For many of us, a trip to the beauty shop is an enjoyable experience. Being pampered, catered to, and made to look good is a fun experience, right? It’s a place to catch up on the latest gossip, read those trashy magazines you only look at in line at the supermarket, and listen to cool music. If you are a “regular” you also will hear about your hairdresser’s love life, his or her kids, his or her problems and be able to discuss your own with them.
Because we are in a recession, luxuries are probably the first thing a lot of us cut. In fact, even the necessities sometimes have to be cut. As a result, my every three-week haircut has changed to every eight weeks. At that time, I also have my platinum crew cut color touched up. The tab for this color and cut is $130 before tip and about $156 with the tip. Every eight weeks isn’t that bad if you have normal hair. I have what can only be described as abnormal hair. My hair grows straight up and out. (Have you ever seen a troll doll?) Wearing my hair very short is the only logical answer for this dilemma.
Week four and my hair is starting to touch my ears. Not a big deal, because with enough gel, I can slick it back. By Week five, it’s taking more gel before I can even consider going out the front door to get the mail. Week six and it’s beginning to look like a weird large blond cactus with dark roots is somehow stuck on top of my head. Week seven, I usually turn into a total recluse.
I pull on one of my husband’s watch caps (or baseball caps in hot weather) and go to the hairdresser during Week eight. I am always greeted warmly like they are really glad to see me. I get the color done while chatting with my operator, and usually two or three other women customers who are having the same sort of process done. I sip tea or coffee, or a glass of wine if it’s late in the day and just relax. Sandra, my hairdresser, gives a head, neck and shoulder massage as part of the shampoo process.
A friend of mine’s husband suggested that I get a “Flowbee.” I thought he was joking but he meant it. He said he’s used one for years. (Yes, Virginia, there really is a Flowbee Haircutting Machine.) While that sounds fascinating, I can only say that it’s not in the cards for me. Besides, one week of hibernation out of eight weeks isn’t so bad.
