Split ends

Finding a hairdresser is no easy feat.  If properly nourished, the relationship between cutter and cuttee can often grow to be long term, complex, rewarding.  It calls for delicate balance and mutual respect.

Lacey cut my hair for eight years.  I was a monogamous client, never once straying, trusting her scissor wielding completely.  During our time together my hair went from long to chin length, to medium, short, very long, to shoulder length.  We went dark, light, streaky, caramel.  She would tell me fascinating stories about her large family in Brazil, her implants, hot yoga.  She called me, "mi amor," and her "caramel baby."  If she found a gray hair on my head she'd always ask, "You want me to pull it?" and would then proceed to yank it expertly, at no extra charge.

Sigh.  I haven't gotten my hair trimmed since Lacey, which means my ends have been splitting since early August.  I've been feeling dumpier than dumpy.  Immediate action was painful but necessary. 

Tonight in a salon on Newbury Street I told the friendly faced woman holding the scissors that I'd like an inch taken off, perhaps?  She fingered a few strands of my straggly hair and looked at me kindly but doubtfully: "I'd say two inches, at least.  Are you comfortable with two?"  Who was I kidding, I was comfortable with just about anything provided the rats nest on top of my head be removed!

Going to a new stylist is a bit like interviewing for a love interest.  I got the feeling this new one sensed that I was on the prowl.  It was our "first date."  As I sat down after my shampooing I heard myself say, "I was with my old hair dresser for eight years..."  "Wow," she nodded, eyebrows raised, a look of somber reverence upon her face. 

Small talk was made, and throughout it all I couldn't help but feel a bit wistful, wondering what I'd be talking about had I been sitting in Lacey's chair.  (Her ex-husband, perhaps; was that silly goose threatening suicide again?  Was her teenage daughter behaving?  How was her latest romance unfolding?  Did she remove that close-up picture of her thong clad bum from her myspace page?)

We talked about daycare.  Not exactly Lacey caliber conversation but hell, it would have to do.  I made some casual inquiries: What days did she work?  Would I have to call very far ahead to get an appointment?  (Oh God, was I sounding desperate, already asking about her schedule?  And what was I doing, anyway, she'd barely even started cutting and here I was talking about highlights and lowlights?!  I was acting a total slut!  Giving everything away before the blow dryer had even come out of its drawer!!)

She cut bangs.  She made me feel...like a pretty girl again.  And I'm going back this Saturday for a color.  I know, I know, it may seem a bit too soon after Lacey, but what can I say?  I long for continuity!  I'm a one stylist woman! 

Comments

[Weinerdog]

You actually talk to your stylist?
I heart Vincenzo (my hair man) but I barely speak to him.

I get nervous.....tee hee!

[Jen]

Sarah, I'm glad you found someone good, after years of searching I have found Linda, and travel 30 minutes to Amherst NH to see her. Never has she strayed me wrong - wedding and all. She is like a master w/the scizzors. I saw her today and got some bangs myself since the bouffant was long - I love it!

[Amy]

Bowl Cut Mullet of '97...need I say more?

[The Odd Broad]

For some reason the stylists always end up talking to me. It can be exhausting, really. Sometimes I just want to close my eyes and go to sleep, but I keep up with the banter.