The Perfect Cut

Steve Hartman Enters The Bizarre World Of High-Priced Hair Salons

(CBS)  The following is a weekly 60 Minutes Wednesday commentary by columnist Steve Hartman.

---

The reason why you can’t see the top of my head right now is because I just got a radical new haircut. That’s why before I show it, I think you need to understand why I got it.

As a television reporter, I’ve always had great hair for radio. For TV, it’s just too unruly.

So a few days ago, I decided to do something about it. I brushed up on the all the latest styles. I even combed the streets to study different dos, which understandably, kind of freaked some people out.

I was so determined to fix my mop, I even braved the bizarre world of the high-priced hair stylist.

There are no plastic capes at the Stephen Knoll Salon. And no faux wood paneling, either.

Folger’s instant coffee? I don’t think so.

I met with Stephen Knoll. "I'm always looking forward to a challenge," he says.

The next hour of his time would cost me $180. And for that price, I got pretty much the same haircut I had when I walked in.

Hartman: What's wrong with it?

Woman #1: That bang thing you got going on.

Woman #2: It’s too long.

Hartman: I just paid $180 for this haircut.

Group of Women: Oh my GOD!

It wasn't quite the reaction I was shooting for. And I got laughs like Bozo only dreams of.

“Was it worth it?” asked one woman.

Maybe not. Or maybe I didn’t spend enough. So I went to Orlo, the priciest hair salon in New York. Here, you can spend up to $800 for a haircut.

"It could be a lot better," says my stylist, Roberto, who fortunately told me I needed only the $250 job.

Hartman: When I leave here, it’ll be good?

Roberto: Yes

He cut and cut, and trimmed and twisted my hair like a wind-up toy until - Voila!

Roberto: What do you think?

I don’t know. What do you think?