Hair-apy

I am always on the lookout for non-expensive, non clinical ways to deal with my issues (see previous post). This past weekend, I was reminded of one of my favorites: a new haircut.

The part of makeover shows that I was (and still am) the most envious of were the hair styling sessions. I've always wanted, just once, to let an incredibly expensive stylist anaylyze my hair texture and color, face shape, and lifestyle and customize the perfect hairstyle for me. Although I'm attracted to the cuteness and ease of a short cut, I've always been very cautious about my hairstyles because I have a severe big-head complex. I have been afraid of a short haircut that would make my face look too big or add extra volume to my cranium. But I've felt very ho-hum about my long layers, regardless of whether they were just above or just below my shoulders.

But, on Friday, my nice stylist named Kirsten gave me the cut I'd been afraid to ask for. It's so fun! At my last haircut, I had taken my layers up to just below my chin, and I liked the way it swung around my face and I really liked how easy it was to blow dry. I was envisioning a similar look again. As usual, I found myself fumbling with non-technical descriptive words to describe what I wanted: "long layers, kind of choppy in the back, that are fun but not poofy." Kirsten earned her $28 by taking that eloquent description and giving me the perfect fun haircut. Since I was leaving the salon to go to a family party, I even splurged an extra $9 for the blow dry and style, so I was able to get the full effect right away.

Getting a haircut is one of my favorite de-stressors. When I was in college, I would always get a haircut as a reward for completing midterms and finals. I love the head-massage and scalding water that comes with the shampoo, and it's interesting to watch my hair tied up in gargantuan clips and then snipped away. I like the good-smelling, expensive products that the stylists use and how the they can blow-dry my hair so well that it doesn't need a straightening iron. I love that someone else has to pick up all my hair off of the floor.

Given all these advantages, I consider it thirty bucks well spent to go to the salon once every couple of months. A new look was just the boost I needed for the fall doldrums. Holidays, here I come!