I just got a fresh cut after a couple years of cutting my hair at home, and I realized again why I hate hair salons. This time though, I knew the haircut I wanted warranted a professional which meant I had to go through one of my least favorite activities: visiting the salon.
First comes the step of actually calling the hair salon. Yeah, I usually don’t even get this far. Fortunately the salon I chose this time let me book online, revolutionary if you ask me. After a few clicks it was done. My hair appointment was booked. I was feeling really good! I could already envision myself with my cool new trendy hair and I was excited. But now the realization that I physically had to go to the appointment sank in.
There are four things I dislike most about the haircutting process:
- Trying to explain the haircut I want, accurately.
- Someone washing and drying my hair for me. (Anyone else request not to get a shampoo because this process seems so uncomfortable?)
- The awkward chit chat/ small talk with a stranger as they chop my hair off.
- The feeling of impending doom as I wait to see the final product.
Well, this time I brought pictures on my phone of the haircut I wanted. Truthfully, I usually do this but end up chickening out on actually showing the stylist the pictures (why do I do that?). I was determined to show the photos this time, all the way up until the point where my phone died as I walked into the salon. Thankfully though I was able to reboot it with only 10% to go on.
As I sat in the stylist’s chair and did my best to explain my desired cut, pictures and all, I thought “you know, this doesn’t seem so bad”. The stylist was friendly and even gave me suggestions that really helped me decide exactly how I wanted my hair done, without being the least bit pushy. I was immediately put at ease and didn’t even request to forgo the shampoo! Shocking stuff right?
Yes, it was still a little strange having someone else wash my hair for me but I was feeling positive.
Now came the worst part, where I feel the pressure to make small talk with my stylist. But again I was pleasantly surprised. I somehow snagged a stylist that didn’t mind not talking! Besides the occasional comment about what she was doing next, I was free to eavesdrop on the awkward conversations of the clients and stylists around me. This stylist was slowly becoming my new best friend and she had no idea.
As she made the final touches to my new hair I was totally won over. I loved my new cut!
I said thank you to my new bestie and walked over to the counter to use my life savings to give her a hearty tip. Maybe I was cured from my hair salon anxiety? As I gathered my things the lady behind the desk politely asked, “would you like me to schedule your next appointment?”. The familiar wave of anxiety washed over me. “Um, I think I’ll just schedule it myself, thanks”.
Ok, so maybe I’m not cured. But hey, one step at a time, right? Or at least that’s what I tell myself. At least I have my trendy new cut as proof of my efforts.
elise ethredge 