I attempted to draft this piece around 10 times, yet each time I deleted the writing.
However, a blogger friend named Eddie shared her honest account of her midlife hair concerns yesterday, which inspired me to share my own experiences.
It is perfectly acceptable; I find it amusing.
Surely everyone possesses physical traits they do not favor; this is simply part of life's reality. For me, past issues included teenage acne, teeth needing braces, and a prominent nose bump resembling a former hockey player's mark. Midlife has introduced age spots and several persistent pounds to my life's journey.
Early on, I resolved not to dwell on unchangeable physical aspects but rather to nurture my inner self. I value a genuinely happy, imperfect person over a flawlessly beautiful snob.
While my primary focus is personal growth within my soul, I also aim to present my best self.
Naturally, my expectations for my hair and clothing are quite high.
Both must be truly remarkable to draw attention away from the features I prefer not to highlight.
***
Approximately 3 months ago, I was working in the camp kitchen longer than anticipated, feeling utterly drained. Beyond the usual strain, my hair was causing me significant distress; I envisioned having the long, lovely hair reminiscent of Reese Witherspoon.
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I continued growing my hair until it reached a comparable length, and when it finally did...
It lacked much of that 'dreamy' quality, and moreover, I struggled daily with styling the entire mass for kitchen work.
I simply lacked the energy for all that fuss.
Furthermore, I feared visiting a hairdresser, as I have endured several nightmarish encounters.
Consequently, I posted a request on Facebook and discovered a new establishment in town.
Gathering my nerve, I called, feeling that an appointment on my sole day off was a stroke of Divine Providence.
The underlying apprehension did not entirely disappear, though.
I was so weary then that I doubted my ability to endure a 'haircut from Hell'.
The evening preceding the appointment, I mentioned to my husband,
“I wish I could be on one of those shows showing before and after pictures to look good; I am too tired to decide what to do…”
This narrative could extend indefinitely, so I will proceed directly to the main point.
I was greeted with warm enthusiasm at the new salon. Three lovely ladies attended to me in my chair, asking, “How may we assist you today?”. They then fussed, consulted, encouraged, and treated my hands with paraffin wax (part of the standard service!) while they highlighted, cut, and styled.
As I reclined for my hair wash (Did you notice? You can recline!!) and felt so cherished and cared for, I exclaimed,
This experience truly surpassed anything at Disneyland.
I had learned that Disneyland's marketing successfully crafted an experience exceeding client expectations.
My situation was similar; I prefer being attended to over high-speed rides and crowded areas.
However, one specific inquiry nearly brought me to tears:
“May I photograph you? We document ‘before and afters’ here.”
Sometimes a haircut offers more than just style; that day conveyed deep affection and care, not just from the wonderful salon staff, but on a larger level. Divine timing provided a gift surpassing my wildest hopes.
I have visited twice since, and each visit leaves me feeling as if my hair achieved something magical, like at Disneyland.
Regarding my new style?
It is short and spirited.
I adore it, especially since it takes merely 5 minutes to style.
{For residents, I visited Industry Salon; Sam is my skilled stylist. Check their Facebook page for my initial “before and after” photo, which made me chuckle. Their exceptional care is clear. I entered looking awful!!}
