MAN, I KNOW RIGHT? I usually go to my barber who lives two minutes away and works out of his tiny shop. So Italian, seriously. Always talking about "the beautiful ladies" and asking "didja see the legs on her? My Jesus..." It's pretty amusing, and much cheaper than going to one of the mall locations. But he gets a little too razor happy and I wanted to keep my hair longer this time around. I dunno. Most of the time it's a silent transaction though since the main body of the clientele are men fifty years and older. I guess I just don't have much to say to them either. "Why is it the only people who know how to run this country are either driving cabs or cutting hair?"
They want your money. Same reason a waiter/waitress will ask you if your foods alright and if your having a good dinner. They dont give a shit but it might get them an extra 2 or 3 dollars on the tip. My thoughts anyway.
I'll usually bullshit back with them but other than that if nothing is asked, it'll be quiet. I don't talk unless I have something to say.