I have a new hair stylist, and it reminds me of a tentative dance with a possible beau. We’re getting to know each other, trying to be in sync, hoping that it will last.
I don’t believe in love at first sight where hairdressers are concerned. You might get lucky — just as you might get lucky in love — but the more probable course of events goes something like this: You make an appointment with an unknown, carrying your baggage from your last hair stylist with you. You fret that the next stylist won’t understand your hair’s texture or curling ability. You have pictures in your head of what you want but can’t communicate them clearly when the stylist doesn’t know you.
The way to combat all of this is to commit to two or three haircuts before making a decision if Ms. or Mr. New Stylist is the one for you. This gives the new hairdresser time to evaluate your hairs’ quirks; it also give you time to let go of your former stylist in your mind. After all, hair grows.
Ashley and I have been together now through four haircuts, and I’m beginning to feel as if this will work out fine. At first, I told her not to cut too much off, in case I didn’t like the result; but, as each appointment has come and gone, I’ve gotten braver. Yesterday, I told her to whack away . . . and I am pleased with the result. She even colored my hair — something that takes a real leap of faith — and nobody in my personal circle of friends commented. I think this is the greatest kudo, because it means she has made my hair look familiar to my friends and family. In fact, they didn’t even know I’d gotten a haircut.
Go Ashley.
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