DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a man with curly hair. A year ago, I decided to grow it out. Today I went in for a haircut. I told the barber that I was growing it “classical musician” long, but that I needed the bottom of the back trimmed up. I expected it could use a little bit of shaping up all over, as well.

When he was finished and turned me around so that I could see it, my hair was SHORT. As in, the back was a quarter-inch long. I was stunned.

Without comment, I paid him (including the tip). I am beyond frustrated. Is there anything I could have said or done?

GENTLE READER: After the deed was done, no. But next time -- at a different barber’s -- you might wish to pay more attention while the operation is in progress.

Miss Manners suspects some other distraction was at play -- a phone, p

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