into a regular prince. Magic. And no royal price tag for the favour; I paid less than half what I would in the city, or just over half what I'd pay at my usual renowned barber in Applecross. I really enjoyed myself too, and got every bit as good a haircut as in a posh salon. Frankly, I didn't expect that: Choppa's is famous for its $10 working-man's buzz cut. What a pleasant surprise to discover that these people can actually cut as well.

Another thing: you know that song, "R.E.S.P.E.C.T."? A woman made it famous, but a man wrote it - for his wife: Otis Redding. The point being, that men thrive when women (especially their wives) respect them; in fact - if they had to - most men would do without love, as long as they got the respect. Well, I no longer have a wife, but I got respect at Choppa's today.

I walked off the street without an appointment and didn't even make it to the waiting seats. She was onto me like a long lost friend after two steps in the door: friendly, attentive, genuine - and not shy at all. She looked me right in the eye and we were laughing before I hit the cutting chair and got comfortably tucked in. The degree of personal attention was amazing; lots of face-to-face eye contact from go to whoa. Intelligent, principled conversation as well. And men, here's something impressive: she listened as well as she spoke. She actually forgot herself at the end and showed me the back of the haircut twice with the mirror, because she was paying so much attention to what I was saying to her. Refreshing stuff.

She was like the good bartender from an old Frank Sinatra number: part smooth operator, part wise counsellor and home-spun philosopher, part sympathetic friend - tact, compassion, simple, fluent good humour, and that homely common touch.

Despite my being a bit of a quiet introvert I had no difficulty talking freely with this light-hearted lady. We actually had a meaningful conversation about religion and the state of the world today. When she first combed my hair I said, "I don't usually part it there." No problem; no unchangeable agenda to overcome. She simply handed me the comb and said, "Show me how you do it." It was all so easy-going.

I even got a warm smile from the attractive lady customer sitting next to me when my hairdresser deftly and discreetly included her in our fun towards the conclusion of my sitting.

Go to Choppa's if you want a decent haircut at a fair price, in the company of a competent and charming lady who hasn't lost touch with her delightful feminine side.

Approximate cost: $16.50